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,…
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Merienda ’23 celebrates SLI
It may have been a rainy late summer day, but the Merienda ’23 celebration of SLI’s mission – to support Latinx high school students with college access through rigorous academic challenge, leadership development, scholarships, and supportive mentorships – was an evening not to be missed. The 2023 version of SLI’s annual event, Merienda recognized the successes of SLI scholars, as…
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¡10th Anniversary Tapas! celebrates SLI’s first decade
In celebration of Scholars Latino Initiative’s first decade as a Virginia nonprofit and with the support of many invaluable partners and sponsors listed below, ¡10th Anniversary Tapas! brought together the SLI community for a night of inspiring speeches, incredible food, and much more. Presenters included Luciana ’15, one of SLI’s first alumni, and SLI program directors Carlos Alemán (also featured in…
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Saturday SLI in Richmond: “Why College?”
SLI in Richmond began the 2022-23 academic year with a Saturday SLI event for scholars and their families that included a “Why College” presentation by professor Edward Peebles (pictured), a mentor-mentee goal-setting activity, and lunch. The event was led by UR SLI co-presidents Sofie Martinez and Sofia Ringvald. (Photos by curlyheadphotographer)
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SLI alumna speaks to graduating scholars
The following is an excerpt of the April 2022 speech to graduating SLI scholars and their families by an alumna of the original Scholars Latino Initiative. When I was a sophomore in high school, I was fortunate enough to be introduced to the Scholars Latino Initiative (SLI). It had always been my dream to go to college, and when I…
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SLI scholars share joy and gratitude during the Great Community Give
For this year’s Community Foundation of Harrisonburg and Rockingham’s Great Community Give, SLI scholars shared in response to the question “What brings you joy?” During the campaign 39 donors contributed $9,350 to SLI’s mission to support Latino/a/x high school students with college access through rigorous academic challenge, leadership development, scholarships, and supportive mentorships. Thank you!
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Noche de Salsa ’21: Appreciations / Agradecimientos
A celebration of college access opportunities for Scholars Latino Initiative scholars, COVID-conscious Noche de Salsa ’21 at Steven Toyota in Harrisonburg featured a Latin-flavor drive-thru dinner & margarita with park & watch live Salsa dancing and an online raffle. Below, read words of thanks from SLI Board Chair Jason Good and recognize Noche de Salsa’s generous sponsors. Thank you! A message from Jason Good, Chair of the SLI Board…
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Careers Panel Discussion highlights possibilities for SLI scholars
Moderated by Karina Kline-Gabel, vice chair of the SLI board of directors and of the Virginia Latino Advisory Board, this Scholars Latino Initiative presentation for SLI scholars and additional student groups featured leaders sharing about their careers and professional experiences. Panelists included:*Maribel Castañeda, Director of Appointments and Director of Latino Outreach, Governor Ralph S. Northam*Kevin Gabel, Director of Construction Management,…
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Great Community Give ’21
Thank you, Great Community Give! Sixty-six donors gave $15,246 to help Scholars Latino Initiative provide college scholarships, computer awards, dual enrollment tuition assistance, and college opportunities for Latinx students. As SLI alumna Sofiá ’16 said recently: “SLI was a very eye-opening program for me. I had amazing mentors who guided me in my educational path, as well as that ‘push’…
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Meet SLI in Richmond (2021)
Guests at this virtual event discovered the Scholars Latino Initiative’s Richmond, Virginia program through the experiences of its scholars, mentors, and founder. The event was sponsored by Truist Financial, and hosted by Lyons Sanchezconcha of the Virginia Latino Advisory Board and Amelia Castañeda of Richmond Public Schools.
