By Christopher Clymer Kurtz | Director of Development
SLI scholars graduating from high school this spring have been admitted to leading colleges and universities in Virginia and beyond.
After reviewing all their options and talking with their SLI program directors, school counselors, and family members, scholars have committed to attend such schools as Eastern Mennonite University, George Mason University, Illinois Institute of Technology, James Madison University, Old Dominion University, Randolph-Macon College, Shenandoah University, the University of Chicago, Virginia Tech, Blue Ridge and Reynolds Community Colleges, and others.
“We are proud of our students’ achievements and of the opportunities they are pursuing,” said Carlos, Alemán, Ph.D., SLI program director and board vice chair. “This fall, these students will begin a new, life-changing stage of their educational journeys. They have worked hard and accomplished much – and are just getting started.”
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. In addition, its scholars can become eligible for college dual enrollment and AP course tuition assistance while in high school, and SLI scholarships and technology grants for college success.
“When I joined SLI I was still unsure about my future after high school because no one close to me had gone to college,” SLI alumna Jimena ’24 (history and social science ’28) shared recently. “The idea of going to college was terrifying because I knew I’d have a hard time with every step. Once I joined SLI, many worries faded. During our meetings, I would learn something new about what needed to be done before college. I learned the importance of community service, joining clubs, making connections with teachers, and focusing on academics.”
With generous funding from the SLI community of support, since 2012 SLI has served 201 scholars (71 current and 130 alumni) and awarded more than $700,000 in financial support for students. SLI teachers and professors also help to connect scholars to additional funding opportunities, and SLI scholars have attended 25 colleges and universities.
Graduating SLI scholars are eligible to apply for SLI technology grants of $1,250 to help purchase the technology they need for college, as well as for SLI college scholarships of up to $6,000. After their first year of college, SLI alumni may apply for SLI alumni college scholarships. This year’s SLI awards will be announced this summer.
SLI also offers its scholars who are high school juniors and seniors tuition assistance for college dual-enrollment and Advanced Placement courses. These courses improve college readiness, enhance academic portfolios, and may reduce the number of credit hours needed in college.
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