With Hispanic Heritage Month in full swing Emanuel Cruz’s story speaks for itself as an example of the important work Colgate has been doing with their Haz la U educational grant program over the last ten years.

Emanuel’s personal struggle with being gay in a poor, Hispanic neighborhood served as the backdrop for an inspiring story of perseverance and courage, rooted in education. In 2014, Emanuel applied for the “Haz La U” educational grant program hosted by the Hispanic Heritage Foundation Youth Awards, Colgate’s partner for the last six years.
After winning one of the 31 grants, he went on to study at North Carolina State University, and he just recently graduated – first in his family.

Colgate-Palmolive is now accepting applications for its annual Haz la U (“Make the U”) educational grant program, which will provide $100,000 to Hispanic high school students in partnership with the Hispanic Heritage Foundation (HHF).  A total of 31 grants, ranging from $2,000 to $15,000, will be awarded to community-minded students across the U.S. who have demonstrated excellence in academics, volunteerism and leadership. Applications will be accepted through October 15, 2019.

For the last 10 years, the Haz la U program has supported the pursuit of higher education among the Latinx community through this grant program. “Colgate strongly believes that everyone deserves a future they can smile about, and we applaud the young leaders who celebrate their heritage and also give back to their communities,” said Greg Ross, General Manager of North America Oral Care at Colgate-Palmolive. “We’re honored to continue the Haz la U program with the Hispanic Heritage Foundation and support its mission to empower Latinx communities and create leaders in the classroom and beyond.”

Released in tandem with the open-application period, Colgate shared an English– and Spanish-language documentary short of former Haz la U winner and recent college graduate Emanuel Cruz, highlighting his journey to educational success.

“We’re incredibly proud to continue our partnership with Colgate for the Haz la U program, which will provide educational assistance and encouragement to young Latinx students in America,” said Antonio Tijerino, President and CEO, Hispanic Heritage Foundation. “This program, and the Youth Awards as a whole, underline the importance of educational advancement within the Latinx culture and allow for young students to explore previously unavailable opportunities.”

For more information about Haz la U and application guidelines, visit Colgate.com/HazLaU or HHFYouthAwards.com