Making a difference since 2022
The Sydney Hernandez Foundation
About Us
Paving the Way to a Brighter Future
At The Sydney Hernandez Foundation, we believe that the best solutions come from the people who are most affected by the problem. We have dedicated our lives to working with young journalists, because we've been there— providing whatever support they need in order to unlock their potential. We want all individuals to envision their goals and realize they have the ability to make their dreams a reality.
The Sydney Hernandez Foundation Scholarship is awarded to students who demonstrate "talent and passion" in the media industry and aspire to pursue a career in the communications field.
Meet the Board
These are the elite group of journalists that will review scholarship submissions
TV News Producer
Sam Garza
Samantha is a news producer at KVEO-TV. She grew up in Allende, Nuevo Leon, a small town just three hours south of the border. She moved to the Valley in 2015 to finish high school. Garza began her journalism career at the University of Texas- Rio Grande Valley. During her college career, Garza worked under multiple Student Media programs, and did volunteer media work for local organizations, such as Mujeres Unidas. Garza, who was earned state recognition for her broadcasting skills, began working at KVEO within two months after graduation. She hopes to inspire and help growing journalists through The Sydney Hernandez Foundation.
Founder, Evening News Anchor
Sydney Hernandez
Sydney is the 3-X EMMY Nominated and Associated Press Award Winning evening news anchor for CBS 4 News in the Rio Grande Valley. During her career, Sydney was selected by The White House to travel with Former President Donald J. Trump during his two trips to the border. Sydney has interviewed dozens of politicians in exclusives such as Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and Sen. Ted Cruz. Sydney runs her own non-profit organization, "Sydney's Soldiers" where she ships military care packages overseas. Sydney prioritizes volunteer work such as being a part of Edinburg Crime Stoppers, the Special Olympics of the RGV and the current Miss Edinburg Latina.
Creative Production Manager
Lori Herrera
​Lori Herrera was born and raised in the Rio Grande Valley. For the past three years, she has worked as a Creative Producer at KVEO-TV. She attended and graduated from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies. Lori owns her online vintage shop where she learned about business, sales, and marketing. She also serves as a board member for the Brownsville Beautification Committee, knows American Sign Language, and has a passion for Astronomy. Lori is proud to be on the Sydney Hernandez Foundation where she can make even the smallest impact on the education of students in the hometown she loves.
Requirements
The Sydney Hernandez Foundation Scholarship is awarded to a student who demonstrates "talent and passion" in the media industry and aspires to pursue a career in the communications field.
Applicants for the Sydney Hernandez Foundation Scholarship must be a college, university, or a graduate student during the summer 2022 or fall 2022 term. Students in the media, communications, and journalism field are eligible for the $500.00 scholarship as long as they are working towards a degree.
Students must submit an application for the scholarship by August 20, 2022.
Get to Know Us
The Sydney Hernandez Foundation started as a way for News Anchor Sydney Hernandez to give back to aspiring journalists looking to launch their career.
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Every student deserves to rise up equally, especially if they desire to ask the tough questions, hold the powerful accountable and one day lead.
Unfortunately, the costs of higher education can be prohibitive, and this is why The Sydney Hernandez Foundation developed a scholarship that would support students in their journey to success.
The Sydney Hernandez Scholarship Recipient
Fall 2022
Benjamin Alvarado- Brownsville, TX | UTRGV
The Sydney Hernandez Scholarship Rising Star
Fall 2022
Fatima Gamez- Edinburg, TX | UTRGV
The Sydney Hernandez Scholarship Finalists
Fall 2022
Arisbeth Rodriguez
Karen Lucero
Matthew Gonzalez
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Contact Us
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be a student in Texas to receive the scholarship?
You do not need to attend a university or college in the state of Texas. Any student in the U.S. looking to pursue a career in media may apply!
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Do I need to be a journalism student to apply?
The recipient must be studying some form of communications such as broadcast journalism, public relations, communications, radio and TV, etc.
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How will I be notified if I win the scholarship?
You will be contact by our board via e-mail to set up a secondary interview for confirmation of the submission.
Frequently Asked Questions
For Well-Informed Decisions
Does The Sydney Hernandez Foundation distribute recurring grants, or should applicants reapply each year?
Enter your answer here. Be thoughtful, write clearly and concisely, and consider adding written as well as visual examples. Go over what you’ve written to make sure that if it was the first time you were visiting the site, you’d understand your answer.
Do I have to be a Texas student to receive the scholarship?
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How much money does Sydney Hernandez Foundation distribute every year?
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Does the money from the scholarship have to be spent specifically on campus, etc?
Enter your answer here. Be thoughtful, write clearly and concisely, and consider adding written as well as visual examples. Go over what you’ve written to make sure that if it was the first time you were visiting the site, you’d understand your answer.
Enter your answer here. Be thoughtful, write clearly and concisely, and consider adding written as well as visual examples. Go over what you’ve written to make sure that if it was the first time you were visiting the site, you’d understand your answer.