How to Apply - Individual Scholarships Maestro Cares Scholarships for Latino/a Undergraduate Students in the United States
The Maestro Cares scholarship provides financial support to academically talented undergraduate students in the United States (including Puerto Rico). We seek individuals with significant financial need, who despite personal or social setbacks, have a compelling desire to pursue a higher education.
Applicants must be hardworking, resilient, and determined individuals who want to make positive contributions to their local and global communities. The Maestro Cares scholarship aims to make a real impact in the lives of students poised to do great things in their chosen fields of study.
2025 Applications open from late March through May 30, 2025
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Eligibility Criteria
Our scholarships are designed to support dedicated, high-achieving students who are committed to academic success and positive community impact. The Maestro Cares Foundation seeks applicants who demonstrate resilience, leadership potential, and a strong desire to make a difference in their local and global communities. Below, you’ll find the specific eligibility criteria for our scholarship programs, including academic requirements, areas of study, and any additional qualifications needed to apply. We look forward to helping you take the next step toward achieving your educational and career goals!
Eligibility and Information for Undergraduate Applicants
- Be of Latino origin
- Be between the ages of 17-24 as of the application deadline
- Provide proof of current enrollment as a full-time undergraduate student at an accredited 4-year university in the United States (including Puerto Rico)
- Hold a cumulative grade-point average (GPA) of 3.0 (where A = 4.0)
- Provide proof of community service/volunteering involvement and impact
1. Maestro Cares Scholarship Application
2. Most recent university transcript (may be unofficial). Incoming freshmen may submit a high school transcript
3. A set of four essays (300-650 words each) discussing your background, personal/academic goals, and financial need.
4. Proof of past/current community service or volunteer work (letters of recognition, photographs, record of hours served, or verification letter issued by the organization)
5. Two (2) academic or professional letters of recommendation
Completed applications will be carefully reviewed by the Maestro Cares Scholarship Committee. Applicants who best meet the requirements will be selected to participate in a phone/video interview. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Preference will be given to applicants with verified financial need, who demonstrate compelling interest in a professional career and with previous experience in community service work empowering others in their specific fields and community.
Scholarship recipients are eligible to receive up to $4,000 per semester towards tuition based on need. Awards will not exceed $8,000 per academic school year and will be paid in two installments to the university directly from Maestro Cares Foundation. Upon confirmation of scholarship offer, students must submit their bursar bill with outstanding account balance to determine scholarship amount disbursement each semester.
Scholarship recipients in good academic standing, who meet their commitments are eligible to renew the scholarship each year of their intended undergraduate degree by completing a renewal application. Renewal applications for the spring term typically must be submitted by mid-December; the fall term renewal must be submitted by mid-July.
*Dates may vary based on each institution’s academic calendar.
- Be enrolled full-time
- Submit class schedule at the beginning of each academic term
- Maintain a 3.0/4.0 GPA or higher and submit academic record at the end of each semester
- Complete 20 hours of community service or mentorship support to a younger student per semester. Keep records of hours served to be submitted to Maestro Cares Foundation (recognition, photographs, record of hours and/or verification letter issued by the organization)
- Follow up with a Maestro Cares Foundation staff member two times per semester via email or phone call
First-time applications may be submitted between late March – May 30th, 2025. All applicants will be notified of their application status via email by the end of July. LATE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.
Changing Lives, Building Dreams.
The Maestro Cares Foundation improves the quality of life of disadvantaged children and communities in Latin America and the United States. We do so by providing housing, educational programming, and the essential resources to support their growth and development. Through our efforts, we’re strengthening communities and helping children become tomorrow’s leaders.