Ibero Scholars 2026
We are excited to share that Ibero’s 2026 Scholarship Application, in English and Spanish, is available! This scholarship is designed to support Hispanic students graduating in the Summer of 2026.
Deadline to apply: Friday, March 6th, 2026.
IMPORTANT NOTE TO STUDENTS AND COUNSELORS:
We strongly encourage all students to submit their scholarship applications online as their first option!
We will be fully transitioning to an online submission process, and this will be the final year we accept paper or in-person applications.
Scholarship Eligibility and Selection Criteria:
- Applicant must be a resident of one of the following counties: Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Wayne, Yates, Montgomery, or Niagara.
- Applicant must be of Hispanic origin. One or both parents must be Hispanic, with family roots from: Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Puerto Rico, Spain, Uruguay, or Venezuela.
- Applicant must submit a copy of birth or adoption certificate.
- Applicant must be a high school graduating senior.
- Applicant must submit one senior photo (good resolution, formats: printed, JPEG or PDF, in color).
- Applicant must demonstrate high academic achievement with a grade point average of 3.0 (B) or better in the core subjects.
- Applicant MUST be committed to entering a college or university in the Fall of 2026. The student must apply and start college in the fall of 2026 to qualify for the scholarship.
- Applicant must submit TWO letters of recommendation: One from a school counselor or teacher, and one from a community member: church leader, work supervisor, etc. (not a family member or relative).
- Applicant must include a short essay describing their background and career goals.
- Applicant must submit an official transcript from high school, which includes: Senior grades (copy of last report card), official class rank (if available), and Grade Point Average (GPA).
Sponsorship Opportunities:
You can make a difference in the journey of future changemakers today! Ibero has been instrumental in creating better opportunities to support the journey of hundreds of individuals to achieve their full potential. We have scholars in government, we have scholars in leadership, in nonprofits, in school districts, we have scholars on Broadway! Fund an Ibero Scholar today!
For additional information, please contact information@iaal.org
About Ibero Scholars
These scholarships are designed to support students in their academic journeys by offering financial assistance that can be used for tuition, books, and other educational expenses. In 2024 we were able to increase the minimum award from $500 to $1,000 per applicant. It is our desire and commitment to sustaining this improvement moving forward.
You can partner with Ibero to help make college a reality for Hispanic students by supporting higher education for future community leaders and professionals. Donors may create a named scholarship and suggest specific requirements for their 100% tax-deductible contribution. Each donor determines the amount of their scholarship and how much they would like to allocate to each award if more than one scholarship is provided.
The Ibero-American Action League, Inc. has been instrumental in supporting Hispanic high school graduates' pursuit of higher education since 1985. Through its commitment to empowering the Hispanic community, and with the support of the Hispanic Scholarship Endowment Fund, Ibero, in collaboration with community organizations, businesses, and individual donors, has awarded over 1,000 scholarships, positively impacting the future of community leaders and professionals.
Impact:
The Ibero Scholars Program has empowered hundreds of young Hispanic students to pursue their college dreams, making a meaningful impact on the educational landscape in our community. The Ibero-American Action League, Inc. remains committed to expanding this program and continuing to provide opportunities that ensure Hispanic students have the resources they need to succeed.
In the fall of 2023, Hispanic or Latino students accounted for 20% of total enrollment at Title IV institutions in the United States, with 3,932,481 students enrolled. Latinos now represent the second-largest group enrolling in graduate, undergraduate, and sub-baccalaureate programs nationwide.
The resilience of Latino students is undeniable. Community-based initiatives, scholarships, and programs such as the Ibero Scholars Program play a critical role in helping these students overcome financial barriers and achieve their academic and career aspirations.
Meet an Ibero Scholar
Ibero Scholars Reflecting on the Impact of the Program
“It is a glimpse of hope… I know it helped me to believe that I can achieve a college degree.” – Yversha Roman, director of CASH, Monroe County Legislator for the 26 Legislative District, Scholarship Recipient of 2002.
“The IBERO Scholarship exposed me to IBERO as an agency, and I think that this scholarship really opens the doors for more Hispanic students to consider continuing their education” – Miguel Melendez, Chief of Community Engagement at Ibero, and President of Rochester City Council. Scholarship Recipient of 2004.
“It’s important because no matter how much the sum of the scholarship is, it allows the students to feel that there’s others supporting them to go ahead in life…is more of a motivation. It encouraged me to continue on… that there were people out there who believed and that wanted me to succeed.” – Orlando Ortiz, President of the Puerto Rican Festival Inc., Manufacturing Manager at The Gleason Works, Scholarship Recipient of 1999.
“Supporting the Ibero Scholars is vital because it helps pave the way for our youth, creating opportunities for them to thrive and become the best versions of themselves. By supporting them, we ensure they can give back to our community and beyond, continuing the cycle of support and growth.” – Maycanitza Perez, Assistant Superintendent for Educational Services at Penfield Central School District, Scholarship Recipient of 1995.
Our goal is to award 50 applicants with scholarships that can be used for tuition, books, and other educational expenses. To better support them, we were able to increase the base scholarship award to $1,000 in 2024. With your support, we can also create the opportunity for recipients to start building meaningful connections by underwriting the networking and recognition reception, where we will also be acknowledging and celebrating their achievements.
Hispanic Scholarship Recognition Awards Ceremony
In 2019, our program provided 94 scholarships to students in partnership with over 30 organizations and private donors. These merit-based scholarships offered financial support ranging from $500 to $2,000. Student majors included biomedical engineering, business, economics, political science, and health.
In 2020, the Ibero-American Action League maintained the level of scholarship funding needed to support 91 recipients, despite adversity from the COVID-19 pandemic. The number of scholarship recipients was relatively similar to the previous year’s total of 94. Due to social distancing concerns, Ibero held its first virtual gala, featuring CEO and President Angelica Perez-Delgado, Mayor Lovely A. Warren, County Executive Adam Bello, and former Ibero scholarship recipient Orlando Ortiz.
In 2022, Ibero awarded 57 students from Cuba, Chile, the Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Mexico, Nicaragua, Puerto Rico, and Spain with scholarships ranging from $500 to $1,500.
- 19 from Rochester City School District
- 38 from other public and private schools