Choose a topic above and/or scroll at your leisure, or view the NEWS INDEX or SCHOLAR FEATURES INDEX
All Posts, Events, Expressions of Gratitude, Harrisonburg, Richmond, Scholar Features, SLI News, Winchester
-
-
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 (vasli.org/grads24) 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 203 scholars in Harrisonburg, Richmond, and Winchester, including 73 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 SLI alumna and 2024 scholarship recipient Ariana Hernandez Perez (Harrisonburg High School ’23).
Now in her second year at the University of Virginia majoring in commerce with a minor in Korean and concentrations in information technology and finance, Hernandez Perez 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). These recipients include:
- Adriana Jimenez (Harrisonburg ’20) is studying communication sciences and disorders and Spanish at JMU
- Amy (John Handley High School ’21), biology/physician assistant track and Spanish, Shenandoah University (vasli.org/amyja)
- Ana Pereira (Harrisonburg High School ’24), nursing, Eastern Mennonite University
- Aylen Matamoros Ramìrez (Harrisonburg ’24), nursing, EMU
- Daniela Owens (J.R. Tucker High School ’24), biology and environmental science/physician assistant track, Randolph-Macon College
- Edgar Martinez Villeda (Harrisonburg ’24), nursing, EMU
- Everth Hernandez-Ventura (John Handley High School ’21), nursing, SU (vasli.org/everth)
- Galilea Gallardo-Mena (Huguenot High School ’21), psychology and Latin American Studies, Virginia Commonwealth University (vasli.org/galilea)
- Gedalia Garcia (John Handley ’22), nursing and psychology, Old Dominion University (vasli.org/gedalia)
- Heidy Garcia-Granados (Harrisonburg ’24), nursing, JMU
- Helen Duarte Guerrero (Harrisonburg ’23), biological sciences with the goal of biomedical engineering, Virginia Tech
- Helen Rivera Rivas (Harrisonburg ’21), health sciences/pre-occupational therapy and Spanish, JMU
- Hillary Estrada Alvarado (Harrisonburg ’23), biology/pre-physician assistant, University of Virginia
- Janefer Lobo Funez (Harrisonburg ’22), health science, JMU (vasli.org/janefer)
- Johana Alvarenga (Harrisonburg ’22), nursing, EMU (vasli.org/johana)
- Kristy Rios Ramos (Harrisonburg ’23), nursing, UVA
- Mairene Laureano Cruz (John Handley ’24), biology/physician assistant track (cardiology), SU
- Marvin Rivera Martinez (Harrisonburg ’22), computer engineering and data science, UVA (vasli.org/alex)
- Nataly Almendarez Funez (Harrisonburg ’24), nursing, EMU
- Rozana Aleman Pineda (Harrisonburg ’24), nursing and medical Spanish, JMU
- Savannah Figueroa (Harrisonburg ’21), kinetic imaging, Spanish, and immersive reality, VCU
- Tatiana Sanchez-Aguilar (Harrisonburg ’20), nursing and chronic illness, JMU
- Yeyhlin Velasquez-Zavala (John Handley ’23), public health and Spanish, Hollins University (vasli.org/yeyhlin)
- Yoselin Bermudes-Olivares (Huguenot High School ’24), nursing, VCU
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). These recipients include:
- Amy (John Handley ’21), accounting and philosophy, University of Pittsburgh (vasli.org/amy)
- Ariana Hernandez Perez (Harrisonburg ’23), commerce, Korean, information technology, and finance, UVA
- Eiby Galindo-Hernandez (Harrisonburg ’24), accounting and music, UVA
- Guadalupe Tenorio Ramirez (Hopewell High School ’22), accounting and business administration, EMU (vasli.org/guadalupe)
- Jennifer Carcamo Bonilla (Harrisonburg ’21), business administration, Bridgewater College
- Lisbet (Harrisonburg ’21), liberal arts and business, EMU
Additional scholarships were awarded to:
- Abygail Henriquez Diaz (Harrisonburg ’24), education, Blue Ridge Community College
- Axel Vega-Mancinas (John Handley ’23), electrical engineering, Harvard University (vasli.org/axel)
- Cristian Romo Bermejo (John Handley ’21), ocean engineering, VT
- Dariana Martinez Bautista (John Handley ’24), political philosophy, policy, and law, UVA
- Heidy Gonzalez-Amaya (John Handley ’24), history and social science, Longwood University
- Irais Barrera Pinzon (George Wythe High School ’21), political science/pre-law, Spanish, and Hispanic studies, EMU (vasli.org/irais)
- Israel (Huguenot ’21), homeland security and emergency preparedness, criminal justice, justice and political science, VCU (vasli.org/israel)
- Jimena Marquez-Marquez (John Handley ’23), American Studies, Latin American and Caribbean Studies, and Spanish, Dickinson College (vasli.org/jimena)
- Keiry Lazo (Harrisonburg ’23), foreign affairs, global studies, and global development, UVA (vasli.org/keiry)
- Lindsey Ruvalcaba (Harrisonburg ’23), college transfer degree, BRCC
- Ma Guadalupe Ruiz Cortes (Huguenot ’24), political science/pre-law, University of Richmond
- Maria (Mills E. Godwin High School ’22), English and Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages, VCU
- Noel Ayala-Gallo (Harrisonburg ’21), leadership, public policy and foreign affairs, and astronomy, UVA (vasli.org/noel)
- Raquel Perez Torrico (John Handley ’21), computer science and web development, Washington Adventist University
- Rosely Alvarado Villegas (John Handley ’22), computer science, George Mason University (vasli.org/roselyav)
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.
-
All Call scheduled for VOICE concerts to benefit SLI
SLI will be the beneficiary of the VOICE concerts this winter, and community members are invited to participate! Learn more at the All Call information session on Sunday, July 28 at Vision of Hope UMC in Harrisonburg, and online here: https://www.voiceensemble.org
-
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 203 SLI scholars in Harrisonburg, Richmond, and Winchester, including more than $542,000 in college scholarships, technology grants, and financial assistance for dual enrollment and Advanced Placement coursework.
-
Richmond SLI scholars among top ten graduating from Huguenot
At the Huguenot High School graduation ceremony on May 30, 2024, Richmond SLI scholars Guadalupe and Yoselin were recognized as among the top 10 of their graduating class of 206 students.
Guadalupe was ranked 4th, with a GPA of 4.60. She will attend the University of Richmond to study political science and pre-law to become an attorney, an interest that was already developing early in her high school career.
“Something that I’ll miss about SLI is the friendships that I made along the way, as well as all the mentorship and all of the support that I received through Dr. Kaufman and various people within the program,” she said in a recent video.
Yoselin, who was ranked 9th, had a GPA of 4.31. She will attend Virginia Commonwealth University to study biology and pre-medicine, to become a nurse.
As a high school sophomore, she called SLI “a life changer,” and this spring she shared this advice for students following in her footsteps: “I would recommend actually trying on your essays [in SLI Early College] because as time goes by you can look back at your old essays and then you can see how much you’ve improved.”
SLI in Richmond is generously funded by the Herndon Foundation, the SLI Founder’s Fund, and many others in the SLI Community of Support. Programming is led by SLI founder Peter Iver Kaufman, Ph.D., a professor at the Jepson School of Leadership Studies at the University of Richmond, and Huguenot High School LIEP teacher & department chair Ester Orellana, pictured below with SLI’s 2024 cohort including (from left) Daniela, Guadalupe, Yoselin, Bryan, and Jason:
The Richmond SLI 2024 cohort included SLI scholars (from left) Daniela, Guadalupe, Yoselin, Bryan, and Jason, pictured here with SLI program directors Ester Orellana (right) and Peter Iver Kaufman (center), SLI founder, at the Carole M. Weinstein International Center, University of Richmond. -
Meet the SLI grads of 2024
At their SLI graduation celebrations this spring, SLI scholars took a moment to share about their college plans, what they’ll miss about SLI, advice for other SLI scholars, and more. Meet all 17 in these three videos:
-
SLI alumna Mary Tolentino Baez a Fulbright recipient
Congrats to SLI alumna Mary Tolentino Baez (Harrisonburg ’19, JMU ’23), who has received a Fulbright award! She will work next year as an English teaching assistant, and then return to JMU to pursue a dual master’s in education in Spanish language and culture.
The complete Instagram post from @jmufellowships:
-
Beck joins SLI board of directors
The college-access nonprofit Shenandoah Valley Scholars Latino Initiative (SLI) has welcomed Stephanie Beck to its board of directors.
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. It also provides financial support for college success.
“As a mother of two, a veteran, a proud Latina, and a first-generation American, Beck brings with her a deep passion for creating inclusive and equitable work environments for all,” said SLI board chair Fawn-Amber Montoya, Ph.D., associate dean of the Honors College at James Madison University. “I look forward to seeing how Stephanie will impact the students we serve.”
The diversity and inclusion program manager for CarMax, Beck has been a connecting point for SLI through her previous positions as senior human resources specialist for diversity, equity, and inclusion at Dominion Energy and diversity and inclusion specialist at Genworth Financial, where she first learned about SLI.
In January 2021 Beck and three other Genworth employees met virtually with SLI scholars in Richmond to share about their experiences pursuing college degrees and careers.
“We felt so inspired,” she reflected afterward. “I hope we can continue to help the students in a way that motivates them to keep striving for success.”
Beck earned her master’s degree in human resource management from the University of Richmond and bachelor of arts degree in communication studies with a concentration in organizational communication and minor in journalism from Montclair State University. She received her Diversity and Inclusion for HR credential from Cornell University, and is certified by the Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM) as an inclusive workplace culture specialist. She served in the United States Air Force, specifically the Air National Guard, as a personnel specialist and unit training manager, and is on the Richmond SHRM Board of Directors position as the Director of Collaborative and E-Learning.
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, including Beck’s alma mater the University of Richmond, where SLI founder Peter Iver Kaufman leads SLI efforts for students such as Huguenot High School alumna Irais.
“When I was in Mexico, I always wanted to go to college, that was one of my dreams,” Irais recalled in a recent interview (https://vasli.org/irais). “But when I came to the US, that dream changed […and] I didn’t see a future for it until I knew about SLI.” She attended a SLI meeting and met Kaufman, who asked if she wanted to be part of SL – “and that’s when my dream came into life again, because I knew that there was hope.”
-
Winchester SLI Meet & Greet brings together students, board, community
The Winchester SLI Meet & Greet on April 19 celebrated college access by bringing together SLI scholars and alumni, family, board members, and community supporters for delicious food and drinks.
Sponsored by Laurel Ridge Community College, Valley Health, and First Bank and hosted by Lolita’s Mexican Restaurant and Bakery, the evening featured speeches by SLI alumni:
- Elly (John Handley High School ’16, Shenandoah University ’24) is known as being “quiet but tenacious” and “peacefully determined,” and is featured at vasli.org/elly.
- Jaime (JHHS ’19, University of Virginia ’23) is a communications and trainings associate for the Virginia Conservation Network.
- Raquel (JHHS ’21, LRCC ’23, Washington Adventist University ’25) is studying computer science and web design.
SLI “helped me so much,” said Elly, who will graduate soon from the accelerated nursing program at Shenandoah University. “I honestly couldn’t have done it without SLI. They really supported my goals, and I am very grateful for that.”
During the event Winchester’s Gerald F. “J.J.” Smith, Jr. was recognized for funding 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.
SLI leaders were also introduced, including SLI board chair Fawn-Amber Montoya, Ph.D., associate dean of the James Madison University Honors College, and local board members:
- Diana Patterson, owner of DSP Services
- Bryan Pearce-Gonzales, Ph.D., department chair and professor of hispanic studies at Shenandoah University
- Andrea Meador Smith, Ph.D., associate dean of College of Arts and Sciences at Shenandoah University, and
- Veronique N. Walker, Ed.D., L.P.C., N.C.C., the equity and family empowerment coordinator for Winchester Public Schools.
With programs in Harrisonburg, Richmond, and Winchester, Virginia, 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 180 scholars (67 current and 113 alumni) and awarded more than $542,000 in financial support for students. SLI scholars have attended 24 colleges and universities.
-
Spring programming at SLI sites include a variety of opportunities, events
SLI programming this spring included unique opportunities at each of its sites, with students experiencing a variety of events including college visits, guest speakers, and more.
“Accessing college is no small task,” said Fawn-Amber Montoya, Ph.D., SLI board chair and associate dean of James Madison University Honors College. “SLI is proud to support its remarkable scholars as they pursue the higher education they so keenly desire and merit.”
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. SLI is a community-based, not-for-profit organization built on partnerships with high schools, universities, communities, students, and parents in Harrisonburg, Richmond, and Winchester. Dedicated to advancing Latinx students’ post-high school educational opportunities, SLI advocates for Latinx opportunities and strives for social justice and equity. Scholars – currently there are 67 – are mentored to be leaders that positively contribute to their communities.
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, which since 2012 has included more than $542,000 in college scholarships, technology awards, and dual enrollment and AP course tuition assistance.
Harrisonburg
SLI program directors Hannah Bowman Hrasky, a teacher at Harrisonburg High School, and Carlos Alemán, Ph.D., a professor at James Madison University, develop and coordinate academic, leadership, and mentorship activities for the SLI scholars in Harrisonburg. SLI Early College is one program where students meet twice monthly after school for college planning updates, reflective writing exercises, and college-level discussions. This spring, student teams researched Latina girlhood as represented in mass media targeting audiences ages 10-14 years.
SLI on Saturday is another program, with monthly gatherings held on the JMU campus and built around themes of community and civic engagement, cultural identity and empowerment, and healthy relationships and well-being. The April meeting (pictured below) invited the JMU student organization, SLI Mentors, to present a Women’s History Month-centered program. Activities promoted empowerment and solidarity for Latinx women, a crash course on intersectionality, and writing letters of appreciation to inspiring women in the students’ lives.
Several ad hoc events in April were also developed to meet student needs and interests. SLI partnered with the NewBridges Immigrant Resource Center to host an exclusive workshop featuring immigration attorney Steven Smith and social work intern Catalina Marquez, who provided information and answered questions about family petitions to scholars and their parents. Many scholars also participated in a “shadow day” organized and hosted by SLI Mentors that included attending classes with college mentors, major-specific guided campus tours, visiting student support spaces, meeting with professors, and experiencing a typical college day. Finally, scholars served their community by volunteering at La Fiesta, an annual food and game fair for children and families of Smithland Elementary School.
Richmond
SLI in Richmond is led by SLI founder Peter Iver Kaufman, Ph.D., a professor at the Jepson School of Leadership Studies at the University of Richmond, and Huguenot High School teacher Ester Orellana. University students act as mentors of the SLI high school students, routinely offering mentor-mentee bonding activities.
In March nine high school freshmen were welcomed as Richmond SLI’s newest cohort at an induction gathering of approximately 80 that included all current SLI scholars, family members, and guest speakers Ricardo Jofre and Kathryn Perez, an alumna of SLI in North Carolina. In April, scholars and their families gathered for a graduation celebration (pictured below), which included a speech by SLI alumnus Israel (pictured below with Kaufman). The event will be further featured in an upcoming news release.
Early College programming featured readings about the history of Palestine and the current crisis in Gaza, with essays to come this summer. Richmond SLI alumni have described the required academic writing for Early College as a “crazy” amount of work but “worth it, definitely” – and helpful for both high school and college success.
“‘Wow!’” SLI alumnus Ariel (pictured below, left) said he realized in his first writing class in college. “I could tell, seeing my other peers, that I was pretty much ahead of them because of SLI.”
Winchester
John Handley High School counselors Lara Maquera and Elizabeth Cranford are the SLI program directors in Winchester, where this spring SLI scholars worked on College 101 Workbooks and shared research about colleges they are considering attending.
Guest speakers included Shenandoah University admissions director Calyn Lutz, who shared practical information about the college application process, and Valley Health hiring manager Lisa Spencer, who discussed academic and training paths that can lead to careers in the medical field.
SLI has “allowed me to get a feel for what to expect in college,” SLI scholar Mario (pictured below) said in a feature about SLI in the March issue of Cooperative Living Magazine. “Honestly, I would be lost [without it] because SLI has helped me visit different types of colleges and meetings related to programs offered.”
The program was highlighted during the Winchester SLI Meet & Greet (also pictured) at Lolita’s Mexican Restaurant and Bakery on April 19. Sponsored by Laurel Ridge Community College, Valley Health, and First Bank, the event provided opportunities to meet SLI scholars and alumni, board members, donors, and other community members.
-
Outgoing board leaders recognized as “integral” to SLI’s growth
SLI has recognized the extensive service and leadership of two board of director executives who exited their roles at the end of 2023.
Jason Good, Ph.D., joined the board in 2018 and served as board chair from 2019 through 2022. Brent Holsinger, M.Ed., joined the board in 2015, was chiefly tasked with board member development starting in 2016, and served as secretary 2018-23.
During their terms of service, SLI celebrated its first decade as a Virginia nonprofit, increased its scholarship opportunities, established an endowment, hired SLI’s inaugural managing director, and continued SLI’s upward trajectory of impact. Since 2012 SLI has served 180 scholars (67 current and 113 alumni) and awarded more than $542,000 in financial support for students, including more than $147,000 in 2023 alone.
“Jason and Brent were integral in helping lay the foundation that has resulted in SLI’s remarkable growth over the last five years,” said Fawn-Amber Montoya, Ph.D., SLI board chair and associate dean of James Madison University Honors College. “Their leadership paved the way for our continued, increasing support for students navigating college access opportunities.”
With programs in Harrisonburg, Richmond, and Winchester, 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. Under SLI’s model of service, 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.
“Jason and Brent were champions of SLI’s mission,” said Carlos Alemán, Ph.D, SLI board vice chair and program director and a JMU professor in residence at Harrisonburg City Public Schools. “Each uniquely understood the talents and needs of first-generation college students and Latinx families in our region and brought that expertise to our organization.”
Good relocated from Virginia in 2021 to be vice president for enrollment management and marketing at Ringling College of Art and Design in Sarasota, Florida. Prior to his move, he served as vice president for innovation and student recruitment at Eastern Mennonite University, director of locum tenens at CT Assist, director of study abroad at JMU, and director of admissions and in additional capacities at EMU. He holds a doctor of philosophy in Hispanic studies from La Universidad de Cádiz in Spain, where he also earned a master of arts degree in Hispanic studies–multicultural and intercultural studies. He received a post-master graduate certificate in college student personnel administration from JMU, and his bachelor of science degrees in sociology and environmental science are from EMU.
The chair and founder and former president of On the Road Collaborative, Holsinger is the program manager for Virginia Partnership for Out of School Time. He has served on the Harrisonburg City School Board, founded and directed Beyond the Bell–Harrisonburg, was a teaching fellow and campus director for Citizen Schools, and was a corps member of City Year. He holds a master of education degree with a specialization in out-of-school learning and leadership from Lesley University, and a bachelor of science degree in business administration–finance from University of Richmond. He now lives in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts.
