Stars On The Rise To Provide $2.5 Million In Scholarships This Year

DALLAS — The Stars On The Rise scholarship fund, the annual scholarship drive of The Greater Dallas Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (GDHCC) and its many partners in the corporate and education sectors, is awarding $2,544,050.81 in scholarships to 296 graduating seniors from North Texas this year. During the last 33 years, the fund has given more than $32.5 million in scholarships to almost 3,800 students.

This year’s corporate scholarship donors and/or sponsors include: Ford Motor Company Fund (presenting sponsor and $420,000 donor), Fossil, Texas Instruments, Coca Cola, Oncor and UPS. Other scholarship donors were Mr. and Mrs. Eric Reeves and the Latino Center for Leadership Development.

Scholarship donors in the education sector include: Austin College, Brookhaven College, Cedar Valley College, Eastfield College, El Centro College, Mountain View College, North Lake College, Richland College, SMU, Texas A&M University Commerce, Texas Tech, Texas Woman’s University, UT Dallas and Dallas ISD.

“We are very proud to partner with our local dealers to contribute $420,000 in scholarships this year,” said Joe Avila, community outreach manager, Ford Motor Company Fund, the philanthropic arm of Ford Motor Company. “We are delighted to be this year’s Presenting Sponsor and to work with The Greater Dallas Hispanic Chamber to help make a college education possible for so many deserving students in North Texas.”

“It’s been said that life is about opportunity. The Stars on the Rise program provides just that by supplying students with seed money needed to pursue their studies at the college or university of their choice,” said Dallas ISD Superintendent Michael Hinojosa. “Dallas ISD is thankful to be a part of such a charitable community that supports college and career readiness.”

The scholarships will be awarded at the Stars On The Rise Scholarship Reception and Awards Ceremony, which will take place from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 22 at the InterContinental Hotel at 15201 Dallas Parkway in Dallas. This year’s keynote speaker will be Dr. Michael Hinojosa, Dallas ISD Superintendent. The event will be attended by scholarship recipients and their families, leaders in the education and business communities, as well as elected officials.

“Year after year, these scholarships are possible because of the generosity of our many partners in the corporate and education sectors,” said Rick Ortiz, president and CEO of The Greater Dallas Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. “Their generous scholarships and donations help create brighter futures for thousands of students in North Texas, and we are extremely grateful for their support.”

Stars on The Rise : Superintendent Michael Hinojosa joins members of The Greater Dallas Hispanic Chamber of Commerce  as Dallas ISD is presented a check for the group’s annual Stars On the Rise scholarship funds collected.
Photo Courtesy: Dallas ISD