[Updated Oct. 23 with new, higher award figures] The college access nonprofit Shenandoah Valley Scholars Latino Initiative (SLI) has awarded a record level of financial aid to 49 SLI scholars and alumni attending college this fall, funded in part by Valley Health, Sentara Health, F&M Bank, and others. SLI awards announced this summer for the 2025-26 academic year total $217,500,…
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Valley Health grant to support college scholarships for Winchester SLI scholars studying health sciences
Valley Health has awarded a grant of $25,000 to the college-access nonprofit Scholars Latino Initiative (SLI) to support Winchester SLI scholars pursuing studies in healthcare careers. 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. Its programs in Winchester, Harrisonburg, and Richmond have served more than 200…
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Sentara Health grant to increase college access, bolster health career pathways for SLI scholars
Sentara Health has awarded a grant to the college-access nonprofit Scholars Latino Initiative (SLI) to support students pursuing healthcare-related studies. The $5,000 grant, which brings Sentara’s support for SLI to more than $130,000 since 2022, will help provide college access opportunities for students to gain awareness of their college and career options, including those in health care, plus support college…
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“Just getting started”: Graduating SLI scholars announce college plans
SLI scholars graduating from high school this spring have been admitted to leading colleges and universities in Virginia and beyond. After reviewing all their options and talking with their SLI program directors, school counselors, and family members, scholars have committed to attend such schools as Eastern Mennonite University, George Mason University, Illinois Institute of Technology, James Madison University, Old Dominion…
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Matching funds, community propel SLI past initial goal in the Great Community Give
More than 40 donors and an anonymous matching funds gift raised more than $14,000 for SLI during the Great Community Give, surpassing SLI’s initial goal of $10,000. “These meaningful and generous gestures of tangible support truly make a difference,” said Christopher Clymer Kurtz, SLI director of development. “By providing matching funds or including SLI in their Great Community Give plans,…
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SLI board welcomes new members and leadership, thanks outgoing members
Pictured, top row: Amelia Castañeda and Brook Vazquez. Bottom row: Lisette Carbajal, Andrea Meador Smith, and Veronique Walker At the start of another anticipated record-breaking year, the college-access nonprofit Shenandoah Valley Scholars Latino Initiative (SLI) has announced board and leadership transitions. SLI, which in 2025 plans to graduate its largest student cohort ever, has welcomed two new members to its…
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Winchester SLI Meet & Greet ’25 features SLI community
The Winchester SLI Meet & Greet on April 4 celebrated college access by bringing together SLI scholars and alumni, program directors, families, board members, and community supporters for delicious food and drinks. Sponsored by Laurel Ridge Community College and hosted by Lolita’s Mexican Restaurant, the evening featured speeches including by board member Bryan Pearce-Gonzales, Ph.D. (pictured) and SLI alumni. SLI…
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Harrisonburg SLI Meet & Greet ’25 builds on a “network you can always rely on”
The Harrisonburg SLI Meet & Greet on March 21 celebrated college access by bringing together SLI scholars and alumni, program directors, board members, and community supporters for delicious food and drinks at El Sol Mexican Restaurant. “SLI is a network that you can always rely on,” said SLI alum Yesenia to those gathered, which included representatives of Eastern Mennonite University,…
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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: Miguel, SLI alum
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…
