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:
SLI is a collaboration with high school and university faculty, staff, and student mentors to offer out-of-school, college access programs for high school students (“SLI scholars”) in Harrisonburg, Richmond, and Winchester, Virginia. With generous funding from its community of support, SLI creates college scholarships, tech grants, and other financial assistance opportunities for SLI scholars and alumni.
IMPACT:
Since its incorporation in 2012 SLI has served 242 scholars (69 current and 173 alumni) and awarded students more than $1 million. SLI alumni have attended 32 colleges and universities. Read their testimonials here.
SLI awards include:
• 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.
• SLI Technology Grants help SLI alumni purchase the technology they need for college.
• SLI College Scholarships support eligible SLI alumni pursuing their higher education and career goals.
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. Participation in SLI can help lead to life-changing college access: Higher education is linked to increased wellbeing and better health; first-generation college students give their own children increased college opportunities; adults with higher education are more likely to engage with friends, family, and neighbors for greater wellbeing and resilience; highly educated adults are more likely to vote, volunteer, and donate; and, for college grads, work fits better with their talents and interested (vasli.org/sources).
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. These 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; college-level writing and analysis seminars taught by university faculty members; leadership and service partnerships with community organizations; and leadership and networking retreats held on university campuses; and
★ Receiving friendship, social support, and help for navigating the challenges that come with being a Latinx college-bound student.
