PICTURED: Scholars Latino Initiative Director of Development Christopher Clymer Kurtz (left) and Board Treasurer Evelin González with Cargill Virginia HR Leader Stephanie Arnold and Dayton Complex General Manager Andrew Friedman.
HARRISONBURG, VA – Cargill has announced a $10,000 donation to Scholars Latino Initiative (SLI) to create college access opportunities for Latino/x students.
“Cargill’s generous gift is a huge vote of confidence in the young people who are SLI scholars,” said SLI Board Chair Jason Good. “By funding SLI programming and financial awards, Cargill is investing in our communities’ future leaders.”
Cargill, whose purpose is to nourish the world in a safe, responsible and sustainable way, has 155,000 employees in 70 countries. Its support for SLI includes a $5,000 event sponsorship and a matching grant from Cargill Cares, which provides corporate support to select national and global nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations that serve communities in which Cargill has a business presence.
“We are delighted to partner with SLI to positively impact our community,” said Stephanie Arnold, Virginia HR Leader for Cargill. “Cargill is committed to helping the world thrive, and we truly stand by that commitment. We are inspired by the work SLI is doing to provide educational opportunities for students in our community, and honored to be a partner in building strong and thriving communities.”
A 501c3 nonprofit organization, SLI supports Latino/a/x high school students in Harrisonburg, Richmond, and Winchester with college access through rigorous academic challenge, leadership development, scholarships, and supportive mentorships. Its alumni have attended 21 colleges and universities.
“When I was in high school SLI allowed me to make connections I would’ve otherwise not made,” said SLI scholar Kellyn, a Harrisonburg High School graduate now studying at Virginia Tech. “I had the opportunity to talk to many college professors, work with JMU students, and be part of many informational retreats. All the information that I learned while being a SLI student helped me prepare for college as a minority student at a PWI [predominantly white institution].”
Since 2012 SLI has awarded its scholars more than $392,000 in college scholarships, computer awards, and dual enrollment tuition assistance.
For more information, please visit vasli.org or contact SLI Director of Development Christopher Clymer Kurtz at [email protected].
