What is the ATD Scholarship Program?
First Coast Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (FCHCC), along with our donors, awards promising Hispanic students scholarships to continue their education. Each year, FCHCC awards between 10 – 12 scholarships to deserving Hispanic students and recognizes them at our Annual ATD Awards.
To qualify, students must be of Hispanic/Latino descent, live in one of the First Coast five counties, have a 3.0 GPA, complete an application which includes two short essays, and send official transcripts for our selection committee to review and select the recipients.
The winning students will be formally awarded at the Annual Achieving the Dream luncheon. FCHCC is very proud of all our applicants and would like to add you to our list of recipients!
Criteria for Applying:
The Achieving The Dream (ATD) Scholarship is for students of Hispanic/Latino descent who are pursuing an Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree and meet the following requirements:
- U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent resident
- DACA Students must provide documentation
- Pursuing an Associate’s and/or Bachelor’s degree (the ATD Scholarship is for undergraduates only)
- At least one parent or grandparent of Hispanic/Latino origin from a Spanish speaking country
- Minimum GPA 3.0 (must provide official transcript)
- A resident of one of the five First Coast counties: Duval, Baker, St. Johns, Clay or Nassau
- Completed FAFSA to determine financial need
- Answer two (2) short essays
- Submit at least one (1) Letter of Recommendation
- Attend an interview session
Mandatory Commitments after Receiving Scholarship:
- Attendance at the ATD luncheon
- Write a Thank You note to the donor (within 30 days, 200 words or less)
- Provide a 2-minute video (Include: Name, Name of School, Major, How this scholarship will help you)
Criteria for Applying for the ATD Scholarship:
- Grades / GPA – 25%
- Essay – 25%
- Interview – 20%
- Community Involvement – 15%
- Recommendation Letters – 10%
- FAFSA – 5%
Frequently-Asked Questions
I'm from Brazil, Belize, or other Caribbean Island, can I apply for the ATD scholarship?
No, scholarships are only for students whose parents or grandparents come from a Spanish speaking country.
I'm currently enrolled in a dual program that includes taking classes at the local state college, can I apply for the ATD scholarship? ATD?
No, only students who are graduating from high school this academic year and are planning to start or continue their undergraduate education in the fall can apply.
I won the ATD in a previous year, can I reapply for the ATD scholarship?
Yes, you can reapply up to 2 times if you've won the scholarship in a past year.
Do I need to be a member of the FCHCC in order to apply for ATD?
No, you don't need to be a member of the chamber. If you are interested in membership, we offer a student level that's $25 annually. You can join by clicking here. Please note that by being an FCHCC does not count as a criteria for applying for the scholarship.
If I don't have all the deliverables when filling out the ATD scholarship application, can I come back later and complete it?
Yes, the scholarship application allows up to 2 days for you to complete it. If for any reason you need more time to get all your documents to us, please let us know as soon as you can. You can send an email to fchcc@fchcc.com or call us at 904-346-1118.
How do I donate to the scholarship program?
If you would like support our ATD program, click here. Your contributions are very appreciated.
What is the dress code for the ATD Luncheon?
Business casual is the dress code. Examples are:
For the Men - blazers, dress shirt, jeans or slacks, tie (optional)
For the Ladies - blazers, dress blouse, dress slacks, skirt or dress
Take a look at these sample images:
For Men:
For Women:
What if I have other scholarship questions?
Please feel free to contact us at fchcc@fchcc.com or call us at 904-346-1118.
From the 2024 ATD Luncheon
Links to the 2024 ATD Luncheon
ATD “Lunch with the Stars” Video
Browse our Past ATD Winners:
For Additional Questions, contact us here.