Education is the key to unlocking countless opportunities and achieving personal and professional success. However, only some have equal access to quality education, which can hinder their chances of reaching their full potential. Recognizing this disparity, the Hortencia Zavala Foundation (HZF) was established to empower students and provide them with the necessary resources to overcome educational barriers.

Since its inception in 2017, HZF, a nonprofit organization, has worked with the National Association of Hispanic Journalists (NAHJ) and its local professional chapters to identify worthy candidates for scholarship awards.

In 2021, the Hortencia Zavala Foundation expanded its support of young journalists to include a 12-week journalism camp. Covering race, ethnicity, and culture: a guideline for fair and accurate storytelling, led by Hugo Balta, twice president of the NAHJ and Publisher of the Latino News Network (LNN), is designed to go beyond the inverted pyramid of basic news writing in examining the terminology, usage, and word choice of stories providing greater visibility and understanding of deep-rooted inequities in all aspects of society.

In 2024, HZF sponsored paid internships. An internship is a golden opportunity for students interested in journalism and media, offering a unique and valuable experience that can shape their future careers and open doors to endless possibilities.

Jacquelyn Jimenez Romero, a final-year student at the University of Washington, is the Hortencia Zavala Foundation Spring intern. Jacquelyn is working with Washington Latino News and The News Tribune.

“It’s been exciting getting to immerse myself into the stories I produce to create stories that are reflective of my culture and community. Additionally, creating and fostering trust with Latinos in Washington state has been extremely valuable,” Jacquelyn said.

Please consider making a donation to support students with scholarships by clicking HERE.