Create college opportunities for Latino students

In 2026, with support from its community, Scholars Latino Initiative anticipates passing the one million dollar mark in total SLI college scholarships, technology grants, and dual enrollment and Advanced Placement tuition assistance awarded to students since its incorporation in 2012. Awards were first made in 2015.

Highlights so far this year:

• SLI senior included in Virginia Museum of History & Culture exhibition
• “I’m really grateful”: Gratitude at the Winchester SLI Meet & Greet
• “SLI Saturday” highlights health and wellness
• A Night of Appreciation: the Harrisonburg SLI Meet & Greet
• SLI Annual Report 2026

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. It is a collaboration with high school and university faculty, staff, and students to offer out-of-school, college access programs for high school students (“SLI scholars”) in Harrisonburg, Richmond, and Winchester. With support from its donors, SLI creates college scholarships, tech grants, and other financial assistance opportunities for SLI scholars and alumni.

Links:

• vasli.org

Thank you for supporting college access! Through your generosity, last year you helped provide students with a record number of SLI scholarships and programming (now led in part by a SLI alum!) that together offer life-changing help navigating the challenges of pursuing their college dreams. These make a difference, as SLI alumni often share: 

“Being a part of SLI helped me navigate the journey of college preparedness as a first generation student.... I understand, now, being a part of SLI granted me a network of resources, support, and community at my disposal when needed to help me navigate life in college as a SLI alum.”
–Yesenia ’20 (communication sciences and disorders, Spanish ’26)

 “SLI met me where I was, helped me envision where I hoped to be, and created space for me to take greater responsibility for my learning, even as my interests continued to evolve.”
–Gina ’21 (accounting, philosophy ’25)

“I have grown significantly as I approach my final year of college. Academically, I have taken on more challenging coursework in advanced computer engineering, including courses in machine learning and embedded systems design. I have applied these skills through several impactful projects, including designing a website for cataloging and lending for my software engineering course and participating in a hackathon where I developed the 'Realtime Opportunity Engine' for job discovery.”
–Gino ’22 (computer engineering, data science ’26)

 May your new year be filled with joy and peace. I look forward to sharing more SLI news with you in the coming months.

Links:

• SLI scholar testimonials