Hispanic Heritage Foundation

Established by the White House in 1987, the Hispanic Heritage Foundation (HHF) is an award-winning nonprofit that identifies, inspires, prepares and positions Latino leaders in the classroom, community and workforce to meet America’s priorities.

The Hispanic Heritage Awards were established in 1987 by President Ronald Reagan to commemorate the creation of Hispanic Heritage Month in America. Since that time, the Hispanic Heritage Awards are considered among the highest honors for Hispanics by Hispanics. Top Latino performers and personalities will pay tribute to the Honorees from the stage. The Awards are unique in that celebrities take the stage along with educators, innovators, community and business leaders, elected officials, and others.

Entering its 19th year, the Youth Awards honor Latino high school seniors who excel in the classroom and community and for their focus in various categories including: Business & Entrepreneurship, Community Service, Education, Healthcare & Science, Media & Entertainment, Science, Technology, and Engineering, & Mathematics (STEM). Three awards for each student category are given in each of the different regions across the country. In addition, one Regional Award winning student from each category will be selected as the National Youth Award recipient in his or her respective category.

HHF’s award-winning LOFT program focuses on various “tracks” or priority areas, including one which focuses on Latinos. Through this Latinos On Fast Track program, Latino professionals and college students come together for leadership trainings, workforce development, networking, and community outreach as well as access to mentors. The Latinos On Fast Track initiative connects, inspires, and empowers young Latino professionals and college students from across the nation through leadership, networking, and community building to prepare them for the pursuit of their career, all while celebrating their Latino culture!

Code as a Second Language (CSL) is a national campaign that works toward introducing youth to computer programming and making technical training and careers accessible to women and underrepresented minorities.