Eighteen high school seniors were honored with Scholars Latino Initiative graduation stoles this spring during unique SLI ceremonies in Harrisonburg, Richmond, and Winchester. The honorees, who participated in SLI’s out-of-school, college access programming throughout high school, have been accepted into colleges and universities including Bridgewater, Eastern Mennonite, James Madison, Liberty, Longwood, Radford, Randolph-Macon, Shenandoah, Virginia Commonwealth, Virginia Tech, and Blue…
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Understanding options and stepping boldly forward: Valley Health leaders see bright futures for SLI scholars
When Winchester SLI scholars heard from Valley Health leaders in April, they didn’t just learn about healthcare professions; they also met community health leaders who were thrilled to spark their imaginations for their paths ahead. The after-school SLI meeting highlighted careers ranging from nursing to rehabilitation therapy and allied health. Led by Valley Health outreach coordinator Elizabeth Campbell (pictured speaking),…
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Program director named “Outstanding Faculty Partner” for SLI service
SLI program director and board vice chair Carlos Alemán was honored as “Outstanding Faculty Partner” during the James Madison University Community Engagement and Volunteer Center (CEVC) Community-Campus Celebration breakfast in April. A professor of communication studies, Alemán will complete his terms on the SLI board this year after being involved with SLI in Harrisonburg since its earliest years. Incorporated in…
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52 donors support SLI in the 2026 Great Community Give
¡¡¡THANK YOU!!! to the 52 people who contributed $46,834.12 to SLI during the Great Community Give, and to the amazing team at the Community Foundation of Harrisonburg and Rockingham County for making it all happen! Now that the Give has ended, folks still wanting to help make college dreams come true are invited to contribute at vasli.org/donate.
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SLI senior included in Virginia Museum of History & Culture exhibition
A Richmond Scholars Latino Initiative (SLI) scholar is included in the “We the People: The World in Our Commonwealth” exhibit at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture (VMHC). Lindsay, who as salutatorian of the 2026 class of Huguenot High School will speak at her graduation in June, is pictured and quoted in a display titled “Our Stories.” Excerpts of…
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“I’m really grateful”: Gratitude at the 2026 Winchester SLI Meet & Greet
The students, board members, program directors, and community supporters who attended the Winchester SLI Meet & Greet reflected the heart of SLI’s mission: rallying around college access opportunities for promising young people. SLI supports Latino/a/x high school students with college access through rigorous academic challenge, leadership development, scholarships, and supportive mentorships. The nonprofit collaborates with high school and university faculty,…
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“SLI Saturday” highlights health and wellness
A Harrisonburg “SLI Saturday” this spring featured JMU and Sentara Health representatives in a panel conversation on health and wellness, with personal reflections on resilience. Each month Harrisonburg SLI scholars meet with their SLI program directors and college student mentors on a Saturday for programs that develop leadership skills and support systems critical to wellbeing and academic success. The March…
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A Night of Appreciation: the 2026 Harrisonburg SLI Meet & Greet
Photo: Harrisonburg SLI program directors and outgoing board members Hannah Bowman Hrasky and Carlos Alemán talk with students during the Meet & Greet in March. Guests at the Scholars Latino Initiative (SLI) Meet & Greet in Harrisonburg listened and applauded as SLI scholars and alumni expressed heartfelt thanks for two SLI program directors whose contributions have also included serving on…
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SLI Annual Report 2026
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“Persistence, passion, and compassion”: SLI welcomes alum Hernandez Austria to board
At the start of its “Million Dollar Año,” the college-access nonprofit Scholars Latino Initiative (SLI) has welcomed an alum to its board of directors. SLI, which with the support of its community in 2026 is poised to pass the $1 million mark in total financial awards to students since its incorporation in 2012, has announced Jennyfer Hernandez Austria of Chesterfield…
