Wisconsin Hispanic Scholarship Foundation Inc

Our mission provides a cultural and educational environment to enhance and improve academic success of the Hispanic community while promoting a better understanding of the arts, history, literature and perpetuation of Hispanic culture. Wisconsin Hispanic Scholarship foundation whsfassists in opening opportunities for advancement in the quality of life among hispanics. Yearround activities of the WHSF serve as a vehicle to provide, enhance and understand the cultural, educational, artistic, economic devlopment and literary environment of the Hispanic community in the metro milwaukee area, as well as throughout the state and the country. WHSF stages an annual 3-day festival Mexican fiesta on the lakefront summerfest grounds each august. An event undertaken by WHSF's army of 2,000 volunteers and attendance averages over 100,000 annually. Anchoring the grounds, is the huge cultural village with artisans, vendors, and exhibitors from Mexico and other countries, as well as educational forums. As many as 600 musical & dance participants from Mexico, South America and the United States are major attraction. Ethnicity plays a key role also with an array of Mexican food and beverages from over 100 vendors. The vendors fill a market square along with a children's area, a unique car show, and amusement rides. A social service resource center is available for attendees. A number of beverage tents are staffed by local community nonprofits providing an economic benefit to these valued entities. Critically important is WHSF's ongoing work with the Mexican embassy in Chicago and milwaukee. To deal with public health issues that affect our community, WHSF sponsors a fiesta walk to create & maximize public awareness of the devastating effects of obesity and Diabetes as well as promote positive prevention strategies. Other vital endeavors of WHSF include day of the dead-dia de los muertos events, celebration of the january epiphany, a student/parents educational forum to support young people aspiring to higher education, a taco dinner event is held in the spring. In july, WHSF holds the viva mke marketplace to support local businesses. A golf tournament is held in the summer and WHSF takes part in the annual holiday folk fair. Since its inception, the organization has awarded over $1.8 Million scholarships to over 700 students, fraternities, sororities, and nonprofits (community based organizations.) the programs run by WHSF play an important role in the economic development of Wisconsin and States of Mexico by generating income, creating jobs and bringing prosperity to the regions. The fiesta supports entrepreneurs, attracts visitors to milwaukee, promotes Mexican products and organizes a market to an international audience. These benefits extend to local hotels, restaurants, entertainment venues, retail shopping etc. the estimated economic impact of the 3-day fiesta is $8.6 Million and a resultant $480,000 in state taxes paid. WHSF is administered by small paid staff which is augmented by thousands of volunteers. At the heart of our organization lies a profound commitment to serving our community. Through dedicated collaboration with local, national, and international organizations, our facility has transformed into a vibrant nexus, a meeting ground where an array of services onverge to benefit our community.