Thank you for your interest in the Hispanic Genealogical Society Scholarship Essay Contest. The HGS is looking for well written and relevant essays that address Hispanic Family History. This essay will give students the opportunity to explore and develop an understanding of their family heritage. Learning about family traditions and customs will allow students to effectively write a detailed essay based on their findings. This will enhance their knowledge of historical events and people not covered in textbooks.

Essays must be postmarked no later than by May 31, 2011. The Hispanic Genealogical Society will be awarding one $500 scholarship. The winning essay will be published in the Hispanic Genealogical Society Annual Journal.

Who is eligible? The essay contest is open to full- or part-time undergraduate students and high school seniors who plan to enroll in any field of study at an accredited local Houston area college or university in the Fall 2011.

How long should entries be? Essays should be no fewer than 800 and no more than 1,000 words in length, and must be typewritten and double-spaced. Also include an ancestral chart with your essay.

How will essays be judged? Each essay will be read and ranked by HGS members. HGS members will evaluate submissions based on relevance and detail. HGS will look for writing that is clear, articulate and well organized. Please submit your essays in English.

Where do I start? You can start by interviewing a Hispanic elder relative. Find out where they came from, how they lived and what they did when they were young. You can also create a family tree by using ancestral charts found in our website. www.hispanicgs.org

When is the deadline?Entry must be postmarked no later than May 31, 2011

How do I submit my entry?
Mail your entry to address below.
Include the following with your entry:
1) Application Form
2) Applicant’s Photograph
3) Essay and
4) Ancestral Chart (fill out as much information as possible)