Colgate-Palmolive Company is now accepting applications for its annual Haz la U (“Make the U”) educational grant programme for the 2022-2023 academic year. In partnership with the Hispanic Heritage Foundation (HHF), the programme aims to address the financial needs that Latinx students may face on their journey for higher education. Thirty-one educational grants totalling US$100,000 will be awarded to Latinx high school students throughout the United States who have demonstrated academic excellence, volunteerism, and leadership within their communities. Applications are now officially open and will close on 14 November 2021.
As part of this year’s effort, Colgate has created a film that features the story of Lizbeth Luevano, a 2019 Haz La U grant recipient. Luevano grew up in California’s Coachella Valley in a mixed status household. Her father was a field worker and her mother helped raise over 10 children in her neighbourhood, instilling the values that today define her: dedication, compassion, and an unwavering desire to help others. As a result, Luevano is attending Stanford University, where she plans to major in Comparative Studies in Race and Ethnicity as well as Earth Systems.
“It was difficult seeing that disparity between my other middle-class peers, having to realise that there were things that were accessible to them that weren’t accessible to me,” said Luevano. “As a recipient of the Haz La U grant it has given me the opportunity to attend Stanford University and ultimately pursue a career in immigration law. My hope for the future is living in a space where I can see my neighbours thrive and have the same accessibility to education.”
“Colgate-Palmolive is a caring, innovative growth company that is reimagining a healthier future for all people. We are proud to continue our commitment to the Latinx community and award grants to these extraordinary students through Haz la U,” said Dana Medema, vice-president and general-manager of North America Oral Care at Colgate-Palmolive. “We are inspired by Lizbeth’s story to aid her community because at Colgate, we believe everyone deserves a future to smile about. We hope that by sharing her story, more students will rise above and aspire to be leaders of tomorrow.”
For over 10 years, Colgate has partnered with the Hispanic Heritage Foundation to award Haz La U scholarships through their annual Youth Awards.
“We’re extremely proud to continue our partnership with Colgate for the Haz la U grant by providing educational assistance to Latinx students, which will get them a step closer to achieving their higher education goals,” said Antonio Tijerino, president and chief executive officer of Hispanic Heritage Foundation. “This important effort with Colgate through our Youth Awards programme will showcase the tremendous talent and potential of our youth. These scholarships will help young leaders continue on their track to making an impact on our community and America.”
On the regional level, The Haz La U grant programme will award 10 Gold level grants of US$4,000 each, 10 Silver level grants of US$3,000 each, and 10 Bronze level grants of US$2,000 each. One regional winner will receive a National level grant of US$10,000.
