Two Bloomfield College Students Awarded $4,000 through the Hispanic Business Council Scholarship Foundation

By: Alicia Cook     alicia_cook@bloomfield.edu

Bloomfield College is pleased to report that the Hispanic Business Council Scholarship Foundation of New Jersey (HBCSF) has awarded two of the College’s students, Gabriela Evans and Fernanda Altamirano, each a $4,000 scholarship for the 2016-2017 school year. 

For the last 25 years the volunteer-based Hispanic Business Council Scholarship Foundation has been the only foundation of its kind to dedicate school funding in varying scholarship amounts exclusively to Hispanic residents of New Jersey.

Since their inception, they have awarded 200 students scholarships, totaling over $600,000. Students have applied the funds to their college tuition, or have used the scholarship to help pay for books and other supplies. Students are permitted to continue their education out of state.

Hector O. Banegas, a member of Bloomfield College’s Board of Trustees since 2012, is a Senior Vice President and Senior Wealth Strategist for the Northeast region of Wells Fargo Private Bank. He has been involved with the Hispanic Business Council Scholarship Foundation the last 12 years in roles such as President and, most currently, President Emeritus.

“The need for this type of scholarship program continues to grow,” said Banegas. “It helps fill the gap for students who might not be able attend college otherwise.”

To qualify, incoming or currently enrolled Hispanic students must complete an application, hold a minimum GPA of 3.0, and submit teacher recommendations. A big part of the application process includes examining how involved the applicants are in community service.

This year, the competition for scholarships was heavy. Out of 85 applications, 31 finalists were chosen and 25 were each granted a $4,000 scholarship through the foundation.

Congratulations to both Bloomfield College students Gabriela Evans and Fernanda Altamirano, and to all of the award recipients.