​Today, American Honda Motor Co., Inc. and the Hispanic Scholarship Fund (HSF) recognized thirteen outstanding Latino undergraduate students from around the country at a scholarship awards luncheon held in their honor. Based on their demonstrated academic excellence, interest in science and engineering, and knowledge of the automotive industry, each student selected will receive $5,000 to help in their pursuit of a higher education, along with other opportunities to expand their career horizons. As part of its growing partnership with HSF, Honda increased its scholarship fund to $80,000 from $50,000 for the 2012-13 academic year, allowing for the distribution of additional scholarships to deserving Latino students, as well as increased internship opportunities and expanded contact with top executives. The grants will help students pay for tuition, books and living expenses. In order to be considered for the scholarship, students were required to carry a major in business administration, chemical, electrical, industrial, or mechanical engineering, and maintain at least a 3.0 grade point average. Selections were also based on knowledge of the automotive industry. During the scholarship award program held at Honda of America Mfg. in Marysville, Ohio, the scholarship recipients got an inside look into Honda’s manufacturing and research and development operations in Ohio, and met with top Honda executives to discuss the future of the auto industry. In addition, they are eligible to participate in Honda’s summer immersion/internship program for an in-depth experience in an automobile manufacturing environment. Nicholas Diaz, a 2011-12 scholarship recipient who participated in the internship program, met with the students to talk about his experiences at Honda of America Mfg. Diaz, who graduated from Ohio State University, now holds a permanent full-time position with the company. For more information about Honda’s partnership with the Hispanic Scholarship Fund, please visit at www.HSF.net. Quote from Honda “We created this program two years ago to not only celebrate the achievements of Hispanic students, but to also provide scholarships that would help relieve some of the financial strain associated with pursuing a higher education” said Marc Burt, assistant vice president, Office of Inclusion & Diversity at American Honda. “We are happy to see this program grow and to support even more deserving students.” Quote from HSF “Honda’s partnership with HSF demonstrates its commitment to improving access to higher education for Latino students,” said Frank D. Alvarez, President & CEO of the Hispanic Scholarship Fund. “We appreciate Honda’s willingness to invest in Hispanic youth through HSFand join us in our work to place a college degree in every Latino home across the country.” About Honda Honda is the world’s largest engine maker, producing a vast array of products, including automobiles, motorcycles, power equipment and, soon, jet aircraft – all designed to advance mobility and improve the lives of people through continued innovations in technology and design. Based on its belief in The Power of Dreams and in the ability of individuals to create a new and better future for society, Honda supports a variety of initiatives aimed at advancing education and creating experiences of discovery that help young people see and achieve their own dreams. Honda’s partnership with the Hispanic Scholarship Fund is one of many programs that demonstrate Honda’s commitment to the Latino community and to helping young people access The Power of Dreams. About Hispanic Scholarship Fund Founded in 1975, the Hispanic Scholarship Fund believes that the country prospers when all Americans have access to the opportunities a college education can afford. As the nation’s leading Hispanic higher education fund, HSF works to address the barriers that keep many Latinos from earning a college degree. HSF has awarded over $330 million in scholarships over the past 36 years and has supported a broad range of outreach and education programs to help students and their families navigate collegiate life, from gaining admission and securing financial aid to finding employment after graduation. HSF envisions a future where every Latino household will have at least one college graduate, creating an enduring impact on the college outlook of Latino families nationwide, and strengthening the American economy for generations to come. Media Contact Information: Erika Braxton-White American Honda Motor Co., Inc. ° 310-783-3549 (e) erika_braxton-white@ahm.honda.com Connect with Honda: Honda Media Newsroom (for journalists): www.hondanews.com Honda on YouTube: www.youtube.com/honda Honda on Flickr: www.flickr.com/hondanews Honda on Twitter: www.twitter.com/honda Honda on Facebook: http://facebook.com/honda