FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

ABOUT HERMANDAD DE SIGMA IOTA ALPHA, INC. (SIA): SIA was founded in New York on September 29, 1990 by thirteen Latina women with the purpose of creating an organization that would help their communities, unite women, promote the Latino culture and uphold a set of distinct goals. Our dedication to scholarship, service and professional development within the Latino community has grown beyond New York, with chapters in several states including New Jersey, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Texas, Illinois, Michigan, Arkansas, Kansas and California. We are also a 501(c)7 tax exempt organization and we work in conjunction with the Solidaridad, Inspiración, Amistad Community Foundation, Inc. a 501(c)3 Community Foundation committed to scholarship, service and professional development within Latino communities nationally.For more information visit: www.hermandad-sia.org

The Solidaridad, Inspiracion, y Amistad Community Foundation (SIA Foundation) announces the Excelen-SIA Academic Scholarship. The scholarship program is announced in partnership with Hermandad de Sigma Iota Alpha, Inc. Latinos, commonly known as the fastest growing demographic in the country, have one of the highest academic drop-out rates. Latinos not only have to face the normal hurdles of an academic education, but many face the additional challenge of being first-generation students, with home and financial obligations, and a lack of educational resources. This can make it difficult for more Latinos to successfully complete their education. The SIA Foundation is striving to ensure that finances never be a part of that reason. The Excelen-SIA Scholarship program, in existence since 2004, has been created to provide an opportunity for young men and women who will benefit receiving financial assistance in order to help with expenses for their education. The Program is open to students who have recently graduated high school and are beginning freshman year in an accredited 4-year college, or a college freshman entering sophomore standing attending a

4-year college or university in the United States or it’s territories. A one time payment of $1,500 will be awarded. More information, including further eligibility criteria about the Excelen-SIA program can be found at www.hermandad-sia.org/. Applications will be accepted through June 30, 2013. Scholarship recipient will be recognized at the 23rd Annual Anniversary Banquet to be held on September 28, 2013 in Urbana, IL.

EXCELEN-SIA ACADEMIC SCHOLARSHIPProviding pathways towards excellence in education

NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONSNationwide – April 17, 2013

!Hermandad de Sigma Iota Alpha, Inc.

P. O . B o x 11 7 3 ■ N e w Yo r k , N Y 1 0 1 5 6v p . c o m m u n i c a t i o n s . 1 9 9 0 @ g m a i l . c o m

F a x : 1 8 7 7 5 1 6 7 S I A!