The Hispanic Heritage Youth Awards were founded in 1998 to celebrate the accomplishments of Latino high school seniors in the classroom and community. This national leadership program collects more than 5,500 applications. The students have applied to the following seven categories Business, Academic Excellence, Education, Journalism, Math & Engineering, Leadership and Sports. During the 12 high-profile and galvanizing events, a diverse group of corporate sponsors including ExxonMobil, NBC/Telemundo, Southwest Airlines, Sallie Mae, Sprint Foundation, The National Society of Hispanic MBA’s and Subway present students with medallions of recognition and honor in front of an influential audience of community and business leaders, elected officials, families and students.