The aid from SLI has helped me tremendously as a first-generation student. I have not had any financial stress as most of my peers do nor have I taken out loans or have used any other money. I get to focus more on my classes without worrying so much about how I am going to pay for next semester’s tuition.…
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Meet Mateo ’21, SLI scholar
My first semester in college was chaotic. Everything was happening really fast. My grandfather had passed away a few months before school started and due to covid restrictions, my family and I were unable to travel. As the start of the school year came closer (less than a month away), we had to go on a rushed trip to Mexico…
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Meet Olivia ’21, SLI scholar
Psychology, Latin American Studies Some of my most memorable accomplishments in high school consisted of many great activities that helped me to become a well rounded student. In the beginning of my freshman year, I joined the volleyball team, and continued through my junior year before the pandemic hit. My sophomore year, I had the opportunity to take classes to…
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College update: Rosibel ’22, SLI scholar
Ever since I applied to be a SLI scholar, I knew two things for certain: I wanted to go to a four-year college, and I wanted to study computer science. [Now I am in college to] fulfill my biggest goals, and I’m confident I will have the tools available to stay up to date on new and evolving technologies and…
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College update: Emma ’22, SLI scholar
By attending college I want to learn how to be the best ESL teacher I can be. I want to learn how English is taught so I can do that well, and I plan to get a master’s degree to expand my options and make me a better educator. I also hope to learn more about the world and other…
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SLI announces endowment lead gift
Scholars Latino Initiative (SLI) has announced that it will establish an endowment at the Community Foundation of Harrisonburg and Rockingham County with a lead gift of $100,000 from Gerald F. “J.J.” Smith, Jr. of Winchester, Virginia. The endowment will help sustain SLI’s mission of supporting Latino/a/x high school students with college access through rigorous academic challenge, leadership development, scholarships, and…
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SLI grads name college picks
Scholars Latino Initiative (SLI) scholars graduating from high school have named their university choices. Among the colleges and universities selected by the cohort of 18 students are: Their anticipated fields of study include computer science, history, nursing, social work, pre-dentistry, and pre-veterinary sciences. “SLI produces new opportunities for Latinx students facing struggles during the college process,” said Abigail ’22, a…
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Meet Paula ’24, SLI scholar
SLI: What are some of your interests? I love to draw and write. I am interested in learning about sewing, and I love the thought of designing clothing. Some of my favorite classes are both English and science, which are the main classes I’ve had. What would you like to share about your family or life history? My parents came…
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SLI announces board appointments
HARRISONBURG, Va., May 19, 2022 – Scholars Latino Initiative (SLI) has announced the appointments of Cecilia E. Barbosa (pictured, left) and Veronique N. Walker to its board of directors, bringing its membership to 13. “We are pleased to welcome Cecilia and Veronique to the SLI board,” said Jason Good, SLI board chair. “Their professional experience and expertise will strengthen SLI…
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A letter of gratitude from Samara ’21, SLI scholar
Dear SLI Community of Support, Ever since I was a child my mother has encouraged my brothers and me to get an education even though we had little money and few options. She instilled within us the importance of education. I struggled a lot with English when I first arrived in the U.S., which caused many issues as I couldn’t…