If you or someone you know is of Cuban descent and planning to attend college in the United States, there’s a golden opportunity you might be overlooking: the Mas Family Scholarships 2026. Sponsored by the Jorge Mas Canosa Freedom Foundation, this program awards up to $32,000 to high-achieving students—but despite its generous funding and clear mission, it remains surprisingly underapplied year after year. In fact, many eligible students never even hear about it until it’s too late.
Mas Family Scholarships 2026
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scholarship Name | Mas Family Scholarship (Jorge Mas Canosa Freedom Foundation) |
| Award Amount | $8,000 – $32,000 (non-renewable) |
| Number of Awards | 15–20 recipients annually |
| Eligibility | Students of Cuban descent, U.S. citizens or permanent residents, minimum 3.5 GPA, enrolling in an accredited U.S. college |
| Application Opens | October 15, 2025 |
| Deadline | January 31, 2026 |
| Selection Criteria | Academic excellence, leadership, community service, commitment to Cuban heritage |
| Average Unclaimed Aid (U.S.) | Over $3.75 billion in scholarships go unclaimed each year (Fastweb, 2023) |
I’ve spent years mentoring students through scholarship applications, and time and again, I see talented young people miss out on life-changing opportunities simply because they didn’t know where to look. The Mas Family Scholarship is one of those hidden gems—not because it’s secretive, but because it’s niche, culturally specific, and flies under the radar of mainstream financial aid conversations. The good news? If you qualify, you’re already ahead of the curve. Let’s break down everything you need to know to apply with confidence in 2026.
What Is the Mas Family Scholarship?
Founded in memory of Jorge Mas Canosa—a prominent Cuban-American businessman, philanthropist, and advocate for freedom in Cuba—the Mas Family Scholarship honors his legacy by investing in the next generation of Cuban-American leaders. Administered by the Jorge Mas Canosa Freedom Foundation, this program isn’t just about financial aid; it’s about preserving cultural identity while empowering students to excel in college and beyond.
Unlike need-based aid (like Pell Grants), this is a merit-based scholarship that rewards academic performance, civic engagement, and pride in Cuban heritage. Since its inception, the foundation has awarded millions of dollars to hundreds of students across the U.S., many of whom have gone on to careers in law, medicine, engineering, and public service.
Think of it like a cultural legacy grant: you’re not just getting money for school—you’re joining a network of scholars committed to making a difference, both in their communities and in the broader Cuban diaspora.
Who Is Eligible? Breaking Down the Requirements
You don’t need to be a straight-A valedictorian with 10 extracurriculars to qualify—but you do need to meet specific criteria. Here’s what the foundation looks for:
Must-Have Eligibility Criteria:
- Cuban ancestry: At least one parent or grandparent must be of Cuban origin.
- U.S. residency: You must be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or DACA recipient.
- Academic standing: A minimum unweighted GPA of 3.5 (on a 4.0 scale).
- College enrollment: You must be enrolling as a full-time undergraduate at an accredited U.S. college or university in Fall 2026.
- Age: Typically under 25, though exceptions may apply.
What Strengthens Your Application?
- Demonstrated leadership (e.g., student council, club president, team captain)
- Community service (especially in Latino, immigrant, or Cuban communities)
- Personal essays that reflect your connection to Cuban identity
- Strong letters of recommendation from teachers or mentors
Why So Few Students Apply
Here’s a surprising fact: less than 300 students apply for the Mas Family Scholarship each year—despite over 2 million Cuban-Americans living in the U.S. (U.S. Census Bureau, 2023). Compare that to national scholarships like the Coca-Cola Scholars Program, which receives over 60,000 applications annually for 150 awards.
This low competition isn’t because the award is small. On the contrary—$32,000 is enough to cover nearly two years of tuition at many public universities. The real reason? Lack of awareness.
Many high school counselors aren’t familiar with culturally specific scholarships. Families may assume they need financial need to qualify (you don’t). Or students might think, “I’m just one person—why would they pick me?” But here’s the truth: the foundation wants to give this money away. They’re actively seeking qualified candidates.
So if you meet the criteria, your odds are far better than with most national scholarships. In fact, your chances could be 1 in 15 to 1 in 20—an incredible opportunity in the world of scholarships.
Applying for the 2026 Mas Family Scholarship
Ready to apply? Follow this simple roadmap:
Step 1: Mark Your Calendar
- October 15, 2025: Application opens at masfamilyfoundation.org
- January 31, 2026: Deadline (11:59 PM EST—don’t wait until the last minute!)
Step 2: Gather Your Documents
You’ll need:
- Official high school transcript (showing ≥3.5 GPA)
- Proof of Cuban heritage (e.g., birth certificate of parent/grandparent, family tree documentation)
- Two letters of recommendation (one from a teacher, one from a community leader)
- List of extracurriculars, volunteer work, and leadership roles
- Personal essay (prompt released with application)
Step 3: Craft a Powerful Essay
Past prompts have asked applicants to: “Describe how your Cuban heritage has shaped your values and goals.”
Tips for a standout essay:
- Tell a specific story (e.g., cooking with your abuela, attending a cultural festival, hearing stories of exile)
- Connect your heritage to your future aspirations
- Be authentic—don’t exaggerate or invent
Step 4: Submit Early & Double-Check
Technical glitches happen. Submit at least 48 hours before the deadline. Ask a teacher or parent to review your application for errors.
Step 5: Prepare for Possible Interviews
Finalists may be invited for a 15-minute virtual interview in March 2026. Practice answering questions about your background, goals, and why this scholarship matters to you.
FAQs about Mas Family Scholarships 2026
Q: Do I need to be 100% Cuban to apply?
A: No. You only need one Cuban-born parent or grandparent. Mixed heritage is welcome.
Q: Can I use the scholarship for graduate school?
A: No. It’s only for undergraduate studies (freshman year).
Q: Is the scholarship renewable?
A: No—it’s a one-time award paid directly to your college.
Q: What if my GPA is 3.49?
A: The requirement is strict: 3.5 or higher. If you’re close, check if your school rounds up.
Q: Can homeschooled students apply?
A: Yes, if you have official transcripts and meet all other criteria.
Q: Where can I find more Cuban-American scholarships?
A: Check the Hispanic Scholarship Fund and MALDEF—both offer broader Latino scholarships that Cuban-Americans often qualify for.
