Empowering Their College Dreams - Sammy Makes Six

Empowering Their College Dreams

This is part of a sponsored campaign with DiMe Media and Coca-Cola. However, all opinions expressed are my own.

There's been a lot of college talk in our family lately. If there is one thing in this life that I regret it would be not going to college. When I was young, my mom instilled in us the need to work hard and take care of your family. But she didn't push the issue of education and because I started working when I was only 14, I continued in that route when I finished high school. Later in life I would realize that because I hadn't continued my education, I would always have to work harder, longer and for less money than those that did go to college.


With my girls the college issue has been tricky, two of them have already decided that for the moment at least, college is not for them. While they decide what they will be doing with their lives, at least one of my other girls, Jackie is going back very soon. Jackie had taken a break earlier with plans to go back "one day". I'm happy to report that after recently adopting three kids, she's decided to go back immediately. Funny that it took her adopting the kids to realize that she wants more in life for herself and for them. Now she wants to be a good role model for her kids and will be able to provide a better life for all of them as well. I am so happy that she will be finishing her education sooner rather than later.



We all know how expensive college is and how so many Hispanos can't go simply because of the cost. That's why I am excited to share the partnership between Coca-Cola and the Hispanic Heritage Fund. Coca-Cola is coming together again with the Hispanic Scholarship Fund to help Hispanic families achieve their college dreams and aspirations, as part of the #ForTheDream National Scholarship Program. Coca-Cola is donating $150,000 to the Hispanic Scholarship Fund to be awarded in college scholarships to qualifying students. Applications are being accepted until March 30, 2016.  



Although college enrollment has increased tremendously during the past two decades, the Hispanic population lags behind other groups when it comes degrees earned. This might be fueled by financial pressure for some students to support their families before graduation, which is what happened with me. As part of its commitment to the Hispanic community, Coca-Cola HSF #ForTheDream National Scholarship Program aims to empower Hispanic families to put their teens in the fast track to higher education.


Coca-Cola knows the importance Hispanic families place upon education and they are helping our teens to reach their dreams. Do you know a teen who is going to college soon? Parents and students can find valuable information about the #ForTheDream scholarship at coke.com/forthedream. Get more info and apply before the March 30th deadline!