Organization awards 50 local students scholarships for higher education in the fall

An organization awarded 50 local students scholarships to attend higher education institutes in the fall of this year.

Latin Americans Working for Achievement (LAWA) awarded over $170,000 in new and renewable scholarships for eligible Latino students to pursue trade and professional careers.

This year represented the largest group of students and awards in the organization’s 30-year history.

Since 1992, more than 290 students have received over $1 million in financial assistance.

The scholarships are awarded based on academic merit, community engagement, and financial need.

ALSO READ: CMPD launches Latino high school academy

Former LAWA scholars now work as attorneys, teachers, health care providers, and administrators.

Many of the scholarships awarded are doubled in impact with matching funds from college and university partners that include Belmont Abbey College, Carolina University, Johnson C. Smith University, Queens University of Charlotte, Wingate University, and South Piedmont Community College.

LAWA was the first nonprofit in Charlotte to focus on Latino students.

The organization’s goal is to close Latino academic achievement gaps, improve graduation rates, and increase the number of Latino students who pursue and complete post secondary studies.

(WATCH BELOW: 63 third graders offered full college scholarships)