The Harrisonburg SLI Meet & Greet on March 21 celebrated college access by bringing together SLI scholars and alumni, program directors, board members, and community supporters for delicious food and drinks at El Sol Mexican Restaurant.
“SLI is a network that you can always rely on,” said SLI alum Yesenia to those gathered, which included representatives of Eastern Mennonite University, Harrisonburg City Public Schools, and Sentara Health. A communication sciences and disorders major and Spanish-English translation and interpretation minor, she encouraged current SLI scholars to maintain their connections with the “uplifting” program.
“It’s nice to know I still have mentors,” she said.
SLI leaders were also introduced, including Harrisonburg program directors Hannah Bowman Hrasky and Carlos Alemán, SLI board chair Fawn-Amber Montoya, Ph.D.
The mission of Scholars Latino Initiative (SLI) is to support Latino/a/x high school students with college access through rigorous academic challenge, leadership development, scholarships, and supportive mentorships.
Through collaborations with university and high school staff, faculty, and students, SLI provides college access opportunities throughout high school. In addition, its scholars can become eligible for financial support for college success. Since 2012 SLI has served 201 scholars (71 current and 130 alumni) and awarded more than $700,000 in financial support for students. SLI scholars have attended 25 colleges and universities.
