The Hispanic population in Tulsa County is on the rise, as more than 85,000 people (about 13%) in the county identify as Hispanic or Latino. Of these, the majority (10.2%) hail from Mexican heritage, while 0.7% and 0.3% come from Puerto Rican and Cuban backgrounds, respectively (American Community Survey, 2018). The HAF mission is deeply committed to eliminating financial barriers to education.

This population surge has brought about an increase in Hispanic student numbers. Over the next seven years, Hispanic students will enroll in grades 9 to 12 at a rate outpacing all other ethnic groups. Higher graduation rates have also boosted matriculation rates into college. Many Hispanic students come from lower-income, first-generation families, and thus face financial obstacles that may hinder their post-secondary educational opportunities (Hispanic Association of Colleges & Universities Legislative Report, April 2020), and these students have financial barriers which may limit their post-secondary educational opportunities.

Helping students overcome financial barriers to education is at the heart of the HAF mission. Almost 90% of HAF’s annual budget is earmarked for education-related scholarships. You can make a difference!

Ramon de Olivera - “…SOY TEJANO DE RIO GRANDE” - La Tribuna