Words by Smiley Team
Breaking down barriers for Hispanic students to access higher education, McDonald’s is awarding $500K in scholarships to 100 students from this community as part of their HACER More programme. In total the initiative will offer financial assistance to 130 students struggling to cover their tuition fees.
To launch Hacer More, McDonald’s joined forces with Latina celebrities including actor and Gentefield star Julissa Calderon, dancer and actor Jeanine Mason, alongside fashion entrepreneur Patty Delgado. Together, the stars are using their platforms to encourage Hispanic students to apply for the scholarships.
Reflecting on her own experiences, Delgado explained: “The financial concerns around the cost of higher education are very valid. I personally would not have been able to pursue college without financial support from scholarships, grants and loans. That’s why I am thrilled that McDonald’s is making college less of a barrier for my community.”
She added: “It’s crucial for Latinx to be seen in spaces that haven’t always been the easiest for us to enter. In doing so, we’re creating representation and opening the door, making college less of a barrier for future generations.”
One of the McDonald’s employees behind the initiative is Michelle Suarez, McDonald’s Hispanic marketing committee franchisee lead and HACER scholarship committee judge. She said: “We are honoured to continue helping Hispanic students stay on track with their education journey, despite the financial hardships they are facing. McDonald’s is celebrating this year’s recipients and their accomplishments and encourages future college students to apply for their opportunity to receive this scholarship as well.”
Hispanic youths are at a significant disadvantage when accessing education, struggling with digital exclusion, a lack of learning resources and a poor understanding from educators. Because of this 11 per cent of those over the age of 25 earn a bachelor's degree or higher, compared with 17 per cent of Black people, 30 per cent of white people, and 49 per cent of Asian Americans in the same age group.
McDonald’s has a long-standing commitment to broadening access to education for Hispanic students as well as other marginalised groups. Their efforts include McDonald’s HACER Education Tour, which helps students navigate the college application process, as well as the Black and Positively Golden Mentors Program, which partners industry leaders with up-and-coming innovators in the same fields.
They host webinars based around issues facing Asian and Pacific Islander American students, and their Archways to Opportunity program for restaurant staff provides educational resources for their American restaurant employees to advance their careers.
Those hoping to benefit from the HACER scholarship should sign up and fill in an application form by 3rd February 2021 for the upcoming 2021-2022 academic year.
To apply or to access supportive resources, visit the scholarship page on the McDonald’s website.
