SLI empowers a peer group of motivated future leaders who are often the first in their families to attend college — and who the community of SLI donors believes in.
Through unique collaborations between educators, students, and community members, SLI offers supportive opportunities to develop as leaders, rise to academic challenges, explore majors and careers, apply to colleges, and more.
With private support from donors, SLI offers college scholarships, technology grants, and tuition assistance for Dual Enrollment and Advanced Placement classes. Since its incorporation in 2012 SLI has served 223 scholars (67 current and 156 alumni) and awarded students more than $917,300. SLI alumni have attended 29 colleges and universities. Read their testimonials here.
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 that is underrepresented on college campuses. Participation in SLI can help lead to life-changing college access: 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; and, for college grads, work fits better with their talents and interested (vasli.org/sources).
Students who apply and are selected to be SLI scholars participate in various activities. These may include:
★ Accepting new academic challenges and leadership responsibilities that empower their paths to higher education, with guidance from SLI high school teachers and university student mentors;
★ Developing personal statements and goals, evaluating careers and majors, applying for college admittance, and seeking financial aid, all with the help of faculty mentors;
★ Participating in family-inclusive programming that fosters skills and knowledge needed for supporting college access; college-level writing and analysis seminars taught by university faculty members; leadership and service partnerships with community organizations; and leadership and networking retreats held on university campuses; and
★ Receiving friendship, social support, and help for navigating the challenges that come with being a Latinx college-bound student.
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