El Futuro Scholarship Program

Scholarship Sponsored by Sacramento Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

Description
**Program overview**
The El Futuro Scholarship Program is a workforce-development initiative of the Sacramento Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Foundation (SACHCC Foundation), a subsidiary of the Sacramento Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Its core mission is to invest in the region’s future workforce by providing financial support to Latino/a students so they can pursue postsecondary education and career goals. The program prioritizes students from the Sacramento six-county region and supports both recent high school graduates and current college students. This scholarship is one element of the Foundation’s broader efforts to develop leadership and professional capacity within the Latino/a community.

Key takeaways
- Administered by the SACHCC Foundation, focused on workforce development.
- Supports Latino/a students pursuing postsecondary education.
- Targets students from the Sacramento six-county region.
- Serves both recent graduates and current college students.

History of the Award
**Past impact**
Since the program’s inception, the SACHCC Foundation has awarded more than $665,000 in scholarships through the El Futuro Scholarship Program. These awards have been distributed to recently graduated high school seniors and currently enrolled college students across the Sacramento region. The cumulative funding reflects the Foundation’s long-term commitment to educational access and leadership development for Latino/a youth. The program has become a consistent local resource for students facing financial barriers to higher education.

Key takeaways
- More than $665,000 awarded since inception.
- Awards span high school graduates and current college students.
- Reflects longstanding commitment to educational access.
- Reinforces leadership and workforce development goals.

Eligibility
**Who can apply**
Applicants must meet three minimum criteria at the time of application: be a recent high school graduate from an eligible high school or currently enrolled in at least 6 units at a California community college or 12 units at a college or university; be of Hispanic/Latino/a origin; and reside in the Sacramento six-county regional area (Sacramento, El Dorado, Placer, Sutter, Yolo, and Yuba counties). Meeting these baseline requirements is necessary to have an application considered. Additional program-specific requirements or preferences may be listed on the current application materials.

Key takeaways
- Recent HS grad or currently enrolled in college (6+ CC units or 12+ university units).
- Must be of Hispanic/Latino/a origin.
- Must live in Sacramento, El Dorado, Placer, Sutter, Yolo, or Yuba counties.
- Baseline criteria required for consideration.

Award Value
**2025 awards**
For 2025, the El Futuro Scholarship Program will award three scholarships of $1,000 each. These individual awards are intended to help offset education-related expenses and support students’ progression toward degree or certificate completion. The program also includes the Mayor Joe Serna, Jr. Leadership Scholarship as an option applicants may select, which is evaluated under the same application process (applicants should indicate which scholarship they are seeking). Award amounts are determined annually and may vary in other years.

Key takeaways
- 2025: three scholarships awarded.
- Each scholarship is $1,000.
- Applicants can indicate El Futuro or Mayor Joe Serna, Jr. Leadership Scholarship on the application.
- Award amounts may change in other years.

Application Requirements (Checklist)
**Required materials**
Applicants must submit a complete set of materials to be considered. Required items include: statement indicating which scholarship you’re applying for (El Futuro or Mayor Joe Serna, Jr. Leadership), full contact information and Sacramento Hispanic Chamber membership details if applicable, a personal statement describing education and career goals (and leadership examples if applying for the Mayor Joe Serna, Jr. Scholarship), a description of community involvement/service, a statement of financial need, an unofficial transcript (high school and/or college), and one letter of recommendation that evaluates academic potential, service, financial need, and leadership. Incomplete applications risk disqualification.

Key takeaways
- State scholarship choice and provide full contact information.
- Personal statement (education/career goals; leadership examples if applicable).
- Community service description and financial-need statement.
- Unofficial transcript(s) and one recommendation letter required.

Evaluation & Selection
**Selection priorities**
Reviewers evaluate applications holistically, with attention to academic potential, documented community service and leadership, and demonstrated financial need. For applicants to the Mayor Joe Serna, Jr. Leadership Scholarship, clear examples of leadership should be included in the personal statement. The single letter of recommendation should address academic ability, public service, leadership experiences, and financial circumstances to help the committee assess fit and potential for future success. Final selections reflect how well candidates’ qualifications align with the program’s workforce and leadership development goals.

Key takeaways
- Committee looks for academic potential, service, leadership, and financial need.
- Mayor Joe Serna, Jr. applicants must provide leadership examples.
- Recommendation letter should evaluate multiple dimensions of the applicant.
- Decisions aim to support workforce and leadership development.

How to Apply & Timeline
**Submission steps & timing**
Gather all required documents and complete the application form as directed by the SACHCC Foundation’s current application instructions. Submit the full application package by the deadline stated on the Foundation’s application page—check that page for year-specific dates and any submission instructions. If you have questions about eligibility, required materials, or submission procedures, contact the Sacramento Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Foundation for guidance before the deadline. Keep copies of all submitted materials for your records.

Key takeaways
- Compile all required materials before beginning the application.
- Check the SACHCC Foundation application page for current deadlines and submission instructions.
- Contact the Foundation with questions prior to the deadline.
- Retain copies of everything you submit.