Twelve SLI scholars have graduated from high school this spring and announced their fall college plans, bringing the total number of SLI alumni to 113.

Four SLI scholars graduated from Winchester-area high schools this year and are pictured above (left to right): Axel (who plans to attend Harvard University; vasli.org/axel), Yeyhlin (Hollins University; vasli.org/yeyhlin), and Jimena (Dickinson College; vasli.org/jimena) from John Handley High School, and Ariana (Laurel Ridge Community College; vasli.org/ariana) from Millbrook High School.

Eight SLI scholars graduated from Harrisonburg High School and are pictured below: Hillary (University of Virginia), Ariana (UVA), Andrea (Eastern Mennonite University), Kristy (UVA), Lindsey (Blue Ridge Community College), Naomi (James Madison University), Keiry (UVA; vasli.org/keiry), and Helen (Virginia Tech).

SLI scholars from Winchester and Harrisonburg gathered with SLI@JMU mentors to learn about leveraging their strengths to better themselves and their communities.

Students participated in cross-program discussions, met with SLI Board Chair and JMU Associate Dean for Diversity, Inclusion and External Engagement Fawn-Amber Montoya (pictured, third from left) and visiting professors of Latinx studies (from left, Daniel Morales of VCU, Sarah Deutsch of Duke, and Benny Andres of UNC-Charlotte), ate in the JMU dining hall, and shared about difficult choices as they progress toward college.

HARRISONBURG, VA – The college-access nonprofit Scholars Latino Initiative (SLI) has partnered with F&M Bank to establish the F&M Bank SLI Scholar College Award for Latinx students pursuing business and entrepreneur-related studies and careers.

Designed to empower SLI scholars to achieve financial sector careers and recognize their leadership in related service and activities, the $5,000 scholarships will be awarded to SLI scholars studying relevant fields in college. The partnership will also include opportunities for personal finance management programming, internships, and job shadowing.

“Our company’s values are based on supporting our neighbors to build better communities where we all live, work, and play,” said Holly Thorne, F&M Bank senior vice president. “Scholarship programs are critical in the face of today’s changing higher-ed landscape, which is why F&M Bank supports SLI scholars who are undertaking academic programs that will empower them as they develop into our future community and civic leaders.”

A 501c3 nonprofit, SLI creates college access opportunities through collaborations with public school teachers and local university faculty, staff, and student mentors. SLI also offers financial assistance to its scholars, since 2012 providing more than $392,000 in college scholarship awards, computer awards, and dual enrollment tuition assistance. SLI alumni have attended 21 colleges and universities.

“Our partnership with F&M Bank will benefit SLI scholars even beyond the named college award,” said Stephania Cervantes, SLI managing director. “Personal finance management programming will also help them develop the tools to manage their economic trajectory and open doors to potential career paths and professional development opportunities.”

F&M Bank is headquartered in the Shenandoah Valley, with a network spanning the I-81/64 corridors from Winchester to Waynesboro and beyond.  The only publicly traded organization based in Rockingham County, the Company’s core values of enthusiasm, flexibility, responsiveness, community, and fun drive its corporate philanthropy, volunteerism, and local decision-making. The bank supports clients with a robust digital banking suite, full-service branches, and essential services like mortgage loans, title services, wealth management, business banking, and agricultural lending. With philanthropic efforts totaling over $300,000 annually, and a team dedicated to volunteering, our responsibility is to provide a bright future right here.