By Christopher Clymer Kurtz | Director of Development
The COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately affected the Latino community in the United States, further highlighting the benefits of holding a college degree.
Even as the Scholars Latino Initiative (SLI) has adapted its programming by focusing on virtual possibilities, it has increased the number of college scholarships and computer awards it offers, plus increased the amount of dual enrollment tuition assistance for its scholars.
"Nonprofit organizations such as SLI are essential in our schools to ensure support and empowerment for our Latinx students and their families," said Gloria M. Figueroa-Vargas, Maestra de Español, M.A., Teaching Spanish as a Foreign Language and Its Culture at Harrisonburg High School. "SLI focuses on supporting our students academically and being proud of their heritage."
Established in the Shenandoah Valley in 2012, the 501(c)(3) public charity, nonprofit organization Scholars Latino Initiative (SLI) creates college opportunities for its scholars in its unique programs in Harrisonburg, Richmond, and Winchester, Virginia.
In collaboration with university faculty and high school teachers, SLI offers opportunities such as rigorous academic challenge, leadership development, and supportive mentorships. SLI’s dual enrollment tuition support, computer awards, and college scholarships further empower its scholars as they pursue a college degree.
In high school SLI scholar Emily took so many classes for college credit that she was able to complete an associate degree just one year after graduating! The recipient of a SLI computer award and a SLI college scholarship, she is now earning a four-year degree in business administration with a concentration in information systems and technology.
"I am so grateful to SLI for helping me in my academic career to this point," she said. "SLI has helped me believe in myself to achieve my dreams and make them into reality despite any obstacles that may come my way."
“Scholars Latino Initiative has changed my life tremendously," wrote Richmond SLI alumna Angela (Huguenot High School ‘19), now studying Arts in Media & Communications at Shenandoah University. Read her full reflection of gratitude here: http://vasli.org/angela
"SLI scholars are amazing human beings who have lived experiences far beyond those of most their age; their resilience and courage are an inspiration to me as a parent and an educator," said Dr. Lara Coggin, ESOL Teacher, Richmond Public Schools.
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