Colgate Supports the Next Generation of Changemakers with Annual Haz La U Grant Program

In partnership with the Hispanic Heritage Foundation, Colgate will sponsor $100,000 in educational grants for the 17th consecutive year.

NEW YORK, Sept. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Colgate, the brand found in more homes than any other, announces the Hispanic Heritage Foundation is now accepting applications for the Haz La U educational grant program. The Colgate brand-sponsored program will award 31 grants totaling $100,000 to high school seniors who exemplify academic excellence, leadership and a strong commitment to serving their communities. The application window for the 2026–2027 academic year is now open and will close on November 2, 2025.

This year, Colgate is proud to feature 2024 grant recipient Mia Romero, whose inspiring story embodies the spirit of the Haz La U program and aims to encourage a new wave of applicants. Mia was chosen for her resilience and determination in helping her community, whether by helping Latina students discover financial opportunities for college, volunteering at her local hospital, or serving as the Co-President and Assistant Executive Director for the Together Project, an organization that gifts free braces and pediatric dental care to underserved children. Driven by her grandfather's struggles with language barriers while receiving healthcare, Mia is now pursuing her passion for nursing at the University of St. Thomas.

Mia shares, "Receiving the Colgate Haz La U grant is invaluable as I study nursing and work towards ensuring every patient, especially those facing language barriers, receives the compassionate care and understanding they deserve. It's incredibly motivating to see my dedication to service rewarded in a way that is propelling me into the next chapter of my life."

"Colgate believes in supporting resilient young changemakers who smile with strength and give back to their communities," said Kevin-Jordan Deen, Senior Vice President & General Manager, Oral Care, Colgate-Palmolive North America. "Through Haz La U, the Colgate brand recognizes leaders like Mia Romero who are transforming their personal experiences into powerful advocacy and dedicating their lives to help others. Together, we are reimagining healthier futures for all."

The Colgate brand is a longtime partner of the Hispanic Heritage Foundation, sponsoring Haz La U grants for deserving high school students since 2009. "Our partnership with Colgate continues to be a powerful force in empowering the next generation of leaders," said Antonio Tijerino, President and Chief Executive Officer, Hispanic Heritage Foundation. "To date, the program has provided support to 497 rising high school seniors, with over $1.25 million donated by Colgate to fuel their educational journeys. We are incredibly proud to see students like Mia demonstrate the excellence and community commitment that this program fosters."

The Haz La U grant program will offer, on a regional level, 10 Gold level grants of $4,000 each; 10 Silver level grants of $3,000 each; and 10 Bronze level grants of $2,000 each. One regional winner will be selected to receive an additional national-level grant of $10,000.

To learn more about Mia's story and the Haz La U™ grant and the impact of the Colgate brand, visit https://www.colgate.com/en-us/mission/make-the-u.

About Colgate-Palmolive

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, and leadership, with culture serving as the cornerstone of its mission. Through the 27-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 
Eugenia Ambard 
[email protected]

SOURCE Colgate