José takes the mythical world of scholarships and financial aid, and brings it all back down to earth where it belongs!

In his interactive and entertaining seminars, José energizes and motivates parents, students, and educators to conquer their fears when applying for scholarships, internships and financial aid. His practical approach to understanding financial aid has helped students find the aid they needed to stay in school without large loans.

José's straight-forward but humorous style helps audiences take the confusing world of financial aid, and breaks it down in a way that can be understood by all. José does it all with enthusiasm, and shows his knowledge of the subject in a way that energizes the audience and gets them motivated to apply for the money they need.

Since retuning to school, José Vazquez has been awarded more than 23 different scholarships, receiving more than $150,000 in scholarships and grants (and still counting), for his undergraduate college education.

José’s personal road to education did not take the traditional path. After the death of his father, he dropped out of high school at the age of 17 to join the US Navy and help support his family. After his service, he worked in many different jobs. But his determination and hope to one day return to college never ceased. Taking night classes, he worked his way towards being a full time student. His experience in finding scholarships has led him to develop a series of workshops, as well as publish scholarship and financial aid related articles in different magazines and publications. He is currently a regular columnist for YOUNG MONEY Magazine.

In May 2001, José was featured in FASTWEB.COM’s “Scholarship Circle”, and quoted on his personal strategy. In October of that same year, Jose was asked to join nine of the other top winners of the Hispanic College Fund at their annual Gala in Washington DC.

During the summer of 2002, this former day laborer was awarded a prestigious internship through the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute, and worked in the United States Senate for the Honorable Sam Brownback of Kansas.It was during this time that José took the time to interview the judges and administrators of 20 of the nation's top scholarships , learning what really makes the best applicant, and what makes them stand out above the rest. In the August 2005 issue of Better Homes and Gardens, Jose was recognized for his dynamic scholarship strategy and his determination.

José has published the book, FREE CA$H FOR COLLEGE! The Everyday Students Guide to Scholarships and Financial Aid, and is currently working on a scholarship strategy guide for Non-Traditional students. He is a graduate of Western Illinois University, having majored in Marketing Management and Exercise Science, and has recieved graduate education from Southern Illinois University in Higher Education.  He is currently a Masters in Business Adminstration Candidate at Western Illinois University.

To learn more about the seminars he offers, see his seminars page.