Cisneros Scholars

Every year, approximately 10 students are chosen from the incoming class at GW to join the Cisneros Hispanic Leadership Institute as Cisneros Scholars based on their academic achievement, demonstrated commitment to service, and potential for leadership in service of the Latino community.  

Being a Cisneros Scholar includes so much more than the $30,000 annual merit scholarship! Scholars also receive academic and professional support; connect with a community of diverse students, mentors, and faculty; access valuable networking and internship opportunities in places like the Hill; attend events with community and national leaders; build culturally competent skills through specialized programming; and have the resources and support accessible to allow them to grow as a leader for Latino communities. Follow the Cisneros Institute on social media at @gwcisneros to get a small taste of the Cisneros Scholar experience, from spending time with their mentor familia to speaking with Members of Congress. 

Students interested in being considered for the Cisneros Scholars program are required to complete an additional short essay as part of the Common Application for GW. Applicants are informed of their program decision when they are notified of their financial aid package to GW. 

About the Cisneros Institute

The Cisneros Hispanic Leadership Institute draws on the intellectual strength of the George Washington University and the resources of the nation’s capital to bring together innovative research focused on the Latino community and culturally competent academic programming and student support. The Institute was founded by GW alumnus Gil Cisneros and his wife, Jacki, who envisioned a home away from home where talented students could thrive in college and build leadership skills to become champions for the Latino community. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits?

• Scholarships: $30,000 in annual merit aid 
• Internships: Access to funded programs and career support 
• Mentorship: Support from faculty, staff, and graduate students 
• Community: A home away from home 
• Research: Gain advanced skills as an undergrad 
• Networking: Meet with local and national leaders 
• Events: Special access to activities on and off campus
• Casa Cisneros: A space to gather with your cohort 
• Resources: Support for your whole well-being throughout college 

What are the requirements?

• Maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 each semester. 
• Participate in all Cisneros programming, including a weekly class with first- and second-year Cisneros Scholars, one-on-one check-ins, and Cisneros sponsored events. 

What do you look for in the application essay?

We request a supplemental essay to learn more about you than what is already in your Common Application; so share something we do not already know! Because Cisneros Scholars join a cohort that they interact with for four years, we are interested in selecting students who can contribute to fostering a sense of community with their peers, who can serve as future mentors for other students, and who are passionate about developing culturally competent leadership skills. Being Latino is not a requirement for being selected as a Cisneros Scholar, but we encourage you to share anything you think is relevant for us to know or which inspires your commitment to serving Latinx communities through your studies/career.  

What is the typical profile of a Cisneros Scholar?

• There is no one mold for a Cisneros Scholar, however, most of our students share a record of academic success and a strong interest in supporting Latinos in the US through their studies or work. Typically, this means Cisneros Scholars are at or near the top of their class (though we consider more than just your GPA!) and have a record of leadership in clubs related to Latinidad, such as a Spanish Honor Society, Latino Student Association, etc. We also consider commitments outside of school, such as working or caring for family/community needs as relevant activities.  

• The majority of applicants selected as Cisneros Scholars demonstrate that they would benefit from the additional support and resources the Institute provides due to factors such as financial need or being the first in their family to attend college (in the United States).

Who is eligible to apply?

• Any first-time undergraduate applicant to GW who is eligible to apply for federal financial aid by submitting the FAFSA is eligible for the Cisneros Scholars program. Transfer students and incoming students who will be registered as international students are not eligible to be considered.  

• Students who are undocumented or only a special protected status are eligible for consideration. We encourage you to visit undocumented.gwu.edu/ to learn more about the application process.  

When do I find out if I was selected?

Applicants to the Cisneros Scholars program will receive a decision in their GW portal along with their admission decision and financial aid package in around April 1st each year. 

What if I apply Early Decision?

Applicants who apply to GW early decision will be notified whether they were accepted into the Cisneros Scholars program as part of their financial aid package in the Spring.  

How does the Cisneros Scholarship impact my other financial aid?

The Cisneros Scholarship is a $30,000 annual merit scholarship that applies to tuition fees. Students’ complete financial aid packages for a given year will be calculated based on their FAFSA and CSS profile. The Cisneros Scholarship is awarded independent of changes in family financial situation, as long as program requirements are maintained. 

Who can I contact if I have more questions?

Please email [email protected].