Coca-Cola, Greater Houston Retailers Association Award Scholarships

The $30,000 in scholarships supports the Hispanic Scholarship Fund's goal of one college degree per Hispanic household.

August 08, 2011

HOUSTON - Paying for college in Houston just got a little bit easier thanks to the Greater Houston Retailers Association (GHRA), Coca-Cola and the Hispanic Scholarship Fund (HSF). The organizations are awarding $30,000 in scholarships to 17 deserving Hispanic students to ease the financial burden of attending college.

"Hispanics play an important role in Texas?? growth and HSF works to address the challenges that keep many of our Latino youth from earning a degree," said Frank Alvarez, HSF president and CEO. "We commend GHRA and Coca-Cola for supporting education initiatives that will help raise educational attainment levels among Hispanics in Texas."

From now through Sept. 30, Houston area residents can apply at hsf.net by submitting an essay on how a college degree can help improve the local community. Two students will receive the grand prize of $5,000 scholarships, five students will receive first prizes of $2,000 scholarships and 10 students will each receive second prize $1,000 scholarships.

"Coca-Cola has been a proud part of the fabric of Texas communities for many years. Throughout our history, we??ve supported educational charities, colleges and universities in Hispanic communities," said Hector Amaya, vice president of field operations at Coca-Cola Refreshments of Houston. "These scholarships help bring Houston one step closer to HSF??s goal of ensuring that one person in every Latino household receiving a college degree."

To increase participation and drive awareness of the program, GHRA and Coca-Cola created bilingual, point-of-sale signage and product displays that were featured at 1,500 GHRA locations throughout the Houston area.

"It??s important to GHRA to champion initiatives that support education and the development of our local Hispanic communities," said Hassanali Momin, GHRA president. "Working collaboratively, and leveraging the Coca-Cola and HSF partnership, GHRA can have a greater impact on local communities. Every day, we??re focused on promoting the Houston community in which we live and operate."

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