Hispanics of Today & Tomorrow

Specific Need

Hispanics Of Today and Tomorrow (H.O.T.T.) fundraise to provide educational funds for students of Hispanic descent. Scholarships are awarded each year to eligible graduating high school seniors that reside in the Emporia area. All proceeds will be used to aid students of Hispanic heritage in their pursuit of a college degree and a variety of culturally immersive and educational experiences that serve a population size of about 77,000 people in the surrounding Lyon County areas. 

Mission

The organization's mission is to preserve the Hispanic Heritage for future generations.  H.O.T.T.'s focus is to strengthen the bridges of communication and understanding among all diverse cultures, to ensure Hispanic participation in the mainstream by providing scholarships for graduating Hispanic seniors.  With positive impact we are able to reach to the community and help other non-profit organizations.

Profile

Hispanics Of Today and Tomorrow also known as H.O.T.T. was established in 1998 to provide scholarships to seniors of Hispanic descent from Emporia High in pursuit of post-secondary education. H.O.T.T. has partnered with many local organizations to reach a broader part of the community. In conjunction with other nonprofits, H.O.T.T. has been able to help the community deliver programs and events that create a stronger Emporia, from helping search for a cure for cancer and leukemia to providing school supplies to USD 253 district. H.O.T.T. is invested in the community's betterment and expresses it by providing financial support to those looking to further their education. Providing well-educated people is its share to the community. 

HOTT encourages and educates Latino leaders who want to make a difference in the local community while embracing their culture and heritage. Since 1999, H.O.T.T. has distributed more than 300 scholarships adding up to $107,300. Funds for scholarships are gathered through fundraising and contributions from the Cinco de Mayo candidates. The candidates running for Cinco de Mayo queen and princess, work tirelessly to raise funds that go towards scholarships. The queen and princess are named and crowned during the Cinco de Mayo celebration in downtown Emporia, but their role does not stop there. Throughout the year they visit schools and attend local events advocating for education and teaching what H.O.T.T. is about.

To spread awareness about H.O.T.T.'s culture a folkloric dance group was formed called Raices Hispanas Grupo Folkloriko. They wow crowds as they perform typical Mexican dances in typical Mexican attire. Raices Hispanas present their dances to the public at different events and they have had the opportunity to expand their horizons by traveling to Wichita and Madison, Kansas.  Raices Hispanas welcomes anybody wanting to join the group and experience the culture first-hand. 

H.O.T.T. and Raices Hispanas Grupo Folkloriko are composed of volunteers. They all donate their time and effort to this great cause. Without the tremendous support from donors, who believe in the cause, H.O.T.T. would not be able to sustain itself. Hispanics of Today and Tomorrow appreciate the help from their volunteers and support from the generous donations throughout the years.