Notre Dame de Namur University President Leamor Kahanov and Bobby Vaughn, Director of Mission, Diversity, and Inclusion, attended the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities conference. Here’s what HACU does and how students can explore its scholarship and internship programs.

A scholarship can make it easier to cover college expenses. A paid internship can give a student the chance to try out a career while earning income. Both can open up options that might otherwise feel out of reach, especially for students balancing school with work or family responsibilities.

These are two of the student opportunities offered by the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU). NDNU President Leamor Kahanov and Bobby Vaughn, Director of Mission, Diversity, and Inclusion, attended the HACU conference, which brings higher education leaders together around a shared goal of advancing Hispanic student success. For NDNU, participating in that conversation is a way to stay connected to resources we can share with students. hacu.net

What is HACU?

The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities is a nonprofit membership organization that works to improve access to higher education and support Hispanic student success. It brings together colleges and universities and works with partners across government and industry. Its work includes advocacy, conferences, leadership development, and programs that help students pursue their education and prepare for careers. hacu.net

How can HACU scholarships help students?

Tuition is only one part of the cost of attending college. Books, transportation, and other expenses can add up over a semester. A scholarship can help ease that pressure and give students more room to focus on their coursework or plan for the next term.

HACU administers scholarships funded by its partners. Students exploring these awards should review the eligibility requirements, deadlines, and application materials for each opportunity. Checking early gives applicants time to gather any documents they need and ask questions before the deadline. my.hacu.net

What can students gain from a HACU internship?

The HACU National Internship Program connects students with paid opportunities at federal agencies and private-sector organizations. An internship gives students a chance to put what they’ve learned in class to work, build relationships with professionals, and see what a role is like day to day. hacu.net

That firsthand experience can help students make more informed career decisions. A student might discover that they enjoy working directly with clients, prefer analyzing data behind the scenes, or want to explore a field they hadn’t considered. They also come away with specific examples of their work to discuss in future interviews. And because the internships are paid, students who need to earn income can weigh the opportunity alongside their other work commitments.

Why NDNU’s participation matters

For students, finding an opportunity is often the first hurdle. A scholarship can be easy to overlook if it’s offered outside the university. An internship can feel out of reach if a student hasn’t seen how their coursework or previous work experience connects to the role.

Conferences like HACU give university leaders a chance to learn about resources beyond campus and keep those opportunities visible to students. For NDNU, that means helping students know where to look for support as they work toward a degree and consider what comes next.

Explore HACU Opportunities and Find Your Path at NDNU

If you’re looking for help with college costs or want to gain hands-on experience, start by reviewing the eligibility requirements and deadlines for HACU scholarships and paid internships.

Whether you’re finishing your bachelor’s degree, changing careers, or pursuing graduate study, explore what you can study at Notre Dame de Namur University’s three schools.

  • School of Business and Management — Build the skills to lead teams and make informed business decisions. NDNU’s MBA offers concentrations in areas such as artificial intelligence, business analytics, finance, and healthcare administration.
  • School of Education — Prepare to teach, lead a school, or support learners with diverse needs. Explore teaching credentials and graduate programs in education, school administration, special education, and educational therapy.
  • School of Psychology — Explore human behavior through the BA in Psychology Degree Completion program or pursue graduate training through the MS in Clinical Psychology, with pathways in marriage and family therapy and professional clinical counseling.

Ready to take the next step? Explore NDNU’s academic programs and connect with Admissions.