"I think freedom doesn't have a price, and everything that happened to me trying to be free was an unforgettable experience... We make our destiny by our own actions. Therefore, sometimes when we need to take risks to realize our dream, we just have to do it." LEONARDO RODRIGUEZ Valencia Community College  more... "The Mission of the Hispanic Heritage Scholarship Fund of Metro Orlando is to engage and honor outstanding Hispanic students, identify a diverse pipeline of Hispanic talent and actively engage the inclusive Central Florida community" Objectives: To IMPROVE Hispanic educational achievement by  providing financial support for post-secondary education To PROMOTE, DEVELOP, ATTRACT AND BUILD  exposure for emerging Hispanic talent. To be RECOGNIZED as a pillar of the Central Florida community To BUILD the organization's capacity to secure long-term sustainability in all areas Historic Background: In 1999, a group of Orange County employees created the Hispanic Heritage Celebration Committee of Orange County. The sole purpose of this committee was to plan and organize activities for Hispanic Heritage month (September 15 - October 15).  As a result of the efforts of the Hispanic Heritage Celebration Committee of Orange County to support the local Hispanic community, a partnership with the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida was developed to create and establish the Hispanic Heritage Scholarship Fund of Metro Orlando. This fund benefits annual scholarships for Hispanic students at local universities and colleges in the 7-county region of Central Florida. Currently, the HHSFMO is led by a group of volunteers who are dedicated to the mission and vision of the organization. Long-term plans include the hiring of a paid Executive Director. Additional Information: The Hispanic Heritage Scholarship Fund of Metro Orlando is a non-profit organization established to provide support to the local Hispanic community, through the creation and establishment of an annual scholarship award to benefit Hispanic students at universities and colleges throughout Central Florida. The Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando recognizes the importance of providing access to educational opportunities to outstanding Hispanic students. This is why the Chamber strongly supports the Hispanic Heritage Scholarship Fund of Metro Orlando  and works diligently in securing resources from partners and sponsors to continue increasing the number of students benefiting from this effort. In its short history, the Hispanic Heritage Scholarship Fund has awarded over $400,000 to 135 students. The Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, its Trustees and members at large, invite you to contribute to this important effort, helping to shape a better community and making a difference for outstanding Hispanic students in Central Florida. To make a tax deductible donation to the fund, please contact a representative of the Scholarship Fund at the Hispanic Chamber office, or click below in the orange box to expedite your contribution. Established in 2000 as a partnership between the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando and the Hispanic Heritage Celebration Committee of Orange County. Incorporated as a 501.C.3 non profit organization in the State of Florida in 2003 It has provided over $400,000 to help 135 students from the local Hispanic community. Students are selected by a volunteer committee, based on grade point average and financial need. Many community based organizations have participated in this event by contributing to its fundraising efforts: Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Hispanic Bar Association, National Society of Hispanic MBA's, Hispanic Professional and Businesswomen's Association, Association of Latino Professionals in Finance and Accounting, Darden's Hispanic Network and others. Major sponsors have included Walt Disney World, Darden Restaurants, Banco Popular, Orlando Magic, Century Link, Florida Hospital, Orlando Health, Universal Studios, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida . Hispanic students in Central Florida eligible for financial aid may qualify. Scholarships are awarded each year at a Gala event held in October.