The Strong Foundation administers a loan program for American college students, studying in the U.S. or abroad, who are entering their final year of study in a baccalaureate or graduate degree program. Loans are made solely on the basis of individual merit, without regard to race, sex, or religion, are interest-free and do not require collateral. Applicants must be enrolled as full-time students in an accredited four-year college or graduate school. Terms of repayment are based upon monthly income after graduation and are arranged with each individual so as to work a minimum of hardship. Students should write between January 1 and March 31, giving a brief personal history and identification of the educational institution attended, the subject studied, date expected to complete studies and the amount of funds needed. The maximum loan amount is $5,000.

The HTI will award four (4) outstanding Latino/a doctoral students a $15,000 grant each year during the life of the program. This award is for full-time doctoral students (Ph.D., Ed.D., Th.D. or equivalent only) and requires that the student's institution partners with HTI in providing the student with a tuition scholarship.

This award is aimed at supporting the student for a maximum of two years of full-time coursework. If an applicant applies during the first year of doctoral coursework, the HTI award will be for a one-year period only. This award may not be applied to the year the student is doing his/her doctoral exams, while not taking courses.

In addition to monetary support, the HTI will also provide the doctoral level awardee with a Latina/o faculty member to serve as a mentor who will monitor and encourage the student's progress in the doctoral process. The following criteria will be used to evaluate applications:

• The scholarly promise of the applicant as indicated by G.P.A. and G.R.E. scores.
• Academic quality of written work submitted with the application.
• Recommendations by professors giving witness to the applicant's potential to contribute to the academic community as a scholar.
• Recommendations by Latino church/community leaders giving witness to the applicant's commitment and leadership to the Latino community.
• Applicants must be citizens of the United States of America or Legal Immigrants (Aliens admitted in the country as lawful permanent residents).

Barr Fellowships are available for residents of Hampden County, MA. Applications are available after September 1.