The John S. Martinez Leadership Scholarship
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION & CRITERIA/ELIGIBILITY RULES

The National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators (NHCSL) is a national association of Hispanic state legislators working to design and implement policies and procedures that will impact the quality of life for Hispanic communities throughout the country. Headquartered in Washington, DC, NHCSL was founded in 1989 as a nonpartisan, nonprofit 501(c) 3 organization. The mission of NHCSL is to be the most effective voice for more than 300 Hispanic legislators from all states, commonwealths, and territories of the United States. NHCSL actively promotes public/private partnerships that yield positive results for the Hispanic community and serves as a catalyst for joint action on issues such as housing, health, education, economic development, broadband and immigration.

To ensure that Hispanic students achieve educational success, NHCSL implemented the John S. Martinez “Closing the Achievement Gap” Scholarship Fund. The late John S. Martinez served as a member of the Connecticut House of Representatives from 1997-2002. During his tenure, Representative Martinez was a trailblazer in the Connecticut State legislature, initiating local legislation in education and economic development. He also served as President of the NHCSL from 2001 until his untimely death in 2002. This scholarship award honors the legacy of Representative Martinez in public service.

The NHCSL-Comcast Scholarship program is specifically designed to help Hispanic high school students achieve educational success. NHCSL will award a scholarship to Hispanic high school students in three target states: Colorado, Florida and Indiana. Guidance and financial support will be provided to a total of 6 Hispanic public high school students (2 from each state). Only the public high schools that are located in the District of the NHCSL Hispanic state legislator can be eligible to participate. Attached is the list of eligible schools. THE DEADLINE TO APPLY IS JUNE 10, 2011.

Each recipient will be selected by an independent evaluation committee. The scholarship will be provided to the student upon graduation from high school. Students will also be covered for airfare and lodging to attend a Legislative Session in Washington, D.C. during Hispanic Heritage month. If selected an additional site visit may be required, where NHCSL will cover expenses for participants. NHCSL will ensure that each student can maximize the opportunity to receive valuable opportunities, exposure and work experience throughout this initiative.

The Award
The scholarship will include the following:

• A one-time $3,000.00 grant for educational purposes. The scholarship will be awarded upon graduation from high school with a GPA of 3.0 or better.

• A laptop Computer

• Travel expenses, up to 2 nights and round trip air, for the scholarship recipients will be covered to attend the Legislative Session in Washington and possibly an additional site visit.

Criteria & Eligibility Rules
To be eligible for the NHCSL John S. Martinez Closing the Achievement Gap Scholarship, each student must meet all of the following criteria:

• The student must be Hispanic or of Hispanic descent
  
• The student must have a grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or better
  
• The student must be a U.S. Citizen or Legal Resident (proof required)
  
• The student must be a junior or senior who is enrolled full-time at a public high school in the District of a Hispanic State Legislator in one of the target states (Colorado, Florida or Indiana).
  
• The student must be nominated by their school principal, teacher, guidance counselor or Hispanic state legislator.