Students born in Cuba and direct descendants of Cubans now have a fresh chance to receive financial support for their university education. The private initiative, Mas Family Scholarships, began accepting applications on October 15 for the academic year 2027–2028. This program targets candidates who excel academically, demonstrate strong leadership skills, and engage in community activities.
Applications are being accepted until January 31, 2027, as stated in the official announcement by Mas Family Scholarships.
Initially established in 1996, this program is part of the legacy of Cuban exile leader Jorge Mas Canosa. It provides financial aid and mentorship opportunities to assist students in accessing and continuing higher education.
Eligibility and Application Details
The program is available to those born in Cuba and individuals who can prove direct Cuban ancestry, allowing children and grandchildren of Cubans to apply, provided they meet other organizational criteria.
Applicants must maintain a minimum unweighted GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale. This GPA doesn't include extra points for advanced courses, aligning with the U.S. educational system.
Students are required to be enrolled full-time at an accredited institution during the 2027–2028 academic year, pursuing either undergraduate or graduate degrees.
The official application form is open to current university students and high school seniors transitioning to higher education.
Additionally, applicants can identify the institutions they are applying to, have been accepted by, or are currently attending.
Selection Criteria and Financial Considerations
Beyond academic credentials, the selection committee evaluates leadership potential, community service involvement, and the economic circumstances of the student and their family.
While financial need is not the primary selection criterion, it does influence the amount of aid awarded. Thus, the program does not offer a fixed financial package for all recipients.
To verify Cuban heritage, applicants may present documents such as birth certificates, passports, citizenship certificates, or notarized affidavits as specified in the application form.
For descendants, providing a document of a Cuban-born relative alone is insufficient; they must also demonstrate direct lineage to that individual.
For example, a grandchild might need their Cuban grandparent's document, their parent’s, and their own birth certificate to establish the family connection.
Required Documentation and Essays
Applicants must submit a recent academic transcript, grade reports, test scores if applicable, and a resume detailing educational background, work experience, awards, extracurricular activities, community involvement, and language proficiency.
A personal statement of up to 500 words is also required, where candidates explain their academic achievements, leadership experiences, community commitment, and career goals, along with how the scholarship would help achieve these objectives.
Separately, a 1,000-word essay on the topic specified in the form must be submitted. For this application cycle, the theme encourages reflection on freedom, its impact on personal life, and how its presence or absence can shape one's future.
The essay should be original, titled, double-spaced, and include numbered pages, as per the entity’s guidelines.
Recommendations and Deadlines
Candidates must provide contact details for three individuals who can recommend them—such as teachers, employers, mentors, or community leaders. Recommenders will receive a link via email to complete their forms.
There is a notable discrepancy regarding deadlines; the general form section suggests recommendations must be completed by the application deadline, while the final check sets February 8, 2027, as the deadline for recommenders.
Applicants are advised to confirm directly with Mas Family Scholarships which date applies to recommendations.
Regardless, the student application deadline remains January 31, 2027; the February 8 date should not be seen as an extension of this period.
Financial Aid Assessment
Applicants are required to submit the summary page of the FAFSA 2027–2028—the Free Application for Federal Student Aid in the U.S.—and/or the CSS Profile, used by certain educational institutions to assess financial needs.
The FAFSA for the 2027–2028 term has been accessible since October 1. However, it is essential to distinguish between these processes: FAFSA is a federal aid evaluation tool, while Mas Family Scholarships is a private initiative with its own requirements and selection process.
The scholarship application inquires about the applicant's immigration status, allowing for options such as U.S. citizenship, residency, or other statuses.
The terms do not specify which immigration categories are accepted or the conditions for individuals with pending immigration processes or residing outside the U.S.
Therefore, those uncertain about their eligibility due to immigration status or residence should consult directly with the program before preparing their application materials.
Selecting "other" status in the form does not automatically guarantee eligibility.
Scholarship Duration and Renewal
Mas Family Scholarships states that selected students can apply for continued support until they complete their planned studies, up to a maximum of four years, provided they maintain the required conditions.
These conditions include keeping a minimum GPA of 3.0 and remaining enrolled full-time at an accredited institution. This GPA differs from the initial 3.5 required to apply for the scholarship.
The organization does not ensure that all beneficiaries will receive full funding for their studies or that aid will automatically renew each year. The amount depends on economic evaluation and program conditions.
Founded in 1996, the program was launched to support the education of young individuals of Cuban descent.
According to its institutional presentation, over the past three decades, it has aided hundreds of students and developed a network of scholars and professionals engaged in mentorship activities.
Its creation was linked to the family of Jorge Mas Canosa, founder of the Cuban American National Foundation, who championed education as a means to expand opportunities for the new generations of exiles.
As per the official schedule, finalist interviews are set for March 2027, with the beneficiaries announced in April of that year.
Interested applicants can review all requirements at masfamilyscholarships.org/apply and complete the official application for 2027–2028 directly.
For questions regarding documentation, recommendations, or eligibility criteria, the program provides the email contact@masfamilyscholarships.org and the phone number (305) 507-7323.
With over three months available to submit applications, interested students have ample time to compile their dossiers, verify their familial ties to Cuba, and prepare the necessary essays and recommendations for the application.
Frequently Asked Questions about Mas Family Scholarships
Who is eligible for Mas Family Scholarships?
Students born in Cuba or direct descendants of Cubans who meet the academic and other criteria set by the organization are eligible to apply.
What are the key application requirements?
Applicants need a minimum unweighted GPA of 3.5, must be enrolled full-time at an accredited institution, and submit various documents including birth certificates, transcripts, and essays.
When is the application deadline for Mas Family Scholarships?
The deadline for submitting the application is January 31, 2027, while recommendations must be completed by February 8, 2027.
How can applicants verify their Cuban heritage?
Applicants can provide documents such as birth certificates, passports, citizenship certificates, or notarized affidavits to verify Cuban heritage.