USL Sacramento Republic FC

Republic FC and Sacramento Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Partner to Award Scholarships to Local Students

September 15, 2021 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Sacramento Republic FC News Release


SACRAMENTO, Calif. - To kickoff Hispanic Heritage Month, Sacramento Republic FC and the Sacramento Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Foundation (SACHCC) announced today that they are partnering to present the El Futuro Scholarship, which provides a $1,000 scholarship to two qualified and deserving students of Hispanic heritage from the Sacramento region.

"The Hispanic and Latinx communities are an integral part of the Sacramento region, and undoubtedly the soccer community," said Republic FC President and General Manager Todd Dunivant. "We are thrilled to partner with the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce to highlight and honor deserving students in the area."

"SACHCC is committed to supporting a diversified and educated workforce, and that starts with providing aid for students seeking a higher education," said Cathy Rodriguez Aguirre, SACHCC President and CEO. "This is a great opportunity to join with Republic FC for the second year to invest in our local youth and assist in their journey to make our community a better place for everyone."

Statistics show that the number of Hispanics pursuing a higher education has been steadily increasing since 2005. However, there are still significant disparities in graduation rates for Hispanics. At two-year institutions, students of Hispanic see graduation rates 2 percentage points lower than that of their white non-Hispanic peers, and that gap increases at four-year institutions - a 12 percent difference.

Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic is causing many minority students to drop out of college or opt to not attend altogether. Recent enrollment data showed a five percent drop in Latino undergraduates in the fall of 2020, and lower rates of Hispanic high school graduates going straight to college.

Not only have people in minority communities contracted COVID-19 at higher rates, but because many adults in these communities tend be what we now consider "essential workers" or have lost their jobs in the service industry, many students are having to prioritize supporting their family - whether if be through providing childcare for younger siblings or entering the workforce earlier. Providing financial aid to students facing these tough decisions can turn these numbers around again.

Applicants must be currently enrolled at an eligible high school or in a minimum of six units at a California Community College, and intend to enroll in a four-year college of university, or a California Community College (minimum 12 units). Additionally, they must be of Hispanic origin, and live in the Sacramento Six-County Regional area - Sacramento, El Dorado, Placer, Sutter, Yolo, and Yuba counties. To apply or learn more about requirements and screening, visit SacRepublicFC.com/Scholarship. Applications must be submitted by Monday, October 4.

Throughout the month, Republic FC will be featuring the rich and vibrant Hispanic and Latinx culture in Sacramento through storytelling, merchandise, community initiatives, and more. The club will also celebrating "Noche Latina" at two upcoming matches - September 18 and October 13 - with special food options, giveaways, and on-field presentations. Tickets are available at SacRepublicFC.com/Tickets.

Check out the Sacramento Republic FC Statistics



United Soccer League Championship Stories from September 15, 2021


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