Hispanic Sports and Academic Enrichment Program
The goal of Hispanic Sports and Academic Enrichment Program (HSAEP) is to assist students in recognizing their potential and encourage them to take action through continued athletic and academic endeavors. Each year students from over 60 schools, in some 20 cities in Southern and Central Arizona are honored for their achievements in both academics and athletics. We realize that no one student is capable of excelling without a stable support system, such as parents, teachers, coaches, and administrators alike. As caretakers of today's youth, these individuals are also acknowledged for their efforts as the students travel their journey. Among those honored in past years are: Richard Sanchez, Head Coach of Sunnyside High School's Arizona State Champion football team, Mother of the Year Maria Del Carmen Garcia; Teacher of the Year Dale Lopez, Roskruge Bilingual Magnet School; Administrator of the Year Charles C. Bermudez, Amphitheatre Middle School; and Coach of the Year Diana Balderama, Roskruge Bilingual Magnet School
School administrators from each school nominate a male and female 8th and 12th grade student who has a 3.0 or higher grade point average, good attendance, and stellar citizenship. This includes, but is not limited to, academic achievements, school and community involvement, and leadership activities. All candidates are recognized as Student-Athlete of the Year for their respective schools at a unique awards ceremony and luncheon that is held each year in early May.
HSAEP was founded in 1984 by a group of Latino community leaders in Tucson, Arizona: Joel Valdez, University of Arizona Senior Vice President of Business Affairs; Dr. Pepe Barrón, founder and C.E.O. of Luz Social Services, Inc. and Superintendent of Luz-Guerrero Early College and Adalberto M. Guerrero Middle School; Larry Toledo, Co-Founder of H.O.P.E. Street Productions and Chair of Southern Arizona International Film Festival; Eddie Rios, Education Advocate; Rudy Castro, former Tucson City Councilmember and Pima Community College Board Member; Gil Gutierrez, former UA Football player; and Fred G. Acosta, former Director of the Tucson Job Corp Center.
Click Here to submit your application Online!
