JMU nursing student and Scholars Latino Initiative mentor Jessica Discua-Aguilar said in a celebration of National Hispanic Heritage month that as a first-generation citizen and college student, she at times “felt lost, incapable” even though she “just knew” she had to “make it in America,” she wrote. “I understand what it’s like to not have a mentor or have the resources…
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SLI Announces Advisory Council
A warm welcome to the members of the brand new SLI Advisory Council! This body, facilitated by SLI Board of Directors chair-elect Karina Kline-Gabel and member Larry Miller and Director of Development Christopher Clymer Kurtz, will advance the expansion of SLI’s network of supporters and advocates to promote SLI’s long-term fiscal sustainability and growth, for the benefit of SLI scholars. Inaugural council members are: Kenia Brooks, Farm Placement…
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“Faith in the motivation, strength, and resiliency of SLI scholars”: SLI adapts for COVID-19
Just as public school systems and universities are continuing to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic, Scholars Latino Initiative (SLI) is adapting its programming to continue creating college opportunities and providing support for its scholars. SLI program coordinators and collaborating volunteers and educators in Harrisonburg, Richmond, and Winchester are helping to identify its scholars’ immediate educational needs such as access to necessary…
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A Reflection of Gratitude: Julia
Scholars Latino Initiative (SLI) alumna Julia ’19 is studying Arts in Media & Communications. Scholars Latino Initiative has changed my life tremendously and has provided me with help in many ways, giving me guidance and helping me financially and emotionally. At the beginning of my freshman year of high school I was concerned that people would look at me differently…
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Meet SLI in Richmond (2020)
Guests at this virtual event learned about the Scholars Latino Initiative in Richmond. Hosted by Cecilia Barbosa, chair of the Virginia Latino Advisory Board, the event featured the SLI founder as well as SLI alumni.
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Generous donors meet Giving Tuesday Now goal
Thanks to many generous people in the SLI community, donations of more than $5,000 plus $5,000 in matching funds surpassed the Giving Tuesday Now goal of $10,000, which will support two SLI scholarship awards! This campaign has ended, but gifts of support for SLI scholarships are welcome anytime at vasli.org/donate. Thank you!
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You have been on our minds: A letter from the SLI Board of Directors
Estimados Participantes de SLI, Alumnos y Donantes, Mientras que nos encontramos en esta época de pandemia, la junta directiva de SLI ha estado pensando mucho en todos ustedes. Esperamos que sus familias estén bien de salud y les deseamos lo mejor durante esta crisis. Queremos saber cómo están y qué necesitan durante esta época difícil. También les animamos a ser…
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SLI is a community of support for “truly exceptional” scholars
For the tenacious SLI scholars preparing to be the first in their families to attend college, the coronavirus pandemic is merely another source of deeply felt anxiety and uncertainty. “The social uncertainty and isolation of our coronavirus moment is not too far off the everyday reality of many SLI students and their families,” said SLI program director Carlos Aleman.
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Congratulations to SLI alum Maria!
Congratulations to SLI alum Maria Garcia Martinez (Harrisonburg High class of 2017), who has been accepted into the nursing program at Blue Ridge Community College.
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A SLI scholar and once ‘really clumsy kid’ makes sure that ‘everything improves for the next time’: Daniel
Even though soccer had always been a big part of his life, the suspense was nerve wracking. SLI scholar Everth had never before tried out for a school athletic team, and that February night, along with 60 or 70 hopeful peers, he watched as the coaches filled their rosters.