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HACU Conference Award

Banner that reads HACU 40th annual conference in Chula Vista

Applications for the 2026 HACU Conference Award are now open!

This year's award covers transportation, conference meals, hotel accommodations, registration, and professional development activities.
Apply Today!
HACU Ambassadors

The HACU Annual Conference is a three-day conference where participants participate in professional development workshops and attend a career fair. At the fair students may secure internships and full-time employment as they network with hundreds of students and potential employers.

The online application takes approximately 10 to 15 minutes and must be completed from start to finish. You cannot save your progress. Please have your resume ready for upload. See application questions below.

Please note that while we would love to take all students who apply, we will be offering a select number of awards. We anticipate a competitive pool, thus you are encouraged to connect with the Career Center to learn about additional professional enrichment opportunities. :) 

To learn more about the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Employers (HACU) visit their site: https://hacu.net 

 

Eligibility Requirements 

  • Minimum 3.0 GPA
  • Full-time student during Fall 2026 at CSUSB (undergraduate, graduate and doctoral students eligible)
  • If you have been selected for this award in the past, you are not eligible. 

Application Questions

The application can be found on this page after the showcase; Note that you must log into Microsoft with your CSUSB credentials in order to submit and start the application.

Besides name and contact information, the application includes questions regarding your educational background, expected graduation date, year in school, resume upload, 250-300 words short responses to several questions. We recommend typing on a separate document and copying and pasting it into the application. 

Information Sessions

Join us for an informative session on the CSUSB prestigious HACU Conference Scholarship Awards! The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) offers invaluable opportunities for students to attend their annual conference, expand their networks, and enhance their academic and professional growth. Whether you're a student eager to learn about eligibility criteria and application procedures or an educator seeking to support your students in accessing these transformative opportunities, this session is for you. Come discover how HACU Conference Scholarships can empower you to thrive in your academic journey and beyond. 
 

San Bernardino Campus

Stop by the Career Center Table to speak to our Career Ambassadors by the Wild Song Statue every other Tuesday & Wednesday 12-1 pm

Learn About Other Programs through HACU

Visit HACU's Program Page

HACU’s Programs and Services offer a rich array of developmental activities and internship opportunities designed to enhance skills, knowledge, and career prospects. Their programs and initiatives are crafted to support growth and success for students and professionals in a diverse and evolving workforce. 

  • National Internship Program (Corporate & Federal)
  • Professional & Faculty Programs (Leadership Academy, Enlace Mid-Level Leadership program, VOLARÉ Institute)
  • Student Programs (¡Adelante! Leadership Institute, The Building Hispanic Talent Initiative, Voces Nuevas Program)
  • HACU Scholarship Program

APPLICATION WILL BE AVAILABLE FEB. 18TH - MAR. 18TH

(Apply with CSUSB Credentials/Email)

 Apply Here!

FAQs

Q: What is the HACU Conference?

A: The HACU Conference is a three-day conference where students will attend workshops, a career/grad school fair, employer info sessions, luncheons, dinners, networking activities, and more.  Students are encouraged to make the most of the experience by connecting with others and applying for various opportunities such as internships, jobs, and graduate programs. Learn more at https://www.hacu.net/hacu/Annual_Conference1.asp

Q: How many students will be selected?

A: Depending on funding 10-20 students will be sponsored

Q: Are international or undocumented students eligible to apply?

A: Yes, HACU opportunities are available to all students

Q: What does the conference award cover?

A: This year's award covers transportation (either flight or bus, meals, conference registration, and professional development activities). 

Q: Do you need to be Hispanic/Latinx to be selected?

A: No, ALL students attending CSUSB who meet the eligibility criteria will be considered. (undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students eligible)

Q: Do I need to be enrolled full-time?

A: Yes, you must be a full-time student during the fall 2026 semester in order to qualify. undergraduates: minimum 12 units, grad students: minimum 6 units

Q: What if I was selected to attend HACU in the past?

A: Only students who have not been selected in the past are eligible. If you have been awarded the HACU Conference award while an undergraduate, then you will be eligible to reapply for the award at the graduate level. 

Q: What if I have class during the conference?

A: If you have class during the three-day conference, contact your faculty well before the conference to make up any responsibilities. 

Q: How can I find out which employers and schools will be attending the conference?

A: You can find a list of schools and employers attending the conference on the official HACU website, starting summer 2026.

Q: Should I apply even though I am unsure if I will be a full-time student in the Fall 2026 semester?

A: Definitely, Yes!

Q: I plan to graduate in May 2026 and currently applying to grad school at CSUSB from Fall 2026. Can I still apply?

A: Yes

Q: Since the conference is in Chula Vista, do I need a REAL ID to fly?

A: If selected, please see these ID requirements from TSA https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/identification

Q: What are the departure and return dates?

A: October 30th - November 2nd.

Q: Will I get my own hotel room if selected?

A: Students will be sharing a room with one other student, only two students in a room, and each student will have their own bed.

Q: Can I choose who I get to share a hotel room with?

A: No, although students will have an opportunity to select roommate preferences

Q: I have never been on a plane or attended a conference. Will the Career Center help me prepare for these experiences?

A: Yes, absolutely. The cohort will have engagement and professional development opportunities throughout the year.

Q: Can I apply if I don't have a resume?

A: Contact the Career Center to create your resume because you will need a resume to apply.

QUESTIONS? Email hacu@csusb.edu

For assistance with any of the required materials for this application, come to our drop-in (M-Th, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.) or schedule an appointment with a Career Counselor using MyCoyote-Advising Tools-Navigate.