Last week, the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities announced that in 2024, 697 students received academic scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $15,000.
HACU expressed that they are inspired by last year’s achievements, which were made possible by their allies, partners, and donors. Here are some stories of HACU scholarship recipients that have been shared on social media.
This summer, Edmarck Sosa earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science from California State University, Fullerton.
As a first-generation college student, Sosa highlighted on LinkedIn that this moment was significant for him and his parents, who did not finish high school.
Crossing that stage was not just a personal achievement but also a tribute to their sacrifices.
Balancing full-time work with being a full-time student required immense discipline, early mornings, and late nights, all while being driven by determination and the belief that it would all be worth it.
Sosa is now moving on to the next chapter of his academic career, having begun a Master’s program in Computer Science at California State University, Fullerton. He plans to transition into a more specialized focus on artificial intelligence and machine learning in the future.
Recently, Sosa announced that he has been selected as a Home Depot Scholarship recipient by HACU. He is excited to carry this momentum into his graduate studies and future projects in artificial intelligence (AI) and software engineering.
Sosa was also one of only 50 students chosen out of nearly 900 applicants to attend the California State University AI Summer Camp 2025 at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, powered by Amazon Web Services (AWS).
The program brings together students from across the California State University system to tackle real-world challenges using generative AI, large language models, and vector databases, while learning from mentors and peers in an immersive, hands-on environment.
As someone passionate about AI and technology for good, Sosa expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to continue learning, building, and connecting with brilliant minds across California.
Brianna Saldaña, a Doctor of Pharmacy Candidate for 2028, was awarded the 2025 Health Care Scholars United Scholarship by HACU.
Also a first-generation student, Brianna shared that organizations like HACU enable first-generation students to pursue their dreams.
She emphasized that this scholarship is more than just financial support; it symbolizes the hard work that has led her to this point and serves as encouragement for those who will follow in her footsteps.
Marq Rivera Velez, a student at the University of Central Florida’s College of Business Administration and Economics, received the 2025–2026 Home Depot Scholarship from HACU.
Velez expressed his gratitude to HACU and The Home Depot for their support of students in higher education and their investment in the future. He is proud to represent the University of Central Florida and looks forward to making the most of this opportunity.
Juan D. Hernandez, another first-generation student, was awarded the 2025 Deloitte Foundation Scholars Program Scholarship managed by HACU.
Hernandez described the scholarship as an incredible opportunity and a key resource that helps students like him pursue higher education and achieve their goals in accounting.
He made a special mention of Kimberly for not only bringing this opportunity to his attention but also for encouraging him throughout the application process.
In 2024, 697 #students received academic #scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $15,000. We are inspired by the contributions achieved last year thanks to our allies, partners, and donors. No amount is too small to make an impact! https://t.co/Tn3CblLAaK#Give2HACU pic.twitter.com/A2ukW2SMk3
— HACU (@HACUNews) August 26, 2025
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