History of the Hispanic Excellence Scholarship Fund

The Hispanic Excellence Scholarship Fund (HESF) is a California State University, Bakersfield initiative, established in 1984 by now CSU President Emeritus Dr. Tomás A. Arciniega (CSUB President 1983-2004) to increase access to a college education for academically excellent financially deserving underrepresented students, regardless of race or ethnicity, who demonstrate leadership potential. We are proud to say they now are entering the university in record numbers.

CSUB continues to offer HESF strong university support through continuation of the President’s Scholarship Matching Program (PSMP) through which local funds raised are matched on a 1:1 basis through Lottery funds — your donations are doubled.

Over the past 42 years, HESF has become an impressive program that says volumes about the commitment and generosity of our community to its rising leaders.

Led by Board President Mr. Ed Herrera, the CSUB-HESF Community Advisory Board is comprised of representatives from the local business, governmental and educational communities. These community leaders enthusiastically participate in this fundraising endeavor — they are strong student advocates and serve as CSUB-HESF goodwill community ambassadors.

CSUB-HESF had grown to become one of the premiere state university-based scholarship programs of its kind. The program continues to grow in student success. As of 2025, CSUB-HESF had assisted over 1,900 local students pursue their dreams of higher education, awarding over $3.2 million in scholarships. CSUB-HESF graduates go on to become our local business, government, educational and community leaders.

Tonight we are recognizing 30 excellent students with awards totaling $60,000. CSUB-HESF is planning. In partnership with the national Hispanic Scholarship Fund (HSF), in 2000 a joint endowment fund was established now valued at nearly $700,000. A growing number of scholarships are now funded through this endowment collaborative. CSUB-HESF has also formed other strong local partnerships, for example with Youth 2 Leaders Education Foundation, together we are leveraging our efforts to benefit local students.

Local support has been truly impressive as corporations, individuals, and family donors have responded generously. While we welcome new supporters, most of our sponsors join CSUB annually in this effort — we especially thank our long-time supporters. HESF is an important illustration of "Excellence at CSUB."