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Maestro Cares Foundation Scholarship for Undergraduate Students

MAESTRO CARES FOUNDATION

Funding Amount

Up to $8,000 per academic year ($4,000 per semester)

Deadline

May 25, 2026

47 days left

Grant Type

foundation

Overview

Maestro Cares Foundation Scholarship for Undergraduate Students

Program Overview: Financial support for academically talented undergraduate students in the United States (including Puerto Rico) with significant financial need who demonstrate resilience and commitment to making positive contributions to their local and global communities.

Funder: Maestro Cares Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit co-founded by singer Marc Anthony and entrepreneur Henry Cárdenas, established in 2012.

Geographic Scope: United States (including Puerto Rico)

Focus Areas:

  • Support for underserved Latino/a students

  • All academic fields (currently supporting students in 30+ diverse fields)
  • Target Population:

  • Hardworking, resilient, determined individuals

  • Academically talented students with significant financial need

  • Those who have overcome personal or social setbacks

  • Students committed to academic success and positive community impact
  • Eligibility Requirements

    General Requirements:

  • Demonstrated commitment to serving Hispanic/Latino communities

  • Between ages 17-24 as of application deadline

  • Currently enrolled full-time as undergraduate student at an accredited 4-year university in the United States (including Puerto Rico)

  • Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher (where A = 4.0)

  • Proof of community service/volunteering involvement and impact
  • Award Details

    Amount: Up to $4,000 per semester; maximum $8,000 per academic year

    Payment: Awards paid in two installments directly to the university. Amount determined based on verified financial need and bursar bill.

    Scholar Commitments

    Scholarship recipients must:

  • Maintain full-time enrollment status

  • Submit class schedule at beginning of each academic term

  • Maintain 3.0/4.0 GPA or higher and submit academic record at end of each semester

  • Complete 20 hours of community service or mentorship support to younger student per semester (with documented proof)

  • Follow up with MCF staff member two times per semester via email or phone call
  • Renewal Eligibility

    Recipients in good academic standing who meet commitments are eligible to renew annually for duration of undergraduate degree. Renewal applications typically due:

  • Spring term: mid-December

  • Fall term: mid-July
  • *Dates may vary based on institution's academic calendar.

    Contact Information:
    Maestro Cares Foundation
    1459 W Hubbard Street
    Chicago, IL 60642
    P: (312) 980-7788
    E: info@maestrocares.org

    Background: The foundation has provided scholarships to over 150 students, invested nearly $1 million in scholarships, and partnered with 21 universities and educational institutions. Currently supports 150+ students across 11 countries and territories.

    How to Apply

    How to Apply

    Application Period: March 25 - May 25, 2026

    Application Portal: https://maestrocares.communityforce.com/Login.aspx

    Important Note: Late applications will NOT be accepted.

    Required Application Materials

    1. Maestro Cares Scholarship Application Form (submitted via online portal)

    2. University Transcript
    - Most recent transcript (unofficial transcripts acceptable)
    - Must verify cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher

    3. Essay Set (Four essays, 300-650 words each)
    - Essay 1: Background and personal journey
    - Essay 2: Academic goals and career aspirations
    - Essay 3: Financial need
    - Essay 4: Commitment to community impact (specific focus on Hispanic/Latino community service)

    4. Proof of Community Service/Volunteer Work
    - Letters of recognition from organizations
    - Photographs of service activities
    - Record of hours served
    - Verification letter issued by the organization

    5. Letters of Recommendation (Two required)
    - Academic or professional references

    Selection Process

    Review: Completed applications reviewed by Maestro Cares Scholarship Committee

    Incomplete Applications: Will not be considered

    Interview: Applicants meeting requirements will be invited to participate in phone/video interview

    Selection Criteria Preference: Priority given to applicants with:

  • Verified financial need

  • Compelling interest in professional career

  • Previous experience in community service work empowering others in their specific fields and communities
  • Timeline

    • Application Window: March 25 - May 25, 2026
    • Notification Date: End of July 2026

    Additional Information

    • Applicants must submit bursar bill with outstanding account balance upon scholarship confirmation to determine disbursement amount for each semester
    • Newsletter signup available to receive updates on scholarships, foundation initiatives, and engagement opportunities

    Focus Areas & Funding Uses

    Fields of Work

    hispanicminoritiesbipoc

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