First-time grant to Latino Cultural Center to support student success; student applications due Wednesday

Purdue’s Latino Cultural Center has received the Avanzando Through College grant and will launch its own Avanzando Through College program in collaboration with UnidosUS, formerly known as National Council of La Raza, for the 2021-22 academic year.

The Latino Cultural Center will equip a cohort of 20 students composed of first-year, second-year, transfer and Ivy Tech Community College students with the skills, information and support systems needed to navigate higher education. Student applications are due by Wednesday (Sept. 1). Students can learn more and submit an application online.

Through the program (“avanzando” means “going forward”), students will learn how to identify student services, improve their academic performance and build networks that will help them graduate with a Purdue degree. Upon completion of each semester in the program, students will become eligible for a stipend to be used toward their educational expenses.

Participants also will benefit from:

• A holistic approach to achieving positive educational and career outcomes.
• Culturally relevant programming.
• A national learning network and community of practice.
• The cohort experience and positive peer influence.
• Responsive case managers.
• Access to broader educational and career networks.

“This program will allow the LCC team to empower first-generation and/or Latinx students with the tools they need to thrive and maximize their potential for success at Purdue University,” says Carina Olaru, director of the Latino Cultural Center and director of student advocacy and education in the Division of Diversity and Inclusion. “We are excited about offering this program to current Purdue and Ivy Tech students as it will allow us to provide access to prospective Boilermakers and make connections in the community. This program gives us the opportunity to create equitable opportunities for historically marginalized communities and, in turn, create a more inclusive campus where students feel a sense of belonging.”

Faculty and staff are encouraged to share this information with students who may be eligible.