Create college opportunities for Latino students

The college access nonprofit Shenandoah Valley Scholars Latino Initiative (SLI) has awarded a record level of financial aid to 48 SLI scholars and alumni attending college this fall, funded in part by Valley Health, Sentara Health, F&M Bank, and others. 

SLI awards announced this summer for the 2025-26 academic year total $215,500, a 37 percent increase over 2024’s then-record $157,500. This year’s awards include a $6,000 college scholarship and $1,250 technology grant each for 22 high school class of 2025 SLI scholars for their first year of college, plus $56,000 in college scholarships for 26 SLI alumni continuing their undergraduate studies. 

Scholarships for Winchester SLI scholars pursuing studies in health sciences are funded by a $25,000 grant from Valley Health for awards for Winchester SLI scholars. A $5,000 grant from Sentara Health is also helping to fund awards for students in health related studies, and a three-year grant from F&M Bank is helping to fund students in business and accounting studies. 

“We are deeply committed to strengthening communities by investing in the future of healthcare,” said Jason Craig, director of community health for Valley Health. “Supporting the Scholars Latino Initiative is a powerful way to help exceptional students pursue their aspirations and bring greater representation and fresh perspectives to the field. We’re proud to stand with these scholars as they begin their journey toward becoming tomorrow’s healthcare leaders.”

Additional recent major gifts have come from the Bloomfield Family Foundation, Gary and Debra Turner, the Gerald and Kaye Family Gift Fund at the Community Foundation of Harrisonburg and Rockingham County, the Gerald and Paula McNichols Family Foundation, the Herndon Foundation, the SLI Founder’s Fund, the Steven B. Achelis Foundation, the Vera R. Campbell Foundation, and anonymous donors.

“The extraordinary, determined young people who are SLI scholars are a source of hope and inspiration, and so are all in the SLI community of support who make SLI programming, scholarships, and tech grants possible,” said Fawn-Amber Montoya, Ph.D., SLI board chair and professor of history at James Madison University. “Together we are providing college opportunities and strengthening families and our communities.”

Of this year’s 48 awardees, 24 are in health-related studies, eight are in business and entrepreneur-related studies, and 16 are studying architecture, education, engineering, political science, and other fields. They are studying this fall at Dickinson College, Eastern Mennonite University, Harvard College, Hollins University, the Illinois Institute of Technology, James Madison University, Longwood University, Old Dominion University, Randolph-Macon College, Shenandoah University, the University of Chicago, the University of Pittsburgh, the University of Richmond, Virginia Commonwealth University, Virginia Tech, Washington Adventist University, and Blue Ridge, Brightpoint, Harrisburg Area, J. Sargent Reynolds, and Laurel Ridge Community Colleges.

“I am so honored that I got to be part of the SLI community,” SLI alumna Maya ’25 (nursing ’27) wrote after receiving her award. “I’ve had so many memories and opportunities through SLI. I will forever be grateful for the generosity this community has given me and many other scholars.” 

ABOUT SLI

With many individuals, businesses, foundations, and organizations comprising its community of support, SLI helps high school students access college. Active in Harrisonburg, Richmond, and Winchester, it offers rigorous academic challenge, leadership development, and supportive mentorship opportunities.

SLI scholars can also become eligible for SLI financial assistance in the forms of dual enrollment and Advanced Placement tuition assistance for earning college credits while in high school, technology grants for purchasing the technology needed for college, and college scholarships.

As of this fall, since 2012 SLI has served 223 scholars, including 67 current and 156 alumni. Its scholars have attended 28 colleges and universities, and SLI financial awards for students now total more than $911,000. 

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.