The college access nonprofit Scholars Latino Initiative (SLI) has announced three new program directors whose leadership will support high school students pursuing college access: Dulce Alonso, a SLI alum and an ESL teacher at Harrisonburg High School, and Sara Shoemaker and Elizabeth Cranford, both counselors at John Handley High School in Winchester.
SLI supports 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 offers its scholars college access opportunities during 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. SLI alumni have attended 28 colleges and universities.
SLI program directors “are the hands and feet of SLI’s mission,” said SLI board member Bryan Pearce-Gonzales during SLI Celebración earlier this month, noting that SLI “changes lives through the people who inspire and … guide the students who are SLI scholars.”
Continuing program directors in Harrisonburg are Hannah Bowman Hrasky, an AVID teacher at Rocktown High School, and Carlos Alemán, PhD, a professor of communication studies at James Madison University, who have both served SLI scholars for more than a dozen years. In Richmond they are Ester Orellana, a teacher at Huguenot High School, and SLI founder Peter Iver Kaufman, who holds the George Matthews & Virginia Brinkley Modlin Chair in Leadership Studies in the Jepson School of Leadership Studies at the University of Richmond.
With guidance from program directors, SLI scholars participate in various activities that 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.
Alonso was a member of Harrisonburg SLI’s first cohort, graduating from Harrisonburg High School and simultaneously completing an associate degree from Blue Ridge Community College in 2015. Two years later she completed her bachelor of arts degree in government and international affairs at George Mason University, where she was an academic mentor and a student success coach with the Early Identification Program and an external vice-president of the Mason DREAMers. She was an Antonin Scalia Law School Global Politics Fellow in 2016, has earned a paralegal studies certificate from JMU, and has worked with medical records at Healthy Community Health Centers.
“For many, including myself, SLI was a place where we discovered our potential, built confidence, and learned that we weren’t alone,” recalled Alonso, standing alongside her now-colleague Bowman Hrasky at SLI Celebración. “As I think about the impact [SLI program directors] Carlos and Hannah had on my life, I’m honored to be able to do the same now with the lives of our scholars. For me, this has definitely been a full circle moment as I’m now on the other side, getting to witness every day the strength, resilience, and brilliance of our scholars. I see the future they’re building, one that is more equitable, more hopeful, and more empowered.”
Shoemaker has been a school counselor since 2006, first for Augusta County Public Schools and in Winchester since 2014, serving most of those years at Quarles Elementary School. She completed a bachelor of science degree in psychology at the University of Mary Washington and a Master of Education in school counseling at the University of Virginia.
Cranford has served as a school counselor in Winchester schools since 2015, including at the Virginia Avenue Charlotte DeHart Elementary, then Daniel Morgan Intermediate, and now at John Handley High Schools. She was previously a SLI program director for the 2023-24 academic year, and has completed a bachelor of science degree in psychology at the University of Mary Washington and a Master of Education in school counseling at James Madison University.
Privately funded by the SLI community of support, since 2012 SLI has served 223 scholars (67 current and 156 alumni) and awarded students more than $913,000, milestones celebrated with donors and event sponsors at SLI Celebración.
“Because of your generosity, we are able to have programming that supports our students both through their high school education and their college pursuits,” Bowman Hrasky shared at the event. “Even more importantly, we’re able to build this community that’s meant so much to so many of our students in a country that is so often telling them that they are not wanted. Moments like this, your support shows them just how many people have their backs, believe in them, and will ultimately be impacted by their success in achieving their goals.”
Fajitas and drinks with live music are great reasons to celebrate anytime. But when the Scholars Latino Initiative (SLI) community of support gathered this weekend, it was also to celebrate the accomplishments of SLI alumni and SLI’s record year of support for students.
A college access nonprofit based in Harrisonburg, SLI hosted its annual “Celebración” on Saturday, November 8. Returning to the stunning downtown venue The Loft at Liberty St., the 5:30-9pm event featured sharing by SLI alumni from Harrisonburg, Richmond, and Winchester, a fajita bar with locally sourced Mexican cuisine, wine and local beers, the music of Lua Project before and after dinner, a silent auction and 50/50 raffle, and more. Missed the event? Donate here!
“For many, including myself, SLI was a place where we discovered our potential, built confidence, and learned that we weren’t alone,” recalled SLI alum speaker Dulce Alonso, who recently became the SLI program director at Harrisonburg High School. “As I think about the impact [long-time program directors] Carlos and Hannah had on my life, I’m honored to be able to do the same now with the lives of our scholars. For me, this has definitely been a full circle moment as I’m now on the other side, getting to witness every day the strength, resilience, and brilliance of our scholars. I see the future they’re building, one that is more equitable, more hopeful, and more empowered.”
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 in Harrisonburg, Richmond and Winchester 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.
“I had a destination in mind, but not a road map,” SLI alum Guadalupe Tenorio Ramirez (EMU ’26) told the gathered community. “That’s where SLI made all the difference.” READ GUADALUPE’S SPEECH BELOW
Many SLI scholars are first-generation college students, and therefore face unique challenges.
“When I think back to my time as a scholar in high school, I often think about if it weren’t for SLI, how lacking I’d be in the unwritten skills and knowledge necessary for college success,” shared alum Adriana (JMU ’27). “SLI is a part of my community and has remained a constant as part of my village…, providing me with resources to continue being successful on my track towards earning dual degrees and transcending barriers.” READ ADRIANA’S SPEECH BELOW
In a speech read at the event by SLI alum Jennyfer Hernandez Austria (University of Richmond), SLI alum Jennifer (William & Mary ’25) shared, “I often reflect on how the program gave me a sense of purpose from applying to college to working towards making meaningful impact in my community. I see a clear thread: Mentorship opportunities and guidance empower individuals to make meaningful change and achieve their goals.” READ JENNIFER’S SPEECH BELOW
A Celebración social hour featured music by Lua Project, an open bar with wine and local beers, and chips and salsa. Dinner then included a fajita bar with shredded chicken and pork carnitas, corn and flour tortillas, beans, Spanish rice, roasted vegetables, curtido, guacamole and queso fresco, salsa and pico de gallo, and fresh kale chop chop salad – with coffee, flan, Mexican wedding cookies, fresh fruits, and chocolate chili bites for dessert. Vendors included La Bendición Bakery, A Bowl of Good, La Morena, El Sol, Merge, and others.
“An effective way to help solve the problems of today is to celebrate and invest in young people who show incredible talent and positive drive,” said SLI board chair Fawn-Amber Montoya, a professor of history at James Madison University. “That describes the students SLI serves, and I am so grateful for the community of individuals, businesses, foundations, and organizations whose support has enabled SLI to support their access to college.”
The event was generously sponsored by Cargill, SLI founder Peter Iver Kaufman, Genworth | CareScout, Glass and Metals, Inc., Harrisonburg City Public Schools, Dick & Pat Gardner, Brent Holsinger & Laura Toni-Holsinger, Eastern Mennonite University, The Gaines Group Architects, LD&B Insurance and Financial Services, Larry Miller & Liz Yoder, Blue Ridge Community College, Bridgewater College, CT Assist, DuPont Community Credit Union, Everence Financial, F&M Bank, Herr & Company, Highest Roofing & Exteriors, InterChange Group, Inc., Lantz Construction Company, Park View Federal Credit Union, Sentara Health, Steven Toyota, Christopher & Maria Clymer Kurtz, and Phil & Loretta Helmuth.
Silent auction items were provided by Parentheses Books, Silk Moth Stage, Edible Landscaping, Massanutten Resort, Mary Jo’s Flowers, Shirley’s Gourmet Popcorn, Luray Caverns, and others.
The sponsors and individuals present were thanked by Hannah Bowman Hrasky, a SLI board member and program director now at Rocktown High School in Harrisonburg.
“Because of your generosity, we are able to have programming that supports our students both through their high school education and their college pursuits,” she said. “Even more importantly, we’re able to build this community that’s meant so much to so many of our students in a country that is so often telling them that they are not wanted. Moments like this, your support shows them just how many people have their backs, believe in them, and will ultimately be impacted by their success in achieving their goals.”
Since 2012 SLI has served 223 scholars, including 67 current and 156 alumni. Its scholars have attended 28 colleges and universities, and SLI financial awards for students now total more than $913,000.
SLI awards announced this summer for the 2025-26 academic year totaled $217,500, a 38 percent increase over 2024’s then-record $157,500. This year’s awards include a $6,000 college scholarship and $1,250 technology grant each for 22 high school class of 2025 SLI scholars for their first year of college, plus $58,000 in college scholarships for 27 SLI alumni continuing their undergraduate studies.
Scholarships for scholars pursuing studies in health sciences were funded by a $25,000 grant from Valley Health for awards for Winchester SLI scholars. A $5,000 grant from Sentara Health also helped fund awards for students in health related studies, and a three-year grant from F&M Bank helped fund students in business and accounting studies.
Of this year’s 49 awardees, 24 are in health-related studies, eight are in business and entrepreneur-related studies, and 17 are studying architecture, education, engineering, political science, and other fields. They are studying this fall at Dickinson College, Eastern Mennonite University, Harvard College, Hollins University, the Illinois Institute of Technology, James Madison University, Longwood University, Old Dominion University, Randolph-Macon College, Shenandoah University, the University of Chicago, the University of Pittsburgh, the University of Richmond, Virginia Commonwealth University, Virginia Tech, Washington Adventist University, and Blue Ridge, Brightpoint, Harrisburg Area, J. Sargent Reynolds, and Laurel Ridge Community Colleges.
Speech by Guadalupe, Hopewell High School ’22, EMU ‘26:
Good evening everyone. First I want to thank Christopher for inviting me today to share my story tonight. It’s an honor to be here and with all you to celebrate the impact of SLI in so many students’ lives.
I joined SLI in 2019 during a time when my life was full of change and uncertainty. I had recently moved from Mexico and everything from the language to the school system felt new and overwhelming. I was moving between schools and struggling to find a place. Being accepted into SLI felt like I finally found a home. It also felt like a ticket to make my dream of going to college a reality.
What makes SLI special is the community. I love learning about the stories and histories of other Hispanic cultures and hearing students share their experiences with such passion. I remember workshops where students took time from their own college work to help us write essays. Mentors shared their experiences and guide us step by step through the college life will be like.
SLI became my foundation, a place that gave me confidence, a sense of identity, and a community that believed in me before I fully believed in myself. Today, I’m proud to stand on the other side as a SLI alum, helping new members just as others once helped me.
As a first generation student and a recent immigrant, going to college felt overwhelming. I didn’t feel confident in my English, and my family couldn’t guide me because they never attended college. I had a destination but not a road map. That’s where SLI made all the difference. They helped me with every step from FAFSA to the ACT and SAT prep, the college applications and the essay writings. They organized college visits that showed me that it was possible.
One of the most impactful moments was visiting Eastern Mennonite University. Walking around campus and hearing stories from students who had been in my shoes, I realized that college wasn’t just a dream. It was something that I could achieve. That day, I didn’t just see a campus. I saw my future.
Today, I am pursuing a major in accounting and business administration. I chose this path because financial knowledge is useful both personally and professionally. I enjoy working with numbers, organizing system, and promoting transparency and trust. In college, I have participated in clubs like the Super Mileage Club, the Latino Student Alliance, Campus Activities Council. These experiences have helped me grow as a leader and communicator.
I’ve also gained real work experience through internships. Last summer, I interned with the Latin American Youth Center at Washington DC, and this semester, I’m a teacher assistant in the financial accounting class. I also have an internship for the coming tax season with DB Accounting.
My goal is to earn my CPA license in the next two to three years and eventually either start my own firm or work in a private organization. Beyond my career, I hope to build a family and give back to organizations like SLI, help students achieve the same opportunities I had.
Finally, I want to thank the donors and supporters to who make SLI possible. Your generosity has changed my life, in the life of countless students who carry big dreams but often lack guidance. You’re investing not only in us but in our families and our communities and in the next generation of leaders. Many parents carry heavy sacrifices for their children.
Thanks to you, they can rest assured that we are supported by people who truly care and believe in our potential no matter our background. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for giving us the chance to dream and to achieve. Your support is planting seeds that will grow for generations and I hope one day to stand on the other side giving back just as you gave to me. Thank you.
Speech by Adriana, Harrisonburg High School ’20, JMU ’27:
Hello, my name is Adriana and I am a proud Friendly City local. In fact, I am so local that I was born at JMU before it was JMU and it was the Rockingham Memorial Hospital. I’d like to think that this coincidence was a glimpse into how my life would turn out.
It wasn’t until the end of 8th grade that I began to understand what college was and what going to college entailed. I heard about SLI from my best friend Mary, who’s here tonight – Hi, Mary – when she was recommended by one of her teachers her freshman year. When I got the news that I was recommended, I was ecstatic to say the least. Eventually, I interviewed and was accepted to be a part of SLI by the end of my freshman year.
I felt like I was officially joining the exclusive organization that my friends were a part of. It was while I was being integrated as a scholar during the induction ceremony, I quickly learned that SLI was much more than exclusivity. It was about the inclusivity for those of us who were challenged with being first generation college-bound students by preparing us early in high school. Expectations were set high. We had to complete about 100 community service hours per year, attend meetings after school on a regular basis, visit universities around the area on weekends for workshops, and attend community events such as the International Festival every fall. That was my favorite.
Our mentors were 10 steps ahead in preparing us for their college applications through exposure to FASA, testimonies from other students, mentorship, and most important to me, I was provided with a safe space to navigate the college application process with leadership that was knowledgeable in the distinct challenges that is pursuing higher education as a child of immigrant parents.
When I think back to my time as a scholar in high school, I often think about if it weren’t for SLI, how lacking I’d be in the unwritten skills and knowledge necessary for college success. In particular, I remember how frustrated I felt when we were asked to turn in a written assignment as a PDF. I wasn’t frustrated because this wasn’t a grade for a class. I was frustrated because I didn’t know what a PDF was. And so, a free Adobe trial later, I had finally figured it out. That’s how big the accessibility gap was for me.
The exposure to challenges like those and the many small lessons that I learned during my time as a scholar made an impact beyond my readiness for college. I was prepared for their adult world. I learned the meaning of agency. And in many other ways and many other things that I can’t say with certainty I would have been prepared for otherwise. I wish I could say that my journey through college was straightforward, but that’s far from the truth. I take a lot of pride in my non-traditional and anything but linear trajectory as a student. Four years after my high school graduation, three attempts later, and my stubbornness turned into the determination, I earned my associates degree spring 2024 from Blue Ridge Community College. Despite
Despite more setbacks than I’d like to admit, it was the first degree in my family, and I have SLI to thank for helping me change the narrative. However, I’m not done. My associates was a redemption for the graduation I was robbed as as a pandemic graduate. And it’s true, the class of ’20 will never let that go. When I began at JMU the following semester, I was confronted with a different set of challenges than I had anticipated. As much as I told myself I was simply a 20-teen-year-old sophomore, in reality, I was struggling with imposter syndrome and having a hard time connecting to campus.
On top of being a student of color at a PWI, I was older than most of my actual teenage freshman classmates. Most days, I felt overwhelmingly homesick despite being 10 minutes from my house. It felt like as soon as I stepped onto campus, I was transported into a different city within my city. I decided to look for a piece of familiarity on campus after struggling to adapt my first few weeks there. And I reached out to Dr. Alemán, my SLI mentor who I have known since middle school. I was received with enthusiasm and fondness when we met his office. I quickly felt the comfort of being at home. It was the first time I felt at home that whole semester.
That comfort was me reconnecting with the sense of community I didn’t know I was missing. I’d like to take a moment to thank Dr. Alemán and I know he’s not here, for his unwavering dedication and propelling me forward through the countless times he spoke life to me and is a source where I’ve drawn strength, guidance, and continued mentorship all these years after graduating as a SLI scholar. SLI is a part of my community and has remained a constant as part of my village and their commitment towards providing me with resources to continue being successful on my track towards earning dual degrees and transcending barriers. I was able to make the president’s list both semesters of my first year at JMU in part thanks to the financial relief that I received through the SLI alum scholarship and the computer that I purchased through the technology grant that got me through the year before shutting down permanently. It sounded like an airplane about to take off.
I’m a junior now, pursuing a bachelor’s of arts in Spanish in addition to my bachelor’s of science in communication sciences and disorders. I adapted well because I found value in community and the difference that it makes when you lean into it. This year, I work as a Centennial Scholars program mentor and provide support similar to the mentorship that I received from SLI for first and second year students at JMU. To you donors: your support is a lifelong investment back into the community, into the welfare of the community. My story is a testament that your contributions are more than opportunities for first generation students. They’re life changing.
SLI was an avenue for me to connect deeply with my community. My experience with community engagement as a high school volunteer kickstarted my journey that eventually led to me obtaining a job as a special education interpreter for the city schools of Harrisburg and ultimately finding my life’s calling. My goal is to become a bilingual speech and language pathologist. I emphasize the bilingual part of the professional title for my aspiring career because I see a need in my community for the representation and speech therapy in the division.
SLI nourished my learning, acknowledged my diversity, and celebrated it. I’m inspired to provide exactly that. In addition to care and treatment, I will provide for students and patients one day. If there’s something that you can be assured of about me as a SLI mentor, it is this. I am committed to continue striving to live a life of service and engagement with my community for the advancement of the collective of first generation students, students of immigrant parents or immigrant backgrounds, students with disabilities and diverse learning needs facing adversity through education, leadership, and resilience. Thank you.
Speech by Jennifer, John Handley High School ’21, William & Mary ‘2025:
Growing up as a first generation student, it was a dream come true for me to attend college. At 7 years old, I researched different institutions and it ignited a flame in me to want to pursue higher education. I learned the importance of perseverance. My family relied on resources like SNAP, WIC, and other programs to help with our financial situation. I remember my mom’s struggle to speak English, much less understand the process of applying to college.
When I was in ninth grade, I was invited to apply to SLI. In hopes of achieving my my goal, I crafted an essay and prepared for my interview for SLI. One day, in my Spanish class, I received an email from SLI with my acceptance to the program.
SLI was one of my first programs that made me feel like college wasn’t just a dream, but a possibility. SLI felt like a strong, supportive community. Every student in the program had the opportunity to succeed beyond their own expectations.
One of the ways SLI ingrained empowerment was through their resources. I attended every mandatory meeting and signed up for volunteer opportunities. I knew every single opportunity provided by SLI was my time to expand my knowledge and skills. Throughout my time at SLI, I was provided the ability to but not limited to develop essays, learn how to public speak, and navigate college resources. The partnership with Shenandoah University was so crucial because it allowed us to attend activities at the Brandt Center, have a mentor and attend classes with mentors.
Fondly, one of my favorite moments with SLI was the peer mentorship with Quarles Elementary School. I was paired up with a young boy named Joseph. This opportunity surged my interest in public health and volunteerism. Afterwards, I remembered I signed up for so many volunteer opportunities in my area outside of the program.
SLI allowed me to see firsthand the the the impact of equitable resources on underserved communities and how meaningful support can transform lives. The program also prepared me to apply to colleges during my senior year by offering informational meetings on FAFSA, scholarships, and navigating the Common App. Ultimately, I was accepted into William & Mary as a William & Mary scholar for a selective scholarship for underserved students who demonstrate perseverance and community service. I am deeply grateful to SL for instilling the values of service and the importance of education.
At William & Mary, I built upon the foundation SLI provided. I participated in programs that offer professional support and guidance as first generation college students. My professors at William & Mary critiqued and graded papers meticulously, but thanks to the skills I developed in SLI like outlining academic papers, I was well prepared to complete my 30-page capstone. During my undergrad, I continued my service to the community through volunteering and mentorship. Many of my research papers and presentations focused on HIV risk among migrants, reflecting my ongoing commitment to helping underserved populations.
I continue to expand my skills by supporting homeless families in my community and volunteering, gaining insight into mental health issues in Latinx populations and how best to provide support. I am hopefully almost finished with my graduate applications for a fall 2026 start for a master’s in health policy where I hope to focus on expanding coordinated care and improving mental health support for low-income individuals.
SLI continues to inspire me every day. I often reflect on how the program gave me a sense of purpose from applying to college to working towards making meaningful impact in my community. I see a clear thread: Mentorship opportunities and guidance empower individuals to make meaningful change and achieve their goals. It is imperative to continue supporting the mission of SLI to inspire the next generation of students. Thank you.
[Updated Oct. 23 with new, higher award figures] The college access nonprofit Shenandoah Valley Scholars Latino Initiative (SLI) has awarded a record level of financial aid to 49 SLI scholars and alumni attending college this fall, funded in part by Valley Health, Sentara Health, F&M Bank, and others.
SLI awards announced this summer for the 2025-26 academic year total $217,500, a 38 percent increase over 2024’s then-record $157,500. This year’s awards include a $6,000 college scholarship and $1,250 technology grant each for 22 high school class of 2025 SLI scholars for their first year of college, plus $58,000 in college scholarships for 27 SLI alumni continuing their undergraduate studies.
Scholarships for Winchester SLI scholars pursuing studies in health sciences are funded by a $25,000 grant from Valley Health for awards for Winchester SLI scholars. A $5,000 grant from Sentara Health is also helping to fund awards for students in health related studies, and a three-year grant from F&M Bank is helping to fund students in business and accounting studies.
“We are deeply committed to strengthening communities by investing in the future of healthcare,” said Jason Craig, director of community health for Valley Health. “Supporting the Scholars Latino Initiative is a powerful way to help exceptional students pursue their aspirations and bring greater representation and fresh perspectives to the field. We’re proud to stand with these scholars as they begin their journey toward becoming tomorrow’s healthcare leaders.”
Additional recent major gifts have come from the Bloomfield Family Foundation, Gary and Debra Turner, the Gerald and Kaye Family Gift Fund at the Community Foundation of Harrisonburg and Rockingham County, the Gerald and Paula McNichols Family Foundation, the Herndon Foundation, the SLI Founder’s Fund, the Steven B. Achelis Foundation, the Vera R. Campbell Foundation, and anonymous donors.
“The extraordinary, determined young people who are SLI scholars are a source of hope and inspiration, and so are all in the SLI community of support who make SLI programming, scholarships, and tech grants possible,” said Fawn-Amber Montoya, Ph.D., SLI board chair and professor of history at James Madison University. “Together we are providing college opportunities and strengthening families and our communities.”
Of this year’s 49 awardees, 24 are in health-related studies, 8 are in business and entrepreneur-related studies, and 17 are studying architecture, education, engineering, political science, and other fields. They are studying this fall at Dickinson College, Eastern Mennonite University, Harvard College, Hollins University, the Illinois Institute of Technology, James Madison University, Longwood University, Old Dominion University, Randolph-Macon College, Shenandoah University, the University of Chicago, the University of Pittsburgh, the University of Richmond, Virginia Commonwealth University, Virginia Tech, Washington Adventist University, and Blue Ridge, Brightpoint, Harrisburg Area, J. Sargent Reynolds, and Laurel Ridge Community Colleges.
“I am so honored that I got to be part of the SLI community,” SLI alumna Maya ’25 (nursing ’27) wrote after receiving her award. “I’ve had so many memories and opportunities through SLI. I will forever be grateful for the generosity this community has given me and many other scholars.”
ABOUT SLI
With many individuals, businesses, foundations, and organizations comprising its community of support, SLI helps high school students access college. Active in Harrisonburg, Richmond, and Winchester, it offers rigorous academic challenge, leadership development, and supportive mentorship opportunities.
SLI scholars can also become eligible for SLI financial assistance in the forms of dual enrollment and Advanced Placement tuition assistance for earning college credits while in high school, technology grants for purchasing the technology needed for college, and college scholarships.
As of this fall, since 2012 SLI has served 223 scholars, including 67 current and 156 alumni. Its scholars have attended 28 colleges and universities, and SLI financial awards for students now total more than $913,000.
SLI is a community-based, 501(c)(3) public charity 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.
Valley Health has awarded a grant of $25,000 to the college-access nonprofit Scholars Latino Initiative (SLI) to support Winchester SLI scholars pursuing studies in healthcare careers.
SLI’s mission is to support Latino/a/x high school students with college access through rigorous academic challenge, leadership development, scholarships, and supportive mentorships. Its programs in Winchester, Harrisonburg, and Richmond have served more than 200 students. SLI alumni have attended 25 colleges and universities.
“This grant from Valley Health will positively impact both students and the broader Winchester community,” said Fawn-Amber Montoya, SLI board chair. “SLI scholars are hard-working, motivated individuals whose future careers in healthcare will both provide them with upward financial mobility as well as strengthen health services in Winchester and beyond.”
Valley Health is a not-for-profit health system of hospitals, Urgent Care locations, physician practices, and services dedicated to meeting the medical needs of West Virginia, Maryland, and the Top of Virginia.
“Investing in the future of healthcare means supporting the next generation of leaders,” said Jason Craig, director of community health for Valley Health. “The Scholars Latino Initiative empowers outstanding students to pursue their dreams while bringing diverse voices and new ideas to the field. We’re honored to support these scholars as they take their first steps toward shaping the future of healthcare.”
An estimated 30 percent of SLI alumni pursue health-related studies. Their majors have included health information management, biology, clinical laboratory science, neuroscience, nursing, psychology, biomedical engineering, occupational therapy, medical Spanish, speech pathology, biotech science, computer engineering, and others.
“When you’re a high school senior who is starting to apply for college, and when you start coming across things that you have never had to deal with before, it is terrifying,” one SLI alum shared recently. “You feel as if at any point you can sink and not end up preparing for that transition from high school to college.”
A 2021 graduate of John Handley High School, he is now an RN at Winchester Medical Center.
“Through SLI, I was able to have access to many resources that allowed for that smooth transition,” he recalled. “SLI taught me what to do, and how to do it, and having someone guide me through this process was a true blessing. Through SLI’s workshops, and their mentee-mentor program, that fear of preparation vanished, and I am forever grateful for that.”
He spoke last year during SLI’s annual gala, SLI Celebración, which this year will take place in Harrisonburg at the Loft at Liberty St. on Saturday, November 8. The evening celebrates the successes of SLI scholars and will feature a locally sourced fajita bar, wine and local beers, the music of Lua Project, and more. Tickets are available at vasli.org/celebracion.
Sentara Health has awarded a grant to the college-access nonprofit Scholars Latino Initiative (SLI) to support students pursuing healthcare-related studies.
The $5,000 grant, which brings Sentara’s support for SLI to more than $130,000 since 2022, will help provide college access opportunities for students to gain awareness of their college and career options, including those in health care, plus support college scholarships for SLI scholars who are pursuing health-related studies and careers.
SLI’s mission is to support Latino/a/x high school students with college access through rigorous academic challenge, leadership development, scholarships, and supportive mentorships. Its programs in Harrisonburg, Winchester, and Richmond have served more than 200 students, and SLI alumni have attended 25 colleges and universities. An estimated 30 percent of SLI alumni pursue health-related studies.
Sentara is one of the largest health systems in the U.S. Mid-Atlantic and Southeast, and among the top 20 largest not-for-profit integrated health systems in the country, with 34,000 employees, 12 hospitals in Virginia and Northeastern North Carolina, and the Sentara Health Plans division which serves more than 1 million members in Virginia and Florida.
Grants from Sentara have supported SLI programming, plus scholarships for SLI scholars and alumni pursuing health-related studies and careers including health information management, biology, clinical laboratory science, neuroscience, nursing, psychology, biomedical engineering, occupational therapy, medical Spanish, speech pathology, biotech science, and computer engineering.
“All of us need health care at some point in our lives,” said Fawn-Amber Montoya, SLI board chair. “Sentara’s support for the excellent young people who are SLI scholars means increased opportunities for meaningful careers that support the health of our communities.”
The grant also supports community connections through sponsorship of SLI Celebración ’25, which will take place at the Loft at Liberty St. on Saturday, November 8. The evening celebrates the successes of SLI scholars and will feature a locally sourced fajita bar, wine and local beers, the music of Lua Project, and more. Tickets will be available at vasli.org/celebracion beginning August 16.
A response to medical staff shortages plaguing the U.S. healthcare system, the grants are part of Sentara efforts to create a pipeline for young students to their desired healthcare careers while also positively impacting their community’s economics and health equity outcomes.
SLI scholars graduating from high school this spring have been admitted to leading colleges and universities in Virginia and beyond.
After reviewing all their options and talking with their SLI program directors, school counselors, and family members, scholars have committed to attend such schools as Eastern Mennonite University, George Mason University, Illinois Institute of Technology, James Madison University, Old Dominion University, Randolph-Macon College, Shenandoah University, the University of Chicago, Virginia Tech, Blue Ridge, Laurel Ridge, and Reynolds Community Colleges, and others.
“We are proud of our students’ achievements and of the opportunities they are pursuing,” said Carlos Alemán, Ph.D., SLI program director and board vice chair. “This fall, these students will begin a new, life-changing stage of their educational journeys. They have worked hard and accomplished much – and are just getting started.”
SLI’s mission 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 college dual enrollment and AP course tuition assistance while in high school, and SLI scholarships and technology grants for college success.
“When I joined SLI I was still unsure about my future after high school because no one close to me had gone to college,” SLI alumna Jimena ’24 (history and social science ’28) shared recently. “The idea of going to college was terrifying because I knew I’d have a hard time with every step. Once I joined SLI, many worries faded. During our meetings, I would learn something new about what needed to be done before college. I learned the importance of community service, joining clubs, making connections with teachers, and focusing on academics.”
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.
Graduating SLI scholars are eligible to apply for SLI technology grants of $1,250 to help purchase the technology they need for college, as well as for SLI college scholarships of up to $6,000. After their first year of college, SLI alumni may apply for SLI alumni college scholarships. This year’s SLI awards will be announced this summer.
SLI also offers its scholars who are high school juniors and seniors tuition assistance for college dual-enrollment and Advanced Placement courses. These courses improve college readiness, enhance academic portfolios, and may reduce the number of credit hours needed in college.
More than 40 donors and an anonymous matching funds gift raised more than $14,000 for SLI during the Great Community Give, surpassing SLI’s initial goal of $10,000.
“These meaningful and generous gestures of tangible support truly make a difference,” said Christopher Clymer Kurtz, SLI director of development. “By providing matching funds or including SLI in their Great Community Give plans, many people have shown their confidence in the young people who are SLI scholars.”
In Facebook and Instagram reels, members of the SLI board of directors shared their reasons for serving the organization.
“As a first-generation American, a first-generation college graduate, and a proud Latina, I know what it’s like to need support on the journey to higher education,” said Steph Beck in her video. “If I can contribute in some small way to the success of these incredible SLI scholars, then I’m happy to answer that call.”
Since 2012, SLI has served 201 scholars (71 current and 130 alumni) and awarded more than $700,000 in financial support for students through college scholarships, technology grants, and dual enrollment and Advanced Placement tuition assistance. More than $300,000 of that total were awarded in the last two years – and in 2025 alone, SLI anticipates making more than a quarter million dollars in new awards to alumni and its larger-than-ever graduating cohort.
SLI’s mission – to support Latino/a/x high school students with college access through rigorous academic challenge, leadership development, scholarships, and supportive mentorships – has been sustained through the generosity of the SLI Community of Support, which includes many individuals, businesses, foundations, and organizations. Together, they have helped SLI alumni attend 25 colleges and universities.
Many SLI scholars have shared about the impact of their SLI experiences:
“Thanks to SLI I have grown over the past three years. I have learned how to speak up for myself, that challenges are just ways to learn, and how to grow and become a better person. SLI taught me how to face the reality of becoming a first generation immigrant college student and how to succeed in such a journey. I have been able to work with different people who allowed me to have new experiences, ideas, and perspectives which helped me find the path I wanted to follow.”
“I have grown academically and personally during my years as a SLI scholar. Academically, I have strengthened my critical thinking and problem-solving skills, achieving excellence in rigorous coursework. Personally, I have embraced leadership opportunities, and fostered a strong sense of community and cultural pride. The mentorship and support from SLI have empowered me to pursue higher education with confidence and a deep commitment to giving back to my community.”
“When I joined SLI I was still unsure about my future after high school because no one close to me had gone to college. The idea of going to college was terrifying because I knew I’d have a hard time with every step. Once I joined SLI, many worries faded. During our meetings, I would learn something new about what needed to be done before college. I learned the importance of community service, joining clubs, making connections with teachers, and focusing on academics.”
“SLI has prepared me for college not only financially but also academically. Through SLI, I was challenged to take more demanding courses and to participate in extracurricular activities, which I’m certain not only helped me get into the university I’m attending but also equipped me with the necessary academic skills for the rigorous courses I have to take as a nursing student. With the past SLI scholarship, I was able to buy all the school supplies I needed, including an iPad, dorm supplies, and personal necessities, throughout my first year.”
“As a first-generation student, I faced numerous barriers, such as the lack of parental support and guidance, which often limited my opportunities to expand my knowledge. However, SLI transformed my outlook and capabilities. SLI not only prepared me for college but also instilled a deep sense of dedication and determination to achieve my dreams. It pushed me beyond my comfort zone, making me realize that without this challenge, I would have remained shy and uncertain of my abilities. Thanks to SLI, I am now confident and proactive, fully prepared to pursue my goals with unwavering resolve.”
“SLI equipped me for college by providing resources and support for the application process. I developed leadership skills, learned self-advocacy, and gained confidence to pursue my academic goals. SLI helped me build a strong network of mentors and peers, encouraging my success in college. As an immigrant, I participated in events like the storytelling workshop, where I learned how to craft my personal narrative and share my story with others. These experiences have helped me develop my communication skills and prepare me for the challenges of college life.”
“When you’re a high school senior who is starting to apply for college, and when you start coming across things that you have never had to deal with before, it is terrifying. You feel as if at any point you can sink and not end up preparing for that transition from high school to college. Through SLI, I was able to have access to many resources that allowed for that smooth transition. SLI taught me what to do, and how to do it, and having someone guide me through this process was a true blessing. Through SLI’s workshops, and their mentee-mentor program, that fear of preparation vanished, and I am forever grateful for that.”
“SLI allowed me to have a community in which others understand what it is like to be a first-generation student. They also provided me with the support and information necessary to move forward as a student with no previous ties to any college. They guided me through the process of understanding how to apply, breaking down the FAFSA application, and even allowed us to spend time in person at college campuses in order to understand what we were planning on doing and to make connections with potential professors.”
“SLI prepared me for college through its Early College lectures which helped me gain the necessary discussion skills for my discussion sections in college. The Early College experience also allowed me to observe college classes in high school and see how they compared to high school. Additionally, SLI’s volunteering opportunities … helped me gain the necessary team building skills to succeed in college projects and the necessary note taking skills to thrive in my classes.”
Pictured, top row: Amelia Castañeda and Brook Vazquez. Bottom row: Lisette Carbajal, Andrea Meador Smith, and Veronique Walker
At the start of another anticipated record-breaking year, the college-access nonprofit Shenandoah Valley Scholars Latino Initiative (SLI) has announced board and leadership transitions.
SLI, which in 2025 plans to graduate its largest student cohort ever, has welcomed two new members to its board of directors, appointed a new board secretary and a program services coordinator, and thanked two outgoing board members for their service.
“Each new year brings changes to SLI’s rotating board roster,” said board chair Fawn-Amber Montoya, Ph.D., a professor of history at James Madison University. “It’s a time of gratitude for work completed and gathering momentum for our growing impact.”
SLI’s mission is to support Latino/a/x high school students with college access through rigorous academic challenge, leadership development, scholarships, and supportive mentorships. Since 2012 SLI has served 201 scholars (71 current and 130 alumni), and SLI scholars have attended 25 colleges and universities. SLI program sites are in Harrisonburg, Richmond, and Winchester.
This year SLI anticipates awarding its scholars $264,500 in college scholarships, technology grants, and college dual enrollment and AP courses tuition assistance. This significantly surpasses last year’s record $158,338, and will notably increase its cumulative awards, which have totaled more than $700,000.
In addition to funding, SLI’s collaborations with university and high school staff, faculty, and students provide college access opportunities throughout high school. Among SLI program offerings are “Early College,” which gives students a taste of what college academics are like; assistance in the college application process; community service and leadership development opportunities; supportive friendships with peers who are also preparing to go to college; and mentorships with university faculty and students.
“I feel an immense sense of gratitude for the support and guidance that SLI has provided,” said Miguel, a SLI alum who will graduate from college this spring. “SLI hasn’t just shaped my academic pursuits; it has shaped the core of who I am today.”
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The new members of the board of directors are Amelia Castañeda of Richmond and Brook Vazquez of Harrisonburg.
“I am delighted to welcome Amelia and Brook to the board,” said Montoya. “Their experiences and insights will be invaluable as SLI navigates the challenges and opportunities facing college access for Latinx students.”
Castañeda received a bachelor of science in human development and human services from Virginia Tech in 2008, and serves Richmond Public Schools as its Welcome Center and family advocacy coordinator. In her prior role as the Alexandria Center Director for Higher Achievement, she was recognized by the White House as a Latino Educator Champion of Change in 2014. In 2015 Forbes 30 Under 30 (Education) profiled her as “the Michigan-born daughter of migrant Mexican workers and the first in her family to graduate high school and college” who was now boosting “college-readiness outcomes for at-risk middle schoolers.”
Vazquez holds a degree in business administration from Eastern Mennonite University and is a business services advisor at Park View Federal Credit Union.
“I believe that education is an important asset and these students are deserving of the opportunity to pursue their goals and dreams,” she said. “I look forward to contributing my experience and collaborating with incredible leaders. I am excited to help drive meaningful change and make a difference in our community.”
LEADERSHIP
Newly-appointed as board secretary is Andrea Meador Smith, Ph.D., of Winchester. Smith will serve a two-year term on the executive committee, which also includes chair Montoya, vice chair Carlos Alemán, Ph.D., a professor of Communication Studies at JMU, and treasurer Steve Burkholder, a financial consultant at Everence.
Smith is a professor of Hispanic Studies and the senior associate dean of the Shenandoah University College of Arts & Sciences, where her teaching and research focus on representations of race and gender in Latin American film. She has also been a faculty member for Semester At Sea and a Spanish instructor at the University of Virginia, where she received bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Spanish, a master of teaching in Spanish and English as a Second Language, and a doctorate in Spanish. She studied abroad as an undergraduate and did doctoral research at Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú.
In addition, the board named a support coordinator and program specialist, who will support SLI program directors by coordinating organization practices and training, identifying college access resources and opportunities, and innovating program curricula specific to first-generation Latinx high school students in pursuit of higher education.
OUTGOING BOARD MEMBERS
The SLI board recognized the service of two outgoing members, Lisette Carbajal of Richmond and Veronique Walker, Ed.D., L.P.C., N.C.C., of Martinsburg, WV.
“I am grateful for the ways that Lisette and Veronique supported our students during their time on the board,” said Montoya. “While we will miss their contributions as board members, we wish them all the best in their ongoing pursuits. They are leaving the organization stronger than ever, and I am excited for SLI’s continuing trajectory.”
Carbajal will continue as vice president of government relations (state ) for McGuireWoods Consulting LLC, and Walker as the equity and family empowerment coordinator for Winchester Public Schools.
The Winchester SLI Meet & Greet on April 4 celebrated college access by bringing together SLI scholars and alumni, program directors, families, board members, and community supporters for delicious food and drinks.
Sponsored by Laurel Ridge Community College and hosted by Lolita’s Mexican Restaurant, the evening featured speeches including by board member Bryan Pearce-Gonzales, Ph.D. (pictured) and SLI alumni.
SLI “was one of the best things, and still is one of the best things that has ever happened to me,” said alum Daniel ’21, who will graduate this spring with a bachelor’s degree in nursing. “Through SLI’s help and guidance, and financial support, I have been able to achieve all of my dreams. SLI laid the foundation for me.”
During the event, Gerald F. “J.J.” Smith, Jr. was recognized for continuing to fund many SLI college scholarships, and for his 2022 lead gift that led to the establishment of a SLI endowment at the Community Foundation of Harrisonburg and Rockingham County.
J.J. Smith (center, wearing a class of 2025 stole) was recognized during the Winchester SLI Meet & Greet for his generous support for SLI. Also pictured are board members Bryan Pearce-Gonzales, Fawn-Amber Montoya, Andrea Meador Smith, Diana Patterson, alumni Daniel and Albert, board member Carlos Alemán, and director of development Christopher Clymer Kurtz.
SLI leaders were also introduced, including Winchester program directors Lara Maquera and Lenny Vasquez, SLI board chair Fawn-Amber Montoya, Ph.D., vice-chair Carlos Alemán, Ph.D., secretary Andrea Meador Smith, Ph.D., and members Diana Patterson, owner of DSP Services, and Pearce-Gonzales.
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.
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.
