VAMOS Scholars
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Scholarships

Three scholarships worth
up to $20,000.

VAMOS scholarships are four-year and renewable. You apply once, and as long as you keep up your end, the funding follows you through all four years, along with a mentor and a group of people who have your back.

Begin your applicationHow to prepare
Program 01

Traditional

Total award
Up to $20,000 over 4 years
Up to $5,000/year renewable
Opens
December 1
Deadline
April 3
Apply for Traditional

Program highlights

  • ◆Open to any 4-year accredited institution
  • ◆Renewable for up to four years
  • ◆Includes drawing for free Chick-fil-A for a year

Eligibility requirements

  • ◆High school senior in Hidalgo, Cameron, or Starr County
  • ◆Minimum 80 GPA (100-scale), 2.5 GPA (4.0 scale), or top 30% of class
  • ◆Must be Pell Grant eligible
  • ◆ACT or SAT scores
  • ◆Two letters of recommendation
  • ◆600-word personal statement essay
Program 02

HSF Partnership

In partnership with Hispanic Scholarship Fund

Total award
Up to $20,000 over 4 years
$3,000–$5,000/year renewable
Opens
January 15
Deadline
February 22
Apply for HSF Partnership

Program highlights

  • ◆Submitted via the HSF national portal
  • ◆$3K/year for UTRGV students, $5K/year for other institutions
  • ◆Open to students of all races

Eligibility requirements

  • ◆High school senior in Hidalgo, Cameron, or Starr County
  • ◆Cumulative GPA of 2.75+ on 4.0 scale
  • ◆U.S. citizen or permanent resident
  • ◆Plans to enroll full-time at an accredited 4-year university
  • ◆Must be Pell Grant eligible
Program 03

UTRGV Partnership

In partnership with The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

Total award
Up to $10,000 over 4 years
Up to $2,500/year renewable
Opens
October 1
Deadline
February 15
Apply for UTRGV Partnership

Program highlights

  • ◆For incoming UTRGV freshmen
  • ◆Top 25% of graduating class required
  • ◆Renewable up to four years

Eligibility requirements

  • ◆Entering freshman at UTRGV
  • ◆U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen
  • ◆High school senior in Hidalgo, Cameron, or Starr County
  • ◆Rank in top 25% of graduating class
  • ◆Demonstrate financial need (Pell-eligible per UTRGV FAO)
  • ◆FAFSA submitted by February 15

How to Prepare

Build your strongest application.

Gather documents

Official transcript, FAFSA Submission Summary, parents' tax return, financial aid award letter, and college acceptance letter.

Line up recommenders

Choose two teachers, counselors, or school professionals who know you well. Give them 3+ weeks' notice.

Submit FAFSA

VAMOS scholarships prioritize Pell-eligible students. File your FAFSA as early as possible at studentaid.gov.

Note deadlines

Each program has its own. Apply to all you're eligible for — there's no penalty, and your odds compound.

Renewal Standards

What it takes to keep it.

VAMOS scholarships renew each year — provided scholars meet academic, civic, and mentorship requirements. We expect a lot. Scholars deliver.

Course load
12+ credit hours per semester (full-time)
GPA
Cumulative 2.75+ on a 4.0 scale
Community service
40 volunteer hours per academic year
Mentorship
Monthly check-ins with assigned VAMOS mentor
Annual review
Submit fall and spring transcripts and renewal forms by deadline