Monica Wants It: Latina Smart Scholarships {Education}

A few weeks ago I received an e-mail that I had to read 4 times in order to fully grasp what it was telling me. Why? Well, I’m not a dumb girl, but it’s not everyday you get chosen to be a Ambassador for something so big, so close to your heart and so very important. With all that said, I am honored to be one of 5 new Latina Smart Ambassadors. I am in great company, so I want to take a moment to introduce you all to the other new Ambassadors so you can know who they are and check out their very fabulous blogs:

Candy blogs at Mommypalooza

Jessie blogs at Hecho Para Mamá and Tech Savvy Tips

Lua blogs at Miss Lulu Blogs

Tracy blogs at Ascending Butterfly

And of course, there’s me:

My role as an Ambassador, is essentially to help promote the $25,000 in scholarships that Kmart Latina Smart is giving away. As a person who works in higher education every single day, I know that college costs can be REALLY high and the funds for college really low. It’s a topic that’s close to my heart; I am proof that education and hardwork can help someone fulfill their goals and dreams, especially when a person receives scholarships/financial aid.

Here’s more about the Latina Smart Scholarship:

In its commitment to the Hispanic community, specifically Latina women, Kmart is launching the Latina Smart Fund in celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month. Promoted through Kmart's Latina Smart Facebook page, the Latina Smart Fund will award $25,000 in scholarships to graduating high school seniors and/or students currently enrolled in college, technical or trade schools ....

According to The Pew Hispanic Center, dropout rates are the highest among Hispanics; and although nine out of 10 Hispanic young adults surveyed said that a college education is important for success in life, less than 50 percent had plans for secondary education.(1) Latina Smart Fund seeks to improve these statistics by motivating young Hispanic women to pursue higher education, providing financial support through scholarships and offering encouragement through its social media channels.

"Kmart recognizes education is a passion point within the Latino culture," said Nydia Sahagun, multicultural marketing director, Sears Holdings Corporation. "Through the Latina Smart Fund, we aim to further engage and empower the Hispanic community that represents some of Kmart's most loyal customers."

Between Sept. 15 and Oct. 31, eligible candidates can apply for the Latina Smart Fund scholarship by either submitting a 750-1,000 word essay or uploading a two minute video of themselves answering a topical question to Kmart's Latina Smart Facebook page. The top 50 contestants, or most "Liked" entries, will be rated by the Latina Smart Ambassadors (Blogueras) based on criteria such as originality, style, and enthusiasm. The top 20 selections will then advance to the final round where a panel of experts in the areas of business and education will choose one $10,000 scholarship recipient and three $5,000 runner-up awards. For more information, please visit www.facebook.com/latinasmart.

I highly encourage all of you to apply for the scholarship, and please let me know if you have any questions.