Education is an important achievement among Latino families so Coca-Cola and the Hispanic Scholarship Fund are teaming up to help make a difference this summer. As families plan for the next step in their teen’s education process it’s time to think about not only potential schools to attend but also financial aid, scholarships and getting students and their families prepared for the many changes that lie ahead for both. 

My inspiration to go to College was not only myself, but also my mother and siblings. It was important to me for my brother and sister to see the commitment it takes to be a scholar, and I've continued to strive for that mission in hopes of one day completing a PHD. 

Coca-Cola is a beloved brand among Latinos - shares its appreciation of Latino culture and its strong connection to educational goals by supporting the Hispanic Scholarship Fund.  The #ForTheDream Hispanic Education Program aims to inspire consumers to engage and participate in the #ForTheDream movement and #ForTheDreamSweeps sweepstakes. Visit http://coke.com/forthedream and enter the sweepstakes which run through August 31st. 
This summer Coca-Cola is donating $100,000 to the Hispanic Scholarship Fund and to help raise additional money toward the Hispanic Scholarship Fund, Coca-Cola is donating $1 for every social media post with the hashtag #ForTheDream, up to $10,000. So get to sharing!

Here are some facts:

Did you know that Hispanics account for 19% of all college students, ages 18-24? That’s a major increase, up from 12% in 2008. What’s more, 69% of Hispanic graduates are now going directly to college after graduating high school, a rate that is higher than that of the general population.

But the surge in Hispanic college-bound students presents a greater need for more information about college and financial support. 


Remember Scholarship season runs from Jan 1-Mar 30, but students can begin the application process now by creating a profile on HSF.net!

Here I am holding my Grad Cap real tight on my head, from when I graduated MDC (Miami Dade College) in 2012. You work so hard for a  year and half to achieve that first step into your Higher Education, that wearing your Grad-Gear for just a couple of hours in your Ceremony is a little unsatisfying so I wore mines all-day. To some now-a-days an A.A. means nothing, just a High School diploma that you have to pay for. If you thought achieving an Associates wasn't a walk in the park, wait until your Bachelors, or better yet your Masters and Doctorates. Those will most definitely burn a whole in your pocket if you're not right fully prepared. As a Full-Time University Student now, I tell you that working hard on getting those necessary credits and paying for practically everything to achieve the second step of your Higher Education can and pretty much is the most stressful thing in the world. Therefore the lending hand of a parent, guardian, immediate family member or even a friend is absolutely necessary and appreciated from the College kid. As a parent of College Student it is eminent that you are involved as possible for your child's College Adventure to be as smooth as possible. I promise that at the end of the run, you'll be a proud Parent of a Grad, no matter what they've chosen to Master in. Here are some photos of my Graduation Day: MDC Graduation 2012