About

About SLI

MISSION:
Scholars Latino Initiative (SLI) supports Latino/a/x high school students with college access through rigorous academic challenge, leadership development, scholarships, and supportive mentorships. 

APPROACH:
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 college dual enrollment and AP course tuition assistance while in high school, and SLI scholarships and technology grants for college success.

IMPACT:
With generous funding from the SLI community of support, since 2012 SLI has served 201 scholars (71 current and 130 alumni) and awarded more than $700,000 in financial support for students. SLI teachers and professors also help to connect scholars to additional funding opportunities, and SLI scholars have attended 25 colleges and universities.

This year a record $264,500 – or two thirds of SLI’s 2025 budget – is allocated for:
• Dual-enrollment and Advanced Placement course tuition assistance for eligible SLI scholars taking college courses while still in high school. These courses improve college readiness, enhance academic portfolios, and may reduce the number of credit hours needed in college. Prior years total: $28,640
• $1,250 technology grants that help SLI scholars graduating from high school to purchase the technology they need for college. Prior years total: $106,945
• College scholarships of up to $6,000 that support eligible SLI scholars and alumni who pursuing their higher education and career goals. Prior years total: $561,977

CONTEXT:
SLI scholars experience unique circumstances as in many cases first-generation college students; as talented but often invisible individuals; as children from families that are disproportionately under-resourced and disenfranchised; and as members of a growing population that is underrepresented on college campuses.

VISION:
SLI is a community-based, not-for-profit organization built on partnerships with high schools, universities, communities, students, and parents, and dedicated to advancing Latinx students’ post-high school educational opportunities. SLI advocates for Latinx opportunities and strives for social justice and equity. Scholars are mentored to be leaders that positively contribute to their communities.

PROGRAMMING:
Students who apply and are selected to be SLI scholars participate in various activities which may include:

★Accepting new academic challenges and leadership responsibilities that empower their paths to higher education, with guidance from SLI high school teachers and university student mentors;
★Developing personal statements and goals, evaluating careers and majors, applying for college admittance, and seeking financial aid, all with the help of faculty mentors;
★Participating in family-inclusive programming that fosters skills and knowledge needed for supporting college access; and
★Receiving friendship, social support, and help for navigating the challenges that come with being a Latinx college-bound student.

SLI scholars have also participated in college-level writing and analysis seminars taught by university faculty members, college-readiness programming, leadership and service partnerships with community organizations, and leadership and networking retreats held on university campuses.