NEW YORK, Sept. 17, 2014 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, Colgate-Palmolive has partnered with the Hispanic Heritage Foundation (HHF) to kick- off of the company’s annual Haz la U™ educational grant program. Now in its sixth year, the Haz la U™ program will partner with the HHF’s Youth Awards program and its community service “track,” which focuses on high school seniors dedicated to helping their communities while maintaining a 3.5 GPA or higher, to award $45,000 in grants to 30 students.

“Colgate continues to invest in increasing the amount of Hispanics enrolled in college by helping assuage financial stress for families,” said, Carla Kelly, General Manager of Multicultural Marketing, Colgate-Palmolive. “Our partnership with the Hispanic Heritage Foundation is a testament to the value we place not only in educating our leaders but also on celebrating individuals who are looking to help their communities.”

Beginning today through October 31, students can apply for the community service “track” via www.hhfawards.hispanicheritage.org. Thirty high school students will be selected by the Hispanic Heritage Foundation to receive $1,500 educational grants from Colgate-Palmolive to help pay for higher education. All grant recipients will also be eligible to participate in the HHF’s ‘Latinos on Fast Track’ (LOFT), a national program that accelerates careers by providing professional career guidance.

“We’re pleased that the Colgate Palmolive Company is not only involved, but is working closely working with us to spread awareness about our youth programs by encouraging our young leaders to get engaged,” said Jose Antonio Tijerino, HHF President and CEO. “Colgate’s Haz la U™ educational grant program helps alleviate some of the financial pressures that first-year students and their families experience, with the broader goal of increasing graduation rates.”

For the last 15 years, the HHF’s Youth Awards program has honored hundreds of young Latino leaders in the U.S. with grants to help finance college tuition or to help fund a community service effort of their choice.  To learn more about Haz la U™ and to access application guidelines, please visit www.colgate.com/hazlau.

About Colgate-Palmolive Company
Colgate-Palmolive is a leading global consumer products company, tightly focused on oral care, personal care, home care and pet nutrition. Colgate-Palmolive sells its products in over 200 countries and territories around the world, under such internationally recognized brand names as Colgate, Palmolive, Mennen, Softsoap, Irish Spring, Protex, Sorriso, Kolynos, Elmex, Tom’s of Maine, Sanex, Ajax, Axion, Soupline, and Suavitel, as well as Hill’s Science Diet and Hill’s Prescription Diet. For more information about Colgate-Palmolive’s global business, visit the Company’s website at www.Colgate.com. To learn more about Colgate Bright Smiles, Bright Futures®, Colgate’s global oral health education program, please visit http://www.colgatebsbf.com.

About HHF and LOFT
The Hispanic Heritage Foundation, a nonprofit originally established by the White House in 1987, inspires, prepares, positions and connects minority leaders in the classroom, community and workforce to meet America’s priorities.  HHF also promotes cultural pride, accomplishment, and the great promise of the community through public awareness campaigns seen by millions.  HHF is headquartered in Washington, DC, and has offices in Los Angeles, New York and the LOFT Institute is housed at Michigan State University (Visit www.HispanicHeritage.org). Follow Hispanic Heritage Foundation on Facebook and @HHFoundation on Twitter.

HHF’s award-winning LOFT leadership and workforce development program is divided into 10 “Tracks,” or industries, which are priorities for America including Innovation & Technology, Science & Healthcare, Engineering, Finance, Entrepreneurship, Education, Public Service, Law, Media & Entertainment, and Latinas.  Tens of thousands of students and young professionals are connected to each other and to mentors and resources; over 50 trainings, workshops, and informal Charlas are hosted across the country; creative initiatives are executed; and hundreds of minorities are placed into internships, mentorships, fellowships and full-time positions with Fortune 500 companies and government agencies.  Visit www.loftinnovation.org, and join http://loftnetwork.org to get on the fast track to leadership.  Follow LOFTinstitute on Twitter.