Lancheros Scholarship

$1,000
1 winner$1,000
Open
Application Deadline
Jul 11, 2025
Winners Announced
Aug 11, 2025
Education Level
High School
Eligibility Requirements
Education Level:
High school senior
State:
New Jersey
Financial Status:
Financial need
Background:
Volunteering or extracurricular experience
Education Plans:
Vocational or trade school

Many students finishing high school today are not sure about their career paths but feel pressured to attend college right after and take on debt. 

Taking out student loans can be a difficult decision, especially when made at such a young age. Many people find themselves repaying loans for years or even decades after finishing college, which can alter the financial trajectory of their lives in a long-term sense. Often, graduates struggle to find jobs related to their degrees or they fail to find jobs in their expected salary range, which often undermines their purpose in attending college in the first place.

However, a successful career doesn’t have to be tied to a college degree. There are other viable options—whether it’s attending trade school, pursuing beauty school, or learning a craft and launching a business. By spending two years gaining hands-on experience, students can set themselves up for success and can even build the skills necessary to start their own businesses.

This scholarship aims to encourage younger generations to explore alternatives to college, such as vocational or trade schools.

Any high school senior in New Jersey may apply for this scholarship opportunity if they will pursue vocational training or trade school and if they have volunteering or extracurricular experience. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and those with work experience are preferred.

To apply, tell us about yourself and your five-year plan. Additionally, upload a letter of recommendation.

Selection Criteria:
Ambition, Drive, Impact
Published February 18, 2025
Essay Topic

Please tell us a bit about yourself and where you see yourself in five years. Write a five-year plan.

400–600 words

FAQ

When is the scholarship application deadline?

The application deadline is Jul 11, 2025. Winners will be announced on Aug 11, 2025.