Since 1980, El Centro has awarded $609,050 in scholarship money to 601 deserving high school seniors. In 2025, 8 students benefited from the Scholarship Program. We are proud of our program aiding post-secondary education. Candidates who wish to be considered must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher and a proven track record of their voluntary involvement with El Centro Hispano. Their required essay and involvement at El Centro play an important role in determining how much money the Scholarship Committee allocates to each recipient. El Centro also offers our high school volunteers small stipends as a thank you for their valuable time and contribution to our educational programs. To date, El Centro Hispano has awarded 405 of our amazing volunteers $360,337.
The Application Process
Every fall, all senior students at White Plains High School receive a scholarship application package, which includes our scholarship application. To be considered for the scholarship, students must meet the following criteria:
- • Be bilingual in Spanish and English
- • Have a minimum GPA of 3.0
- • Complete over 100 hours of community service at El Centro Hispano
- • Submit an essay explaining why they believe they are deserving of the scholarship
- • Provide information demonstrating their level of financial need
The high school also provides an official transcript for each applicant. The completed application must be submitted by the deadline set by the high school; late submissions will not be considered.
Once applications are submitted and verified for completeness, the Scholarship Committee begins its formal review to select recipients.
The Scholarship Committee, which is comprised of contributors, White Plains High School staff, as well as El Centro Hispano staff, reviews each student’s packet making sure the students under consideration all have a Grade Point Average of 3.0 or higher. They review the application form and read the essay written by the student. The essays and the student’s involvement in El Centro Hispano.