The National Society of Hispanic MBAs' University Partnership Program Making Good on Promise in 2010

NSHMBA Program climbs to 58 partners and expected to reach even surpass original goal

DALLAS, Dec. 1, 2010 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Recognizing an MBA is the key to successful career advancement, the National Society of Hispanic MBAs (NSHMBA) responded with its University Partnership Programs (UPP).

Created in 2006, the UPP's goal provides select academic institutions an expanded pool of qualified Hispanic applicants for graduate business programs, while also providing financial assistance to Hispanic students and professionals to complete bachelor and master's degrees through scholarships, fellowships and assistantships to qualifying individuals.

Invigorating and supporting the Hispanic pipeline with students finishing higher education is the mission of the NSHMBA University Partnership Program (UPP), and with its latest tally of 58 schools and counting, the organization and the schools comprising the UPP are quickly establishing itself as a veritable powerhouse in the arena of Hispanic educational support.

With an average total financial assistance of more than $19,000 for each student, a total of 77 students were provided assistance in the amount of more than $1.48 million, which is a worthy accomplishment says NSHMBA CEO Manny Gonzalez, but one the organization can improve upon.

"Like many things of NSHMBA's, the University Partnership Program is a great initiative that we can and will make better," said Gonzalez.  "This program has the potential to really make a difference and to impact where it really counts -- Hispanic students."

"Our strategies under the organization's new vision and mission will allow us to hone in on our target audience and deliver on a scale that NSHMBA hasn't been able to in the past," said Gonzalez. "We've got great resources, great relationships and even greater are the universities and people within them who are truly motivated and affected by the endeavor this program afford. Expect to see wonderful things coming from this and other programs in 2011."

During the recent 2010 NSHMBA Conference & Career Expo in Chicago, recipients of the NSHMBA Scholarship and University Partnership Programs were recognized at a luncheon sponsored by Target. Recipients are among the best and brightest talent within the organization, and each are well-respected ambassadors of their schools and respective NSHMBA Chapters.

NSHMBA encourages more universities to join its Partnership Program and help build the number of opportunities available for top Hispanic students seeking MBAs, and to develop a close relationship with the NSHMBA local Chapters.

Additionally, those interested in pursuing an MBA are encouraged to get a jump on their career by taking advantage of the UPP opportunity and applying for assistance. For 2011, the organization is driven and focused on significantly increasing its visibility with top business schools across the country, which promises brighter futures for a broader spectrum of potential MBA applicants. Scholarship are available for great talent and the organization encourages candidates to take a look at NSHMBA's university partners to see how the program can assist in educational and career goals.

For more information about the NSHMBA University Partnership Program and the complete list of participating universities, visit www.nshmba.org/UPP.

About NSHMBA

The National Society of Hispanic MBAs (NSHMBA) was created in 1988 as a non-profit organization. Widely known as the "Premier Hispanic Organization," NSHMBA serves 32 chapters and over 6,700* members in the U.S. and Puerto Rico. It exists to increase the number of Hispanics graduating from MBA schools through scholarships, awareness programs and mentorship; enhance career management opportunities for Hispanic MBAs from school to leadership positions, through job placement and world class professional development; to be the partner of choice for organizations seeking to hire and develop Hispanic talent; and recruit and retain as life-long members a majority of Hispanic MBAs. For more information visit www.nshmba.org

*based on 2010 membership data

SOURCE National Society of Hispanic MBAs