Colgate Empowers Resilient Young Leaders to Build Brighter Futures Through Annual Haz La U Grant Program
PR Newswire
NEW YORK, Sept. 15, 2026
For the 18th consecutive year, Colgate will sponsor $100,000 in educational grants in partnership with the Hispanic Heritage Foundation
News Summary:
- Applications for the 2027-2028 Haz La U™ (Make the U) educational grant are now open.
- The program will award 31 grants totaling $100,000 to high school seniors demonstrating academic excellence and community leadership.
- Since its inception, the program has awarded 528 grants totaling more than $1.35 million.
NEW YORK, Sept. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Colgate, the brand found in more homes than any other, today announced that the Hispanic Heritage Foundation is now accepting applications for the Haz La U™ grant program. The Colgate brand-sponsored program will award 31 grants totaling $100,000 to high school seniors who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership and a deep commitment to their communities. Applications will close on November 1, 2026.
“Colgate-Palmolive’s mission is to create healthier and brighter futures for all, one smile at a time,” said Lilia Fusa, Senior Vice President & General Manager, Oral Care, Colgate-Palmolive North America. “Through Haz La U, we are committed to supporting young changemakers who are making a meaningful impact in their communities. At Colgate, we believe your smile is your strength — and we are honored to help these young leaders carry theirs forward.”
This year, Colgate is highlighting the inspirational story of 2025 grant recipient Maximus (Max) Elmorry. Max personifies the spirit of the Haz La U program through his resilience and commitment to advancing education for underserved youth. Inspired by his parents’ dedication to building a brighter future for their community, he began leading free coding workshops and hackathons for local students. Today, Max is continuing that journey at Harvard University, studying computer science on a full four-year scholarship.
Max shares, “Receiving the Colgate Haz La U grant has had an incredible impact on me as I begin studying computer science to one day build technology and initiatives that create more accessible educational opportunities for students like me. I’m motivated by the program’s work in empowering students to dream bigger, and I hope to continue that legacy by serving others and creating opportunities for the next generation.”
The Colgate brand has sponsored Haz La U grants for excelling high school students for 18 years and has awarded 528 grants totaling more than $1.35 million. “For nearly two decades, our partnership with Colgate has helped uplift the next generation of leaders,” said Antonio Tijerino, President and Chief Executive Officer, Hispanic Heritage Foundation. “High school seniors across the country are demonstrating remarkable leadership and academic achievement, and we are inspired by students like Max who are building brighter futures for themselves and their communities.”
The Haz La U grant program will offer the following grants on a regional level:
- 10 Gold Level Grants: $4,000 each
- 10 Silver Level Grants: $3,000 each
- 10 Bronze Level Grants: $2,000 each
- 1 National Grant: $10,000
Visit the Haz La U program page to learn more about Max’s story, the grant and the impact of the Colgate brand.
About Colgate-Palmolive Company
Colgate-Palmolive Company is a caring, innovative growth company that is reimagining a healthier future for all people, their pets and our planet. Focused on Oral Care, Personal Care, Home Care and Pet Nutrition, we sell our products in more than 200 countries and territories under brands such as Colgate, Palmolive, elmex, hello, meridol, Sorriso, Tom’s of Maine, EltaMD, Filorga, Irish Spring, Lady Speed Stick, PCA SKIN, Protex, Sanex, Softsoap, Speed Stick, Ajax, Axion, Fabuloso, Murphy, Soupline and Suavitel, as well as Hill’s Science Diet, Hill’s Prescription Diet and Prime100. We are recognized for our leadership and innovation in promoting sustainability and community wellbeing, including our achievements in decreasing plastic waste and promoting recyclability, saving water, conserving natural resources and improving children’s oral health through the Colgate Bright Smiles, Bright Futures program, which has reached approximately 2 billion children and their families since 1991. For more information about Colgate’s global business and how we are building a future to smile about, visit www.colgatepalmolive.com.
About the Hispanic Heritage Foundation and the Youth Awards
The Hispanic Heritage Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing education, workforce development, societal impact, leadership and culture. Through the 28-year-old Youth Awards, thousands of high school students from all 50 states, plus Puerto Rico and D.C., have been recognized for their achievements in the classroom and community, and their focus on a career path in all STEM areas, entrepreneurship, media, public service, and other categories. Visit www.HispanicHeritage.org.
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Media Contact
Colgate@bursonglobal.com
SOURCE Colgate
