A Richmond Scholars Latino Initiative (SLI) scholar is included in the “We the People: The World in Our Commonwealth” exhibit at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture (VMHC). Lindsay, who as salutatorian of the 2026 class of Huguenot High School will speak at her graduation in June, is pictured and quoted in a display titled “Our Stories.” Excerpts of…
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“Persistence, passion, and compassion”: SLI welcomes alum Hernandez Austria to board
At the start of its “Million Dollar Año,” the college-access nonprofit Scholars Latino Initiative (SLI) has welcomed an alum to its board of directors. SLI, which with the support of its community in 2026 is poised to pass the $1 million mark in total financial awards to students since its incorporation in 2012, has announced Jennyfer Hernandez Austria of Chesterfield…
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Celebración ’25 highlights SLI community, impact: “I had a destination in mind, but not a road map”
Fajitas and drinks with live music are great reasons to celebrate anytime. But when the Scholars Latino Initiative (SLI) community of support gathered this weekend, it was also to celebrate the accomplishments of SLI alumni and SLI’s record year of support for students. A college access nonprofit based in Harrisonburg, SLI hosted its annual “Celebración” on Saturday, November 8. Returning…
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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…
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Fulfilling an educational dream: Elena, SLI alum
At a VOICE ensemble concert benefiting SLI, SLI alum Elena shared the following about her experiences: I am excited to share with you all about my SLI experience, but I want you all to know that every student in SLI has an encouraging and unique story. I appreciate you all for allowing me this opportunity to share mine with you…
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‘SLI Celebración ’24’ highlights SLI alumni, locally sourced foods, Lua Project
HARRISONBURG, VA – The college access nonprofit Scholars Latino Initiative event SLI Celebración ’24 highlighted not just delicious foods and drinks, great music and dancing (and more!), but also the successes of its scholars. Sponsored by many community-minded organizations, businesses, and individuals, and held at Harrisonburg’s stunning downtown venue The Loft at Liberty St., the event included sharing by SLI…
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SLI scholars among top ten graduates
At their high school graduation ceremony on May 30, 2024, SLI scholars Isabella and Paula were recognized as among the top 10 of their graduating class of 206 students. Isabella was ranked 4th, with a GPA of 4.60. She will study political science and pre-law to become an attorney, an interest that was already developing early in her high school…
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Meet Onesimo ’20, SLI scholar
Onesimo ’20 studied political science and history and graduated with cords of distinction. I was surprised by how difficult sometimes it is to get into college, because it feels that once you’re there, it becomes certainly easier because you have a community and there are resources and people who pretty much are in charge of making you feel welcome and…
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Meet Maria ’21, SLI scholar
Maria ’21 is pursuing degrees in political science and Spanish with a minor in pre-law. I always knew that at some point I had to become that person, the person that I had in my mind because of the things I used to like, the things I like, about politics, helping the community, and being really active in our society,…
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Meet Daniela ’22, SLI scholar
Engineering How do you think going to college will change your life? I expect to have more opportunities [with a college degree]. Most of my siblings or even my parents did not finish high school, so they don’t have a GED or anything. My dad and my brothers all work construction, so it’s a heavy job, and I feel like…
