In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, Colgate-Palmolive has partnered with the Hispanic Heritage Foundation (HHF) to kick- off of the company’s annual Haz la U™ educational grant program. Now in its sixth year, the Haz la U™ program will partner with the HHF’s Youth Awards program and its community service “track,” which focuses on high school seniors dedicated to helping their communities while maintaining a 3.5 GPA or higher, to award $45,000 in grants to 30 students.
“Colgate continues to invest in increasing the amount of Hispanics enrolled in college by helping assuage financial stress for families,” said Carla Kelly, General Manager of Multicultural Marketing, Colgate-Palmolive. “Our partnership with the Hispanic Heritage Foundation is a testament to the value we place not only in educating our leaders but also on celebrating individuals who are looking to help their communities.”
Beginning today through October 31, students can apply for the community service “track” via www.hhfawards.hispanicheritage.org. Thirty high school students will be selected by the Hispanic Heritage Foundation to receive $1,500 educational grants from Colgate-Palmolive to help pay for higher education. All grant recipients will also be eligible to participate in the HHF’s ‘Latinos on Fast Track’ (LOFT), a national program that accelerates careers by providing professional career guidance.
“We’re pleased that the Colgate Palmolive Company is not only involved, but is working closely working with us to spread awareness about our youth programs by encouraging our young leaders to get engaged,” said Jose Antonio Tijerino, HHF President and CEO. “Colgate’s Haz la U™ educational grant program helps alleviate some of the financial pressures that first-year students and their families experience, with the broader goal of increasing graduation rates.”
For the last 15 years, the HHF’s Youth Awards program has honored hundreds of young Latino leaders in the U.S. with grants to help finance college tuition or to help fund a community service effort of their choice.