To apply for this position, please email your resume and a cover letter to [email protected] by November 1, 2024.
The primary responsibility of this part-time contractor (non-employee) role is to support program directors at four high school sites by coordinating organization practices and training, identifying college access resources and opportunities, and innovating program curricula specific to first-generation Latinx high school students in pursuit of higher education. Expected workloads are up to 25 hours per month, depending on school year programming needs and quarterly travel to program sites in Harrisonburg, Richmond, and Winchester, Virginia. Opportunities for further program innovations and work hours may be later considered and will be contingent upon funding.
Coordinating Support
Maintain a current database of student and family contact information (including an alumni database that may be used for soliciting award applications, disbursing awards, and tracking matriculation)
Conduct quarterly on-site check-ins with site directors (Aug, Nov, Feb, May) to hear support needs, observe program environment, and verify training and compliance
Submit 2-3 page summary report to the SLI board regarding site support needs and program opportunities (Sept, Dec, March, June)
Identify and coordinate quality college application and FAFSA training opportunities for site directors that are specific to the needs of first-generation students and the challenges experienced by students of migrant family households
Develop a succession plan for site directors; assist with recruiting and selecting (new) site directors
Work with SLI Director of Development to facilitate social media posts regarding HS programs
Program Specialization
Innovate an organizational onboarding and off-boarding plan for site directors at all sites
Innovate synchronous online tutorial for college application and FAFSA for site directors, as needed, to fill gaps of identified available training opportunities
Identify or innovate programming curriculum and support frameworks consistent with SLI’s mission and goals that can be adapted to site programming needs, local stakeholder interests, and policies of host school sites
Identify (new) partners and funding opportunities for further support programming
Requirements
Minimal degree of bachelor’s degree with a master’s preferred
Knowledge of SLI or 501(c)(3) organizations, or other non-profit experience (employment or volunteer)
Reliable vehicle for on-site visits
Preferred applicants will possess both English and Spanish language fluency
Knowledge of working with first generation, aid eligible, and Latino/a/x/e students
Salary and Compensation
$36/hour up to $10,800 annually (August 1-July 31), hours submitted for compensation at the end of each month
Reimbursement for costs for site visits, up to $1,500 per year (mileage at IRS rate)
PHOTO: Educator Lenny Vasquez gives the keynote address during the May 2024 SLI Graduation and Induction Ceremony at John Handley High School.
Scholars Latino Initiative (SLI) has appointed information technology teacher Lenny Vasquez to its program director team at John Handley High School in Winchester.
Along with school counselor and continuing SLI program director Lara Maquera, Vasquez will facilitate SLI’s mission to support Latino/a/x high school students with college access through rigorous academic challenge, leadership development, scholarships, and supportive mentorships.
“I believe that persistence and determination move students forward regardless of circumstances,” said Vasquez, who teaches in the Shihadeh Innovation Center.
During his keynote address during the SLI graduation ceremony last spring, Vasquez described growing up in the Dominican Republic, emigrating to the U.S. as a teenager, and serving in the Marine Corps for 23 years. He completed a bachelor of science in organizational leadership from Columbia Southern University in 2019, and now lives in Augusta, West Virginia.
“Attending university was an important part of my own story, and I look forward to supporting SLI scholars as they pursue higher education,” he said.
Through collaborations with university and high school staff, faculty, and students, SLI provides college access opportunities throughout high school, plus financial support for college success for students in Winchester, Harrisonburg, and Richmond.
“I am delighted to have Lenny join the SLI team,” said Andrea Meador Smith, SLI board member and senior associate dean of the College of Arts & Sciences and professor of Hispanic Studies at Shenandoah University. “Educators who are SLI program directors have a tremendous impact on the SLI scholars they serve, and Lenny’s personal and professional experiences make him uniquely qualified to be a strong advocate.”
Since 2012 SLI has served 200 scholars (70 current and 130 alumni) and has awarded nearly $700,000 in financial support for students. SLI alumni have attended 25 colleges and universities.
SLI is funded by many individuals, businesses, foundations, and organizations, including in Winchester. In June 2022 SLI announced the establishment of its endowment made possible by a lead gift from Gerald F. “J.J.” Smith, Jr., and the Gerald and Paula McNichols Family Foundation has funded many SLI technology grants to help Handley students begin college with the technology they need for success.
Sentara Health and F&M Bank help support students studying health and business
Shenandoah Valley Scholars Latino Initiative (SLI) has awarded a record level of financial aid to 45 SLI scholars and alumni attending college this fall.
A 501(c)(3) nonprofit, SLI supports Latino/a/x high school students with college access through rigorous academic challenge, leadership development, scholarships, and supportive mentorships. Through collaborations with university and high school staff, faculty, and students, SLI provides college access opportunities to SLI scholars throughout high school.
Awards for the new academic year total $157,500 and include a $6,000 college scholarship and $1,250 technology grant each for 14 high school class of 2024 SLI scholars (vasli.org/grads24) for their first year of college, plus $56,000 in college scholarships for 31 SLI alumni continuing their undergraduate studies.
Of the 45 recipients, 24 are entering health related studies, six are entering business and entrepreneur-related studies, and 15 are studying computer science, education, engineering, foreign affairs, political science, and other fields. A grant from Sentara Health is helping to fund awards for students in health related studies, and a grant from F&M Bank is helping to fund students with interest in business and entrepreneurship.
“The unique support of these local grants helps us to communicate to students the value of reaching out and actively searching for individuals and institutions that will support them in their own academic interests, career aspirations, and life goals,” said Carlos Alemán, Ph.D., professor of communication at James Madison University and one of SLI’s program directors in Harrisonburg.
Since 2012 SLI has served 203 scholars in Harrisonburg, Richmond, and Winchester, including 73 current and 130 alumni. As of this fall its scholars will have attended 25 colleges and universities, and SLI financial support for students now totals nearly $700,000.
“Looking back, my time as a SLI scholar played an extraordinary role in my life by giving me the glimpses of a future that could possibly be mine,” said SLI alumna and 2024 scholarship recipient Ariana Hernandez Perez (Harrisonburg High School ’23).
Now in her second year at the University of Virginia majoring in commerce with a minor in Korean and concentrations in information technology and finance, Hernandez Perez said experiencing imposter syndrome has made her stronger.
“I gradually began to use my insecurities as a means of perseverance rather than hindrance,” she said. “I transformed my mindset from one that made me feel inferior into one that gave me the strength I needed to push forward and excel.”
In addition to financially supporting its scholars with college scholarships and technology grants, SLI provides its scholars with tuition assistance for college dual enrollment and AP courses while in high school.
“It is an honor to be part of the SLI community standing with students who are pursuing life-changing opportunities in higher education,” said Fawn-Amber Montoya, Ph.D., SLI board chair and professor of history at James Madison University. “Many individuals, businesses, foundations, and organizations, and certainly partners such as Sentara and F&M Bank, are cheering on these students as they overcome barriers.”
Twenty-four of the scholarships awarded for the 2024-25 academic year are supported in part by the Sentara grant to support students pursuing health related studies and careers (vasli.org/sentara). These recipients include:
Adriana Jimenez (Harrisonburg ’20) is studying communication sciences and disorders and Spanish at JMU
Amy (John Handley High School ’21), biology/physician assistant track and Spanish, Shenandoah University (vasli.org/amyja)
Ana Pereira (Harrisonburg High School ’24), nursing, Eastern Mennonite University
Tatiana Sanchez-Aguilar (Harrisonburg ’20), nursing and chronic illness, JMU
Yeyhlin Velasquez-Zavala (John Handley ’23), public health and Spanish, Hollins University (vasli.org/yeyhlin)
Yoselin Bermudes-Olivares (Huguenot High School ’24), nursing, VCU
Six scholarships are supported in part by F&M Bank SLI Scholar College Awards for students pursuing business and entrepreneur-related studies and careers (vasli.org/fmbank). These recipients include:
Amy (John Handley ’21), accounting and philosophy, University of Pittsburgh (vasli.org/amy)
Ariana Hernandez Perez (Harrisonburg ’23), commerce, Korean, information technology, and finance, UVA
Eiby Galindo-Hernandez (Harrisonburg ’24), accounting and music, UVA
Guadalupe Tenorio Ramirez (Hopewell High School ’22), accounting and business administration, EMU (vasli.org/guadalupe)
Jennifer Carcamo Bonilla (Harrisonburg ’21), business administration, Bridgewater College
Lisbet (Harrisonburg ’21), liberal arts and business, EMU
Additional scholarships were awarded to:
Abygail Henriquez Diaz (Harrisonburg ’24), education, Blue Ridge Community College
Axel Vega-Mancinas (John Handley ’23), electrical engineering, Harvard University (vasli.org/axel)
Dariana Martinez Bautista (John Handley ’24), political philosophy, policy, and law, UVA
Heidy Gonzalez-Amaya (John Handley ’24), history and social science, Longwood University
Irais Barrera Pinzon (George Wythe High School ’21), political science/pre-law, Spanish, and Hispanic studies, EMU (vasli.org/irais)
Israel (Huguenot ’21), homeland security and emergency preparedness, criminal justice, justice and political science, VCU (vasli.org/israel)
Jimena Marquez-Marquez (John Handley ’23), American Studies, Latin American and Caribbean Studies, and Spanish, Dickinson College (vasli.org/jimena)
Keiry Lazo (Harrisonburg ’23), foreign affairs, global studies, and global development, UVA (vasli.org/keiry)
Lindsey Ruvalcaba (Harrisonburg ’23), college transfer degree, BRCC
Ma Guadalupe Ruiz Cortes (Huguenot ’24), political science/pre-law, University of Richmond
Maria (Mills E. Godwin High School ’22), English and Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages, VCU
Noel Ayala-Gallo (Harrisonburg ’21), leadership, public policy and foreign affairs, and astronomy, UVA (vasli.org/noel)
Raquel Perez Torrico (John Handley ’21), computer science and web development, Washington Adventist University
Rosely Alvarado Villegas (John Handley ’22), computer science, George Mason University (vasli.org/roselyav)
SLI is a community-based, 501(c)(3) public charity built on partnerships with high schools, universities, communities, students, and parents, and dedicated to advancing Latinx students’ post-high school educational opportunities. SLI advocates for Latinx opportunities and strives for social justice and equity. Scholars are mentored to be leaders that positively contribute to their communities.
At their SLI graduation celebrations this spring, SLI scholars took a moment to share about their college plans, what they’ll miss about SLI, advice for other SLI scholars, and more. Meet all 17 in these three videos:
The Winchester SLI Meet & Greet on April 19 celebrated college access by bringing together SLI scholars and alumni, family, board members, and community supporters for delicious food and drinks.
Sponsored by Laurel Ridge Community College, Valley Health, and First Bank and hosted by Lolita’s Mexican Restaurant and Bakery, the evening featured speeches by SLI alumni:
Elly (John Handley High School ’16, Shenandoah University ’24) is known as being “quiet but tenacious” and “peacefully determined,” and is featured at vasli.org/elly.
Jaime (JHHS ’19, University of Virginia ’23) is a communications and trainings associate for the Virginia Conservation Network.
Raquel (JHHS ’21, LRCC ’23, Washington Adventist University ’25) is studying computer science and web design.
SLI “helped me so much,” said Elly, who will graduate soon from the accelerated nursing program at Shenandoah University. “I honestly couldn’t have done it without SLI. They really supported my goals, and I am very grateful for that.”
During the event Winchester’s Gerald F. “J.J.” Smith, Jr. was recognized for funding many SLI college scholarships, and for his 2022 lead gift that led to the establishment of a SLI endowment at the Community Foundation of Harrisonburg and Rockingham County.
SLI leaders were also introduced, including SLI board chair Fawn-Amber Montoya, Ph.D., associate dean of the James Madison University Honors College, and local board members:
Diana Patterson, owner of DSP Services
Bryan Pearce-Gonzales, Ph.D., department chair and professor of hispanic studies at Shenandoah University
Andrea Meador Smith, Ph.D., associate dean of College of Arts and Sciences at Shenandoah University, and
Veronique N. Walker, Ed.D., L.P.C., N.C.C., the equity and family empowerment coordinator for Winchester Public Schools.
With programs in Harrisonburg, Richmond, and Winchester, Virginia, the mission of Scholars Latino Initiative (SLI) is to support Latino/a/x high school students with college access through rigorous academic challenge, leadership development, scholarships, and supportive mentorships.
Through collaborations with university and high school staff, faculty, and students, SLI provides college access opportunities throughout high school. In addition, its scholars can become eligible for financial support for college success. Since 2012 SLI has served 180 scholars (67 current and 113 alumni) and awarded more than $542,000 in financial support for students. SLI scholars have attended 24 colleges and universities.
SLI programming this spring included unique opportunities at each of its sites, with students experiencing a variety of events including college visits, guest speakers, and more.
“Accessing college is no small task,” said Fawn-Amber Montoya, Ph.D., SLI board chair and associate dean of James Madison University Honors College. “SLI is proud to support its remarkable scholars as they pursue the higher education they so keenly desire and merit.”
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. SLI is a community-based, not-for-profit organization built on partnerships with high schools, universities, communities, students, and parents in Harrisonburg, Richmond, and Winchester. Dedicated to advancing Latinx students’ post-high school educational opportunities, SLI advocates for Latinx opportunities and strives for social justice and equity. Scholars – currently there are 67 – are mentored to be leaders that positively contribute to their communities.
Through collaborations with university and high school staff, faculty, and students, SLI provides college access opportunities throughout high school. In addition, its scholars can become eligible for financial support for college success, which since 2012 has included more than $542,000 in college scholarships, technology awards, and dual enrollment and AP course tuition assistance.
Harrisonburg
SLI program directors Hannah Bowman Hrasky, a teacher at Harrisonburg High School, and Carlos Alemán, Ph.D., a professor at James Madison University, develop and coordinate academic, leadership, and mentorship activities for the SLI scholars in Harrisonburg. SLI Early College is one program where students meet twice monthly after school for college planning updates, reflective writing exercises, and college-level discussions. This spring, student teams researched Latina girlhood as represented in mass media targeting audiences ages 10-14 years.
SLI on Saturday is another program, with monthly gatherings held on the JMU campus and built around themes of community and civic engagement, cultural identity and empowerment, and healthy relationships and well-being. The April meeting (pictured below) invited the JMU student organization, SLI Mentors, to present a Women’s History Month-centered program. Activities promoted empowerment and solidarity for Latinx women, a crash course on intersectionality, and writing letters of appreciation to inspiring women in the students’ lives.
Several ad hoc events in April were also developed to meet student needs and interests. SLI partnered with the NewBridges Immigrant Resource Center to host an exclusive workshop featuring immigration attorney Steven Smith and social work intern Catalina Marquez, who provided information and answered questions about family petitions to scholars and their parents. Many scholars also participated in a “shadow day” organized and hosted by SLI Mentors that included attending classes with college mentors, major-specific guided campus tours, visiting student support spaces, meeting with professors, and experiencing a typical college day. Finally, scholars served their community by volunteering at La Fiesta, an annual food and game fair for children and families of Smithland Elementary School.
Richmond
SLI in Richmond is led by SLI founder Peter Iver Kaufman, Ph.D., a professor at the Jepson School of Leadership Studies at the University of Richmond, and Huguenot High School teacher Ester Orellana. University students act as mentors of the SLI high school students, routinely offering mentor-mentee bonding activities.
In March nine high school freshmen were welcomed as Richmond SLI’s newest cohort at an induction gathering of approximately 80 that included all current SLI scholars, family members, and guest speakers Ricardo Jofre and Kathryn Perez, an alumna of SLI in North Carolina. In April, scholars and their families gathered for a graduation celebration (pictured below), which included a speech by SLI alumnus Israel (pictured below with Kaufman). The event will be further featured in an upcoming news release.
Early College programming featured readings about the history of Palestine and the current crisis in Gaza, with essays to come this summer. Richmond SLI alumni have described the required academic writing for Early College as a “crazy” amount of work but “worth it, definitely” – and helpful for both high school and college success.
“‘Wow!’” SLI alumnus Ariel (pictured below, left) said he realized in his first writing class in college. “I could tell, seeing my other peers, that I was pretty much ahead of them because of SLI.”
Winchester
John Handley High School counselors Lara Maquera and Elizabeth Cranford are the SLI program directors in Winchester, where this spring SLI scholars worked on College 101 Workbooks and shared research about colleges they are considering attending.
Guest speakers included Shenandoah University admissions director Calyn Lutz, who shared practical information about the college application process, and Valley Health hiring manager Lisa Spencer, who discussed academic and training paths that can lead to careers in the medical field.
SLI has “allowed me to get a feel for what to expect in college,” SLI scholar Mario (pictured below) said in a feature about SLI in the March issue of Cooperative Living Magazine. “Honestly, I would be lost [without it] because SLI has helped me visit different types of colleges and meetings related to programs offered.”
The program was highlighted during the Winchester SLI Meet & Greet (also pictured) at Lolita’s Mexican Restaurant and Bakery on April 19. Sponsored by Laurel Ridge Community College, Valley Health, and First Bank, the event provided opportunities to meet SLI scholars and alumni, board members, donors, and other community members.
Pictured from left: Lourdes Sandoval, MSW, and Andrea Smith, Ph.D., are new members of the Scholars Latino Initiative board of directors, and Carlos Alemán, Ph.D., is the new vice chair.
The college-access nonprofit Shenandoah Valley Scholars Latino Initiative (SLI) has welcomed two members to its board of directors, and appointed a new vice chair.
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. Through collaborations with university and high school staff, faculty, and students, SLI provides college access opportunities throughout high school, plus financial support for college success.
The new directors are Lourdes Sandoval, MSW, of Reston and Andrea Meador Smith, Ph.D., of Winchester, and the newly appointed vice chair is Carlos Alemán, Ph.D, of Harrisonburg. They have diverse backgrounds in higher education and social services.
“Supporting SLI’s mission through board service means providing opportunities for our youth to achieve their dreams as future leaders!” said Sandoval, a senior case manager at Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Arlington, where she has also served as senior accounting coordinator and refugee health education and outreach liaison. She earned her master of social work degree from Virginia Commonwealth University and a bachelor of science in public health with a minor in human services from West Virginia University.
Smith is associate dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Shenandoah University, where she is also Professor of Hispanic Studies and serves as an NCAA faculty athletics representative.
“I first learned about SLI 10 years ago, when I started recommending my students to serve as mentors,” she said. “I have been fortunate to work with vibrant, committed, and successful students from SLI since then, and am excited to further support SLI’s mission by joining the board. I look forward to getting to know the many promising Handley High School students and their leaders in the months ahead.”
Smith’s current research addresses representations of race and gender in Latin American film, and at the local level, she is a film screener and board member for Skyline Indie Film Fest. She has also been a faculty member for Semester At Sea and a Spanish instructor at the University of Virginia, where she received bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Spanish, a master of teaching in Spanish and English as a Second Language, and a doctorate in Spanish. She studied abroad as an undergraduate and did doctoral research at Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú.
Alemán is Associate Professor of Communication Studies at James Madison University and has served as a SLI board member and program director since 2012. He received his doctorate in communication studies at the University of Iowa and bachelor’s and master’s degrees in speech communication at California State University in Fresno.
“SLI scholars are changing the world as they grow into leaders, artists, teachers, doctors, lawyers, and scientists – and that inspires all of us to stay true to our mission,” he said. “Walking with these first-generation students as they embrace the challenges and opportunities of college access opens our eyes to the beauty of their will and the strengths of our communities.”
SLI board chair Fawn-Amber Montoya, Ph.D., associate dean of the Honors College at James Madison University, welcomed the experiences and expertise that Sandoval and Smith bring to their new board service, and the opportunity to share board leadership with Alemán.
“As SLI continues its second decade, we look forward to continuing our young legacy of supporting students in our communities who are pursuing life-changing college access,” she said.
Since 2012 SLI has served 180 scholars (67 current and 113 alumni) and awarded more than $542,000 in financial support for students in college scholarship awards, computer awards, and dual enrollment tuition assistance. Its alumni have attended 24 colleges and universities.
“Not only did [SLI] equip me with a wealth of knowledge about higher education, but it also instilled a sense of belonging within me,” said Jennifer, a SLI scholar who graduated from John Handley High School and is now studying public health and data science at William & Mary. “Often, students from underrepresented backgrounds experience feelings of displacement or inadequacy. I would say SLI encouraged me to apply for other Hispanic college programs, volunteer opportunities, and colleges because it made me feel worthy of these opportunities.”
JMU professor in residence at Harrisonburg City Public Schools and SLI program director Carlos Alemán, Ph.D, speaks to SLI scholars during College and Career Access Day
Silvia Garcia-Romero, director of diversity and inclusion for Sentara, and Onesimo Baltazar Corona, director of operations for Sentara Community Care in Harrisonburg, speak with a SLI scholar during College and Career Access Day
Sentara physician assistant Leodegario Alonso provides the keynote address at College and Career Access Day
Onesimo Baltazar Corona, director of operations for Sentara Community Care in Harrisonburg, speaks during College and Career Access Day
SLI managing director Stephania Cervantes welcomes students and Sentara employees during College and Career Access Day
SLI scholars listen to Gladys Zito, language services coordinator for Sentara, during College and Career Access Day
Mayra Gavia Molina, a registered nurse at Sentara, speaks with SLI scholars during College and Career Access Day
JMU professor Prayash Sharma Pyakurel, Ph.D., speaks to SLI scholars about space and physics during College and Career Access Day
JMU professor of immigration and justice Graciela Perez, Ph.D., listens to SLI scholars during a circle meeting during College and Career Access Day
JMU professor of politics and political science Kristin Wylie, Ph.D., shares with SLI scholars during College and Career Access Day
JMU professor of communication and relations Reslie Cortés, Ph.D., speaks with SLI scholars during College and Career Access Day
JMU professor Melissa Alemán, Ph.D., speaks with SLI scholars about graduate studies during College and Career Access Day
JMU professor of foreign languages and cultures Verónica Davila Ellis, Ph.D., speaks with SLI scholars during College and Career Access Day
JMU professor and SLI program director Carlos Alemán speaks with SLI scholars during College and Career Access Day
College and Career Access Day at JMU began with breakfast
HARRISONBURG, VA / December 2, 2023 – Approximately 60 high school and college students attended the annual James Madison University Professors in Residence (PIR) and Scholars Latino Initiative (SLI) College and Career Access Day at JMU, which for the first time featured local Sentara Health professionals sharing their expertise in promoting salud y comunidad, or health and community.
Supported by JMU’s Office of Inclusive Excellence and Engagement and Office of Admissions, the day was coordinated by Carlos Alemán, Ph.D, a JMU professor in residence at Harrisonburg City Public Schools and a SLI program director. JMU undergraduates in the student organization SLI Mentors assisted with catering planning and welcomed participants as campus hosts.
“Young people are more motivated than ever to make our world a better place as leaders, teachers, doctors, lawyers, and scientists,” said Alemán. “Connecting first-generation high school students with the resources to pursue these ambitions and careers through higher education is an invigorating experience.”
Additional support for the event came from Sentara Health through a grant that earlier this year also helped fund SLI scholarships for 18 SLI scholars currently pursuing college degrees in health-related fields. For College and Career Access Day, Sentara provided access to employees who shared with students about healthcare professions and opportunities. They included:
Onesimo Baltazar Corona, Director of Operations (Harrisonburg), Sentara Community Care
Gladys Zito, Language Services Coordinator
Mayra Gavia Molina, Registered Nurse
Zulma Argueta, Community Health Worker
In addition, Sentara physician assistant Leodegario Alonso provided the keynote address, sharing about persistence on his career journey, and encouraging students to forge their own pathways. Alonso holds degrees from Eastern Mennonite University and the University of Nebraska Medical Center. Before becoming a physician assistant, he worked as a radiologic technologist, Futuro Latino Coalition specialist, medical interpreter, and United States Army Reserve drill sergeant.
“It is very powerful to have someone like Leo, who looks like the scholars, share a story that resonates with them and inspires them to continue on their career path,” said Garcia-Romero. “These experiences are so impactful and make a difference in Latino career advancement, and this is why we are proud to be a partner and support SLI’s work.”
Participating SLI scholars, who attended from Harrisonburg and John Handley (Winchester) High Schools, were also invited to explore how to use medical equipment such as blood pressure monitors, CPR masks, and digital thermometers.
JMU has supported PIR-SLI College Access Day since 2016. The addition to the program of career professionals and support by Sentara Health marks a development in networking opportunities for attending students.
Academic exploration sessions connected students with JMU professors who shared about their curricula and areas of expertise. Topics and presenters included:
Foreign Languages and Cultures, Verónica Davila Ellis, Ph.D.
Communication and Relations, Reslie Cortés, Ph.D.
Space and Physics, Prayash Sharma Pyakurel, Ph.D.
Immigration and Justice, Graciela Perez, Ph.D.
Politics and Political Science, Kristin Wylie, Ph.D.
Participants also toured the JMU campus and were treated to lunch in D-Hall.
ABOUT SLI
With programs in Harrisonburg, Richmond, and Winchester, Virginia, Scholars Latino Initiative supports Latino/a/x high school students with college access through rigorous academic challenge, leadership development, scholarships, and supportive mentorships. Through collaborations with university and high school staff, faculty, and students, SLI provides college access opportunities throughout high school, plus financial support for college success. Since 2012 SLI has served 180 scholars (67 current and 113 alumni) and awarded more than $542,000 in financial support for students.
During SLI’s 2023 year-end campaign, donations are doubled, matched by $43,000 from the SLI Founder’s Fund, the Open Hearts Foundation, and anonymous donors, while funds last.
Contributions can be made at vasli.org/donateor mailed to SLI, PO Box 1245, Harrisonburg, Virginia 22803, and will help make SLI’s mission possible: to support Latinx students with college access through rigorous academic challenge, leadership development, scholarships, and supportive mentorships.
SLI scholars experience unique circumstances as in many cases first-generation college students; as talented but often invisible individuals; as children from families that are disproportionately under-resourced and disenfranchised; and as members of a growing population in Virginia and the U.S. that is underrepresented on college campuses.
Support for navigating these obstacles is vital for reaping the long-term benefits of a college education: Higher education is linked to increased wellbeing and better health; first-generation college students give their own children increased college opportunities; adults with higher education are more likely to engage with friends, family, and neighbors for greater wellbeing and resilience; highly educated adults are more likely to vote, volunteer, and donate; for college grads, work fits better with their talents and interested; and college grads earn $1 million more in their working years than other adults.
SLI programming is collaborative between high school faculty and staff and university faculty, staff, and students who mentor the participating high school students. Events include “college days” that offer networking opportunities for students. SLI alumni are also invited to maintain connection with each other through the new SLI Alumni Association virtual group, and to continue to share their developing stories with the SLI community.
SLI’s mission has been sustained through the generosity of its Community of Support, which includes many individuals, businesses, foundations, and organizations.
