Long Beach, CA (PRWEB) February 06, 2015 -- META Foundation (Making Education the Answer) releases its 2015 scholarship application as part of its commitment to provide scholarship and mentorship to Hispanic students in Southern California.
META is the only local nonprofit organization devoted to not only providing scholarships exclusively to Hispanics, but also investing in mentoring and supportive services to help students complete their college degrees. In California, only 16 percent of Latino adults over aged 25 have an Associates or Bachelor’s Degree. Students in the META program are more than doubling graduation rates. Nationally, 40% of Hispanics enrolled in a Bachelor’s program earn a degree within four years, compared with over 90% of META scholarship students.
META Board Co-Chair, Lisa Arellanes said, “ As the fastest growing population, Hispanics have a unique opportunity to have an impact on the future of California and the rest of the country. Making sure Hispanics earn a college degree is critical. While attendance rates are increasing, the number of actual Hispanic college graduates still ranks at the bottom.”
"What makes META different than other scholarship granting organizations is that we attack this problem by providing funding, and support to help students while they are in college so that they can stay in school and earn their degree,” said Cisco Pinedo, META Board Co-Chair and President of Cisco Home.
META is funded by private donations from individuals, corporations, and foundations. To learn more, make a contribution, or apply for the program, visit http://www.meta-foundation.org.
META SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
Four Year META Scholarship: This $7,500 scholarship is payable over four years, to entering college freshman attending four-year colleges and universities or students attending community college with plans to transfer. Recipients of the Four Year META Scholarship will also be provided mentorship, internship placement, access to workshops and career guidance with the goal of completing college.
To be eligible to apply for the general META scholarship, students must meet the following criteria:
• Must be applying, accepted or enrolled at an accredited institution of higher education as a full-time undergraduate student at a four-year college.
• Must be an incoming freshman
• Must have a 3.00 GPA or higher and be in good academic standing.
• Must come from families at or below 60% of the area's median family income, based on family size.
• Must be a U.S. Citizen or legal resident of Hispanic origin.
• Preference is given to students who have demonstrated leadership or mentoring qualities through their record of involvement and participation in civic activities in school or in their communities.
META Scholar: The META Scholar Award provides a $500 award to either four year or community college students who have plans to transfer to a four-year university. The Award is not-automatically renewable, but former recipients are eligible to reapply. Recipients will also be provided with mentorship, internship placement, access to workshops and career guidance again with the goal of completing college and earning a degree.
To be eligible to apply for the META Scholar Award, students must meet the following criteria:
• Must be applying, accepted or enrolled at an accredited institution of higher education, at EITHER a four year college or a two-year community college with plans to transfer.
• May be an incoming freshman at a two-year university or a continuing student
• Must have a 3.00 GPA or higher and be in good academic standing.
• Must come from families at or below 60% of the area's median family income, based on family size.
• Must be a U.S. Citizen or Legal Resident of Hispanic origin
• Preference is given to students who have demonstrated leadership or mentoring qualities through their record of involvement and participation in civic activities in school or in their communities.
Application deadline is March 31st, 2015
Students who qualify will be considered for both scholarship programs.
META (Making Education the Answer) is a nonprofit 501 (c) 3 organization, founded in 2000, providing mentorship and scholarships to Hispanic youth in Southern California with the vision of increasing the opportunities for Hispanics to become successful business and community leaders. Over 100 students have received scholarships from META. For more information please visit http://www.meta-foundation.org
Charissa Gonzales, META, http://www.meta-foundation.org, +1 (818) 415-3746, [email protected]
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