University creates Hispanic scholarship

University creates Hispanic scholarship

In order to provide access to higher education to minority and underprivileged students, a growing number of private organizations, government programs and universities are launching scholarship campaigns.

For example, Grantham University recently entered a partnership with the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC) to offer one minority student an annually awarded, four-year scholarship. The financial aid package can be applied to any of the university's online degree programs, including business, computer science, criminal justice and nursing. The scholarship will amount to $180,000 per student.

"Our partnership with the USHCC will allow individuals across the nation to become more aware of opportunities related to education," said Shahid Butt, Grantham University's vice president of marketing.

Candidates must submit essays on topics related to education and the opportunities a college degree can provide.

Sallie Mae - a provider of student loans - reports that more than $168 billion in financial aid was available during the 2008-2009 academic year. Much of these funds came from private organizations, universities and government programs.

By Mark Danson