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SLI Annual Report 2025
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Breaking barriers, dreaming bigger, and paving the way for those who come after: SLI alum Miguel
At a VOICE ensemble concert benefiting SLI, SLI alum Miguel shared the following about his experiences:
It’s an honor to stand before you tonight and share my story as a Scholars Latino Initiative (SLI) scholar. Looking back on my college journey, I feel an immense sense of gratitude for the support and guidance that SLI has provided. SLI hasn’t just shaped my academic pursuits; it has shaped the core of who I am today.
As a first-generation, low-income student…, my path to college was filled with both challenges and hope. I grew up watching the resilience of my parents, who left behind everything they knew in Cuba and El Salvador to build a better life for their family. Their sacrifices, their unwavering spirit in the face of hardship—these are the gifts they passed on to me, and I carry their strength with me every day.
When I entered [university], I did so determined to honor those sacrifices. Double majoring in Public Policy and Leadership and Foreign Affairs, and, of course, minoring in Astronomy—my first childhood passion—I knew this opportunity wasn’t just mine. It belonged to my family and my community, to everyone who believed in me.
My college experience has been a patchwork of growth, resilience, and opportunity. It has taught me the beauty of giving back and the necessity of rising through adversity. [Leadership opportunities] allowed me to foster the same connections and community support that SLI gave to me. At the same time, I faced hardships that tested me in ways I never anticipated—like managing familial loss and the weight of personal struggles.
One of the hardest lessons I had to learn was how to ask for help. But the lessons SLI taught me were there. The mentors and workshops they led, taught me resilience is not about enduring alone; it’s about leaning on others, growing through their wisdom, and finding the strength to persevere.
One of the most profound lessons I’ve learned from SLI is the power of my favorite word: voice. Through its programming, SLI showed me the transformative impact of using my voice—not only to advocate for myself, but to uplift others. Whether I’m speaking up for equitable policies, sharing my story to inspire first-generation students, or navigating the academic world, my voice has become my greatest tool for change.
Beyond academics, SLI taught me to lead and serve with intention…, giving back in the very way SLI invested in me.
As I prepare to graduate this May, I’m filled with hope for what’s ahead. My ultimate dream is to become an immigration attorney based out of South Florida, using my experiences and education to make a tangible impact on immigrant communities. Before law school, I plan to either pursue a Master’s in Higher Education Administration or Business in Virginia to deepen my leadership skills, or move directly to South Florida to work as a Human Rights Investigator or paralegal. No matter the path, my mission remains the same: to advocate for marginalized communities and drive systemic change.
To the donors who make SLI possible: gracias de mi corazón. Your generosity has transformed my life and the lives of so many others. Because of you, I’ve been able to pursue my dreams, grow as a leader, and build a future filled with purpose. Your support empowers us to break barriers, to dream bigger, and to pave the way for those who come after us. For that, I am eternally grateful.
Thank you for believing in me, for supporting students like me, and for helping us create brighter futures.
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Fulfilling an educational dream: Elena
At a VOICE ensemble concert benefiting SLI, SLI alum Elena shared the following about her experiences:
I am excited to share with you all about my SLI experience, but I want you all to know that every student in SLI has an encouraging and unique story. I appreciate you all for allowing me this opportunity to share mine with you tonight.
When I began high school I had a difficult time finding my identity and struggled with knowing what I wanted for my future. My father, who is from Mexico, never had the opportunity to attend college. He has always encouraged me to pursue my education and is my biggest inspiration because of the hard work, sacrifices, and dedication he has shown our family. But growing up, I often wondered if college was even an option for me. I was provided with the opportunity to be part of SLI that allowed me to learn valuable leadership skills, take part in a mentorship program, and receive the support I needed to pursue my education. Through SLI I was able to participate in early college seminars, participate in community service hours, and be part of various leadership initiatives. SLI motivates students into striving for a better future for not only ourselves, but for our community and to be proud of where we come from. SLI helped me embrace my culture and set college and career goals while forming lifelong friendships along the way.
During my junior year of high school, I remember SLI guiding us through the college application process. We were assigned to have 5 colleges that we wanted to apply to, but I felt discouraged and did not think I would be able to continue with SLI. This is where my story is unique. During this time, I was 16 years old and found out I was expecting a child. I remember sitting down with [SLI program directors] to share the news, while I was feeling overwhelmed by the changes in my life and doubting my ability to finish high school or pursue college. SLI came alongside me and encouraged me to continue my education and reminded me that my dreams were still possible. I was focused on achieving academic success, earning my high school diploma, and pursuing college options but becoming a mother sparked a new determination to balance family, education, and a desire to help others just as SLI helped me. With their support I was able to continue to work hard and I was able to finish high school a semester early and graduate with an advanced diploma.
SLI helped prepare me for the college experience and provided me with the opportunity to continue my education. I received my associates degree in human services from Community College and then transferred to University, where I graduated with my bachelor’s in social work. Today I am a community health educator … and a program coordinator through Young Life. Through both of my current jobs I am able to work with supporting families in our community and share my success by helping others. Being a mother and continuing my education has been a challenging yet incredibly rewarding journey and I am deeply grateful for the support I received from SLI.
I appreciate you all for your continued support in allowing me to fulfill my educational dream to be a first generation college student. It is truly an honor to be supported and represented by SLI. Because of this program I am able to now give back and work alongside in our community. You all allow me to have this opportunity and investing in my future not only has supported me but also my son and for that I cannot thank you all enough.
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‘SLI Celebración ’24’ highlights SLI alumni, locally sourced foods, Lua Project
HARRISONBURG, VA – The college access nonprofit Scholars Latino Initiative event SLI Celebración ’24 highlighted not just delicious foods and drinks, great music and dancing (and more!), but also the successes of its scholars.
Sponsored by many community-minded organizations, businesses, and individuals, and held at Harrisonburg’s stunning downtown venue The Loft at Liberty St., the event included sharing by SLI alumni plus featured a wide variety of foods, wine and donated Three Notch’d beers, dancing to the music of Lua Project, a 50/50 raffle and silent auction.
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 financial support for college success. Since 2012 SLI has served 201 scholars (71 current and 130 alumni) and awarded nearly $700,000 in financial support for students. SLI alumni have attended 25 colleges and universities, primarily in Virginia.
For 2025 SLI has budgeted a record $264,500 for college scholarships, technology grants, and college dual enrollment and Advanced Placement course tuition assistance. DONATE HERE
“SLI provided me with opportunities that shaped my future,” said SLI alum Linda, who plans to begin medical school in 2025. “Being part of SLI opened doors I never knew existed.”
Two other alumni also spoke about their SLI experiences.
“I remember when I first joined SLI in Richmond,” Maria said. “I was a fifteen-year-old newcomer, born and raised in Mexico, who emigrated to the U.S. I knew very little English and for a long time, I thought that college was not an option for me.” READ MARIA’S SPEECH
Now a political science and Hispanic Studies double major, the alum has been active in campus organizations.
“I can proudly say that SLI inspired me not only to attend college but to make a difference and make the most of it,” she said. “I am truly grateful for all the donors who are making this possible for me and for so many other students; you are truly changing our lives and you are making our dreams come true.”
Daniel, a senior nursing student, plans to become a nurse anesthetist. READ DANIEL’S SPEECH
“SLI provided me with the guidance and orientation I needed to tackle the transition from high school to college,” he said. “SLI helped me believe in myself, letting me come across people who truly cared about me and my goals…. The financial contribution that SLI offered me was like a beacon of light for a kid who had sleepless nights over how he would alleviate any of the financial burdens that came with college.”
Also speaking were SLI board members and program directors Carlos Alemán, a professor of communications at James Madison University, Hannah Bowman Hrasky, a teacher at Rocktown High School, and SLI board chair Fawn-Amber Montoya, a professor of history at James Madison University.
READ COVERAGE BY THE DAILY NEWS-RECORD
Following the speeches were a Bolivian traditional dance and then dancing to the music of Charlottesville-based Lua Project.
Returning to the SLI event for the third time, Lua performs Mexilachian music, a new style of traditional music inspired by the sounds of Mexico, Appalachia, and the Atlantic Basin. A cultural pollinator, Lua bridges together musical styles from different continents and different centuries. They write about contemporary themes, about families, and communities, of work and loss, but draw on the musical traditions of their own cultural past.
Celebración foods and beverages, coordinated by Jan Henley, were made by A Bowl of Good, Casa Gallardo, El Sol, La Bendición Bakery, La Morena, Merge Coffee Company, Mi Placita, Mi Pueblito 2, and Three Notch’d Brewery, which donated the beer.
Silent auction items included gift cards to the food and drink vendors as well as gift baskets such as the hottest item, a “margarita basket” donated by Montoya. The winner of the 50/50 raffle, former SLI board member Laura Feichtinger McGrath, donated her winnings so that 100 percent of the proceeds would benefit students.
The event was generously sponsored by Bank of the James, Blue Ridge Community College, Bridgewater College, Cargill, Eastern Mennonite University, Everence Financial, F&M Bank, Glass & Metals, Harrisonburg City Public Schools, Herr & Co. Building Contractors, InterChange Group, JMU Honors College, LD&B Insurance and Financial Services, Park View Federal Credit Union, Sentara Health, Shining Accounting Services, Steven Toyota, two six seventy7 creative, and SLI founder Peter Iver Kaufman, Christopher & Maria Clymer Kurtz, Dick & Pat Gardner, Phil & Loretta Helmuth, Brent Holsinger & Laura Toni-Holsinger, and Larry Miller & Liz Yoder.
Maria’s Celebración speech:
“To talk about SLI is to talk about resilience, patience, support, love, and individuals willing to help others achieve their dreams.
I remember when I first joined SLI. I was a fifteen-year-old newcomer, born and raised in Mexico, who emigrated to the U.S. I knew very little English and for a long time, I thought that college was not an option for me….
From there, I met people with the same interests, dreams, hopes, and aspirations as me. Thanks to SLI, I improved my writing skills through their early college classes [that] challenged us to step out of our comfort zones by having us write ten-page essays on different topics. Thanks to the SLI program, I learned how to properly write an essay, be critical, analyze, ask questions, and remain unbiased when writing. We also had mentors who were … willing to give us their time, energy, and help, mentors that were more than mentors. To me my mentors were my friends, and my role models. My mentors, Sofia and Alejandra, helped me in every way possible, guiding me through writing long papers and the process of applying for different colleges and scholarships. They were always there for me.
The memories I cherish the most are those SLI meetings we had every month, where we could bring our parents to hear from other parents about the importance of their support and patience. In those meetings, we would first meet and eat together—families, mentors, mentees. It was always such a pleasure because afterward, we would have an Early College session which helped me to prepare for college academically.
I am currently a double major in political science and Hispanic Studies. I have been part of [campus organizations] as well. I initiated a project to provide free menstrual hygiene products at my college, and today, my project has become a reality. I can proudly say that SLI inspired me not only to attend college but to make a difference and make the most of it. I am truly grateful for all the donors who are making this possible for me and for so many other students; you are truly changing our lives and you are making our dreams come true. I am very grateful to SLI and [those] who believed in me from the beginning, as well as to all the donors who are believing in others. Thank you.”
Daniel’s Celebración speech:
“As a SLI scholar, you are given a mentor who is meant to guide you and be someone you can rely on in the terrifying transition from high school to college. As someone who was a bit disorganized, and whose disorganization sometimes proved to cause me issues, I remember the day we had a workshop on things we should get done before applying for college. I remember that I had no clue where to begin, but then my mentor proposed an idea that I still implement even to this day. My mentor told me that whenever I have to get something done, to make a checklist, and cross things off as I get them done. This served 2 purposes, the first being to physically see what I had to get done, and the second being that every time I crossed something off, I would feel a sense of accomplishment. That was in 10th grade, and I am currently a senior at my university who still uses that method. So if I could wrap in my experience as a SLI scholar in one word – it would be guidance
If asked how SLI has helped me with my college goals, the bigger question is what hasn’t SLI done for me? SLI provided me with the guidance and orientation I needed to tackle the transition from high school to college. SLI helped me believe in myself letting me come across people who truly cared about me and my goals. My sister is a SLI alum who recently graduated with her MBA last December. Seeing the impact that SLI had in her life further motivated me to use all the resources that SLI had to offer because I wanted to be just like her. The financial contribution that SLI offered me was like a beacon of light for a kid who had sleepless nights over how he would alleviate any of the financial burdens that came with college. And it is a blessing that continues to this day.
As of right now, I am currently in my last year of nursing school. I have been lucky enough to pursue my passion and am close to achieving this lifelong goal. But my dreams and goals don’t stop there. My short-term goal is to finish nursing school and work in [an] ICU. If I can, I would also like to try out travel nursing for a while and see where the road takes me there. Ultimately, my biggest dream is to become a CRNA (nurse anesthetist). After finding my passion for the world of nursing, anesthesia has been the beacon that I have been getting drawn closer and closer to every day. God willing, I’ll be able to achieve this goal and that way not only fulfill my dreams but the dreams that my parents had when they left their home country more than 23 years ago, which was to see their kids be successful.
If at one point in your life, you ever questioned whether or not your contribution has made a difference, I want you to know that I am living proof that the generosity of all of you has allowed a man with dreams to realize that his dreams could become a reality – that his dreams didn’t just have to be dreams. It’s now a reality that I am blessed enough to be able to live in. You are an inspiration because you all have shown me that we can change the course of someone’s life for the better. I wish to someday be able to repay the kindness and pay it forward to someone else. There is never a day that goes by where I am not thankful for the position that I am in. No matter how hard my classes are, no matter how stressed out exam week makes me, and no matter how many sleepless nights I have spent studying, I am forever grateful to have been given the opportunity in the first place, because I know that all my hard work will pay off. And that opportunity was all thanks to you.”
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SLI sets new record for college scholarship support
Sentara Health and F&M Bank help support students studying health and business
Shenandoah Valley Scholars Latino Initiative (SLI) has awarded a record level of financial aid to 45 SLI scholars and alumni attending college this fall.
A 501(c)(3) nonprofit, 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 provides college access opportunities to SLI scholars throughout high school.
Awards for the new academic year total $157,500 and include a $6,000 college scholarship and $1,250 technology grant each for 14 high school class of 2024 SLI scholars for their first year of college, plus $56,000 in college scholarships for 31 SLI alumni continuing their undergraduate studies.
Of the 45 recipients, 24 are entering health related studies, six are entering business and entrepreneur-related studies, and 15 are studying computer science, education, engineering, foreign affairs, political science, and other fields. A grant from Sentara Health is helping to fund awards for students in health related studies, and a grant from F&M Bank is helping to fund students with interest in business and entrepreneurship.
“The unique support of these local grants helps us to communicate to students the value of reaching out and actively searching for individuals and institutions that will support them in their own academic interests, career aspirations, and life goals,” said Carlos Alemán, Ph.D., professor of communication at James Madison University and one of SLI’s program directors in Harrisonburg.
Since 2012 SLI has served 21 scholars, including 71 current and 130 alumni. As of this fall its scholars will have attended 25 colleges and universities, and SLI financial support for students now totals nearly $700,000.
“Looking back, my time as a SLI scholar played an extraordinary role in my life by giving me the glimpses of a future that could possibly be mine,” said Anna, a SLI alumna and 2024 scholarship recipient.
Now in her second year majoring in commerce with a minor in Korean and concentrations in information technology and finance, she said experiencing imposter syndrome has made her stronger.
“I gradually began to use my insecurities as a means of perseverance rather than hindrance,” she said. “I transformed my mindset from one that made me feel inferior into one that gave me the strength I needed to push forward and excel.”
In addition to financially supporting its scholars with college scholarships and technology grants, SLI provides its scholars with tuition assistance for college dual enrollment and AP courses while in high school.
“It is an honor to be part of the SLI community standing with students who are pursuing life-changing opportunities in higher education,” said Fawn-Amber Montoya, Ph.D., SLI board chair and professor of history at James Madison University. “Many individuals, businesses, foundations, and organizations, and certainly partners such as Sentara and F&M Bank, are cheering on these students as they overcome barriers.”
Twenty-four of the scholarships awarded for the 2024-25 academic year are supported in part by the Sentara grant to support students pursuing health related studies and careers (vasli.org/sentara).
Six scholarships are supported in part by F&M Bank SLI Scholar College Awards for students pursuing business and entrepreneur-related studies and careers (vasli.org/fmbank).
Additional scholarships were awarded to fifteen students studying education, electrical engineering, history, political science, computer science, and more.
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.
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PBMares grant to support financial stability, economic success for SLI scholars
PBMares Cares Philanthropic has awarded SLI a grant to support college access as a pathway to financial stability and economic success. The $5,000 grant will help fund SLI’s mission to support Latino/a/x high school students with college access through rigorous academic challenge, leadership development, scholarships, and supportive mentorships.
“College access changes lives for the better,” said SLI board chair Fawn-Amber Montoya. “I am grateful to PBMares for their generous grant, which will support students who are pursuing careers that will lead to greater economic success and financial stability for them, their families, and our communities.”
Through collaborations with university and high school staff, faculty, and students, SLI provides college access opportunities to students throughout high school, such as “Early College” seminars, leadership development and community service activities, college access events for students and families, and assistance with applying to college. SLI also provides financial support for college success.
Since 2012 SLI has offered programming and financial support for 201 SLI scholars, including more than $542,000 in college scholarships, technology grants, and financial assistance for dual enrollment and Advanced Placement coursework.
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SLI board of directors welcomes new members, leadership
Pictured from left: Lourdes Sandoval, MSW, and Andrea Smith, Ph.D., are new members of the Scholars Latino Initiative board of directors, and Carlos Alemán, Ph.D., is the new vice chair.
The college-access nonprofit Shenandoah Valley Scholars Latino Initiative (SLI) has welcomed two members to its board of directors, and appointed a new vice chair.
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, plus financial support for college success.
The new directors are Lourdes Sandoval, MSW, of Reston and Andrea Meador Smith, Ph.D., of Winchester, and the newly appointed vice chair is Carlos Alemán, Ph.D, of Harrisonburg. They have diverse backgrounds in higher education and social services.
“Supporting SLI’s mission through board service means providing opportunities for our youth to achieve their dreams as future leaders!” said Sandoval, a senior case manager at Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Arlington, where she has also served as senior accounting coordinator and refugee health education and outreach liaison. She earned her master of social work degree from Virginia Commonwealth University and a bachelor of science in public health with a minor in human services from West Virginia University.
Smith is associate dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Shenandoah University, where she is also Professor of Hispanic Studies and serves as an NCAA faculty athletics representative.
“I first learned about SLI 10 years ago, when I started recommending my students to serve as mentors,” she said. “I have been fortunate to work with vibrant, committed, and successful students from SLI since then, and am excited to further support SLI’s mission by joining the board. I look forward to getting to know the many promising Handley High School students and their leaders in the months ahead.”
Smith’s current research addresses representations of race and gender in Latin American film, and at the local level, she is a film screener and board member for Skyline Indie Film Fest. 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.
Alemán is Associate Professor of Communication Studies at James Madison University and has served as a SLI board member and program director since 2012. He received his doctorate in communication studies at the University of Iowa and bachelor’s and master’s degrees in speech communication at California State University in Fresno.
“SLI scholars are changing the world as they grow into leaders, artists, teachers, doctors, lawyers, and scientists – and that inspires all of us to stay true to our mission,” he said. “Walking with these first-generation students as they embrace the challenges and opportunities of college access opens our eyes to the beauty of their will and the strengths of our communities.”
SLI board chair Fawn-Amber Montoya, Ph.D., associate dean of the Honors College at James Madison University, welcomed the experiences and expertise that Sandoval and Smith bring to their new board service, and the opportunity to share board leadership with Alemán.
“As SLI continues its second decade, we look forward to continuing our young legacy of supporting students in our communities who are pursuing life-changing college access,” she said.
Since 2012 SLI has served 180 scholars (67 current and 113 alumni) and awarded more than $542,000 in financial support for students in college scholarship awards, computer awards, and dual enrollment tuition assistance. Its alumni have attended 24 colleges and universities.
“Not only did [SLI] equip me with a wealth of knowledge about higher education, but it also instilled a sense of belonging within me,” said a SLI scholar who is now studying public health and data science. “Often, students from underrepresented backgrounds experience feelings of displacement or inadequacy. I would say SLI encouraged me to apply for other Hispanic college programs, volunteer opportunities, and colleges because it made me feel worthy of these opportunities.”
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From healthcare to space, SLI scholars explore college and career opportunities to “make our world a better place”
Approximately 60 high school and college students attended an annual College and Career Access Day, which for the first time featured local health professionals sharing their expertise in promoting salud y comunidad, or health and community.
“Young people are more motivated than ever to make our world a better place as leaders, teachers, doctors, lawyers, and scientists,” said Carlos Alemán, Ph.D, a professor in residence and a SLI program director. “Connecting first-generation high school students with the resources to pursue these ambitions and careers through higher education is an invigorating experience.”
Additional support for the event came from Sentara Health through a grant that earlier this year also helped fund SLI scholarships for 18 SLI scholars currently pursuing college degrees in health-related fields. For College and Career Access Day, Sentara provided access to employees who shared with students about healthcare professions and opportunities. They included:
- Silvia Garcia-Romero, Director, Diversity & Inclusion
- Onesimo Baltazar Corona, Director of Operations (Harrisonburg), Sentara Community Care
- Gladys Zito, Language Services Coordinator
- Mayra Gavia Molina, Registered Nurse
- Zulma Argueta, Community Health Worker
In addition, Sentara physician assistant Leodegario Alonso provided the keynote address, sharing about persistence on his career journey, and encouraging students to forge their own pathways. Alonso holds degrees from Eastern Mennonite University and the University of Nebraska Medical Center. Before becoming a physician assistant, he worked as a radiologic technologist, Futuro Latino Coalition specialist, medical interpreter, and United States Army Reserve drill sergeant.
“It is very powerful to have someone like Leo, who looks like the scholars, share a story that resonates with them and inspires them to continue on their career path,” said Garcia-Romero. “These experiences are so impactful and make a difference in Latino career advancement, and this is why we are proud to be a partner and support SLI’s work.”
Participating SLI scholars were also invited to explore how to use medical equipment such as blood pressure monitors, CPR masks, and digital thermometers. They then toured the university campus and were treated to lunch.
Academic exploration sessions connected students with professors who shared about their curricula and areas of expertise. Topics and presenters included:
- Graduate Studies Opportunities, Melissa Alemán, Ph.D.
- Foreign Languages and Cultures, Verónica Davila Ellis, Ph.D.
- Communication and Relations, Reslie Cortés, Ph.D.
- Space and Physics, Prayash Sharma Pyakurel, Ph.D.
- Immigration and Justice, Graciela Perez, Ph.D.
- Politics and Political Science, Kristin Wylie, Ph.D.
ABOUT SLI
Scholars Latino Initiative 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 provides college access opportunities throughout high school, plus financial support for college success. Since 2012 SLI has served 180 scholars (67 current and 113 alumni) and awarded more than $542,000 in financial support for students.