Application are open from Nov. 1st, 2023 through January 5th, 2024.

It is open to all Latino and Hispanic high school seniors and undergraduate students in Utah. Detailed eligibility criteria can be found in the application itself, but here are key reminders:

• Available for college, certificate, or trade program-bound high school seniors and current college undergraduate students.

• First-generation, immigrant, undocumented, and international students are encouraged to apply.

A resume is a document that shows your school activities, volunteer work, part-time jobs, and skills to help you get into college or find a job. A letter of recommendation is a personal letter from a teacher, coach, employer, or mentor who can talk about your strengths and why you should be considered for scholarship, career, or school opportunities. We have provided an optional letter of recommendation template for you to use with suggestions on what your recommender can share.

Check out these resources for more tips and reach out to us at utahsomosfoundation@gmail.com if you need additional help.

• How to Write a Resume in 10 Steps, Indeed

• How to Ask for a Letter of Recommendation, Coursera

Although it seems like a lot, submitting three essays is a common requirement in many college and program applications. The SOMOS Scholarship application has three essays (~250 words each) as a way to help you prepare for future applications. And yes, you can use information from other applications to help you start your drafts.

Helpful Tips

• We want to know you beyond your academic achievements and test scores. Let your personality, values, experiences, and goals shine through.

• Each essay has a limit of about 1,500 characters which is roughly 2 paragraphs. Make sure your writing is straightforward and brief. Using fewer words can often be more effective than using too many.