Pete and Consuelo Hernandez Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship aims to honor the life of Pete and Consuelo Hernandez by supporting underrepresented students pursuing higher education in California.

Among college graduates, those who were first-generation have lower median income and wealth on average when compared to non-first-generation graduates.

First-generation college students face an onslaught of challenges when pursuing their degrees and even after graduation.

First-generation college students are less likely to complete their degrees, as just 26% of people whose parents don’t have at least a bachelor’s degree achieve their own degree as compared to 70% of people whose parents attended college.

Any underrepresented minority high school student in California who will be the first in their family to go to college (first-generation) may apply for this scholarship. First place winner will receive $2,000, second place winner will receive $1,500, and the third place winner will receive $1,000. 

To apply, tell us your planned major, adversity that you have overcome and how doing so has helped you grow as an individual.