Programs

LAEF Scholarship

Our 2025-2026 scholarship cycle has ended. The scholarship application for the 2026-2027 academic year will open January 15, 2026. Please review the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s) below for more information.

About the LAEF Scholarship

The Latin American Educational Foundation offers scholarships to Colorado residents. Applications are open to any person pursuing postsecondary education at the undergraduate level (including trades, certifications, 2-year, 4-year) who has a 2.0 cumulative GPA. Scholarships are open to all learners including traditional age students, returning students, and adult learners regardless of documentation or citizenship status.

LAEF provides students and their families with the resources and services needed to make attending college a reality. In addition to scholarship support, LAEF scholars receive personalized guidance and career advising, making connections that last a lifetime.
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A review committee will select recipients based on community and cultural impact, overcoming challenges, future aspirations, leadership and advocacy, and unique experiences.

Scholarships may be used for tuition/fees, books/supplies, room and board, and other required materials. The 2026 application will be for funds to be used during the 2026-2027 academic year.

For more information or questions contact a member of our Scholarship and Services team.

LAEF has intentionally decided to use the term Latino in its messaging and statements. Our organization recognizes that language is fluid and the terms individuals within nuestra comunidad use to identify will change over time. LAEF will use Latino as an umbrella term honor and include the geographical, national, racial, ethnic, cultural, linguistic, and generational diversity within nuestra comunidad.

FAQs

How do I apply for the LAEF Scholarship?

Applicants must register on our online portal through AwardSpring ™ to complete the LAEF Scholarship application when it opens. The link to our application portal is: https://laef.awardspring.com/Home/Scholarships.
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When is the application open?

The scholarship application will open on Thursday, January 15, 2026 and will close on Sunday, March 15, 2026 at 11:59 PM MST.

For which academic year is the scholarship application available?

The 2026 scholarship application will be for funds to be used in the 2026-2027 academic year.

When will recipients be notified?

All applicants will be notified of a decision via the e-mail address that you provide on the scholarship application. All applicants should receive a decision notification no later than May 31, 2026.

Who is eligible to apply for a scholarship?

• All Colorado residents, regardless of legal residency status or citizenship, who:
• Self-identify as Latino or are committed to serving the Latino community in the state of CO.
• Have a cumulative 2.0 GPA in high school or college
• Are high school seniors or students pursuing an undergraduate degree

What will be required as part of the application process?

• Current high school seniors must submit an unofficial midyear transcript.
• New applicants who are not current high school seniors must submit either a high school diploma, GED equivalent, or a current college transcript.
• Written responses
• One letter of recommendation
• Annual household income
• Student aid report if FAFSA or CAFSA is completed

What if I am legally independent?

If you are legally independent, you will be required to provide proof of independence. Specific instructions will be in the online application or contact our office if you have further questions on this topic.

If I am already in college, do I need to submit an ACT/SAT score or high school GPA?

No. If you are already in college, you do not need to submit ACT/SAT scores or high school transcripts. You will submit your current college transcript.

How will I receive my award?

LAEF will mail your scholarship check directly to your college in two equal payments. Half will be disbursed in the fall of the academic year and the remaining half will be disbursed in the spring.

For example, if you are awarded a $2,000 LAEF scholarship, your school will receive $1,000 in the fall and $1000 in the spring.

What do I need to once I receive my award notification?

Fill out the verification form included in your award notification by the deadline and submit any remaining materials required. Make plans to attend the fall scholar symposium in Denver in early August - details will be sent once your verification is complete.

If you transfer schools after you have submitted your verification form, it is your responsibility to inform LAEF as soon as possible to ensure your award is disbursed to the correct school.

What does the scholarship cover?

LAEF Scholarship funds can be used toward tuition/fees, room and board, books/supplies, and all required materials.

If you have a specific question about how your funds can be used, please contact a member of the Scholarships & Services team.

Where can my LAEF scholarship be used?

LAEF scholarship funds may be used towards an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree at two- or four-year, non-profit, and accredited institutions, which are located in the United States. LAEF funds may also be used at some Colorado trade/technical schools. If you are unsure about your school, please contact a member of our Scholarships & Services team to verify your institution’s eligibility.
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Scholars may be able to use LAEF funds to cover costs of an international or experiential learning program provided in conjunction with their academic institution, such as Study Abroad or Semester at Sea.

Is the LAEF Scholarship renewable?

Yes, the LAEF scholarship is renewable when maintaining your institution’s Satisfactory Academic Performance and completion of the yearly renewal application and verification form. The renewal application is open January 15th through March 15th annually.

Questions? Please contact a member of the Scholarships and Services team.

Outreach & Education

Our goal is to minimize barriers for Latino students to attain their college degree.

The Latin American Educational Foundation provides students and their families with the resources and services needed to help make attending college a reality. LAEF offers personalized guidance in navigating the college-going process including: college planning and transition, enrollment and registration assistance, financial aid guidance, coaching and mentoring, and career planning.

High School Presentations, Visits and Workshops

LAEF’s resources and services are provided in community forums, workshops and presentations. Students may schedule one-on-one appointments at no cost with a member of our Scholarships and Services team to help with individualized needs. Workshops are available for scholars and community members. Visit our events page and social media feeds to stay connected on the latest dates.

Partnerships Focused on Latino Student Success

National Scholarship Provider Association (NSPA)

The mission of the National Scholarship Providers Association is to cultivate and empower our scholarship community with the knowledge, skills, and resources to strengthen the impact of scholarships. Membership in the NSPA provides access to networking opportunities, professional development, and scholarship program resources.

The Latin American Educational Foundation (LAEF) is proud to partner with the National Scholarship Providers Association (NSPA), a leading organization dedicated to advancing the impact of scholarships. Through this partnership, LAEF connects with a national network of scholarship providers, shares best practices, and strengthens our ability to support scholars on their educational journeys. Together with NSPA, we are building pathways that expand access, increase success, and empower the next generation of leaders.

Learn more about NSPA

The Colorado Opportunity Scholarship Initiative

The Colorado Opportunity Scholarship Initiative works to reduce barriers to postsecondary education by providing funding across the state for student programming. COSI programs offer student scholarships and support services. Programs include Matching Student Scholarships, Community Partner Program, Back to Work, Finish What You Started, Fund My Future, and Second Chance Scholarship.

Learn more about COSI

Colorado Coalition for the Educational Advancement of LatinXs

LAEF partners with CoCEAL to help prepare post-secondary students for higher education success. Through our partnerships, LAEF is partnering with CoCEAL to help prepare post-secondary students for higher education success. We know high school graduation and preparation plays a significant role in our scholars’ ability to achieve the best opportunities for higher education degrees.

CoCEAL is a coalition of post-secondary and professional educators devoted to the educational success of the state’s LatinX population. The group grew out of a larger, statewide Hispanic Association of College and University group that began to meet in earnest in July of 2008. The intent of the group is to build a sustainable coalition of professional educators at the post-secondary level who will actively participate in the state-level and national post-secondary education agenda with a targeted and particular focus on success for the LatinX residents of the state of Colorado.

Learn more about CoCEAL

Colorado Council on High School/College Relations

The Colorado Council on High School/College Relations is a volunteer member organization comprised of Colorado high school counselors and college admission staff who work together to help educate and assist students in achieving their higher educational goals. Their mission is to foster cooperation and collaboration between secondary and postsecondary institutions to empower and inspire Colorado students to reach their full educational potential.

LAEF works with the CCHS/CR attending fairs and workshops to ensure members understand and can make available the LAEF scholarship opportunity for their students.

Learn more about CCHS/CR

The Colorado Higher
Education Partnership

In 1989, LAEF began a collaborative effort with many of Colorado’s colleges, universities and vocational schools to increase Latino enrollment and retention. Through the Colorado Higher Education Partnership, the Colorado institutions linked below will provide matching funds for LAEF scholarship awards, thereby amplifying scholars’ financial resources. Please contact a member of our Scholarships and Services team for details about your particular institution’s policy.

Delta Dental of Colorado Partnership

The Latin American Educational Foundation was awarded a three-year, $225,000 grant from the Delta Dental of Colorado Foundation in 2023 to support its commitment to oral health equity, addressing workforce shortages, and diversifying the oral health profession.

The oral health profession is struggling to meet the needs of Colorado’s growing population, particularly in rural areas such as the San Luis Valley. According to the Rural Health Information Hub, all six valley counties are in Dental Care Health Professional Shortage Areas, meaning there are not enough providers to meet the need.

The Delta Dental of Colorado Foundation is focusing on root-cause solutions over the long-term, and we believe that supporting students in this way now will lead to more providers in the future.

Read more about this program in the Alamosa Citizen. Students awarded scholarships to further oral health careers - Alamosa Citizen

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