Latino high school students get the message: College is for you, too

Latino high school students don't have to let a lack of money keep them from going to college, educators said Friday at the annual Latino Senior Summit at Harper College.

Around 130 Hispanic juniors and seniors from Districts 211, 214, and 220 listened to speakers who urged them to work hard and apply for scholarships and grants that are out there to help them.

"Students tend to be motivated by two things: your money, and your mama. I'm here to talk about money," said Shanté Bishop, assistant professor of Academic Enrichment and Language Studies at Harper.

Bishop told them about the Choice Scholars Institute, a 30-student program that prepares high school seniors and juniors for college. Successful completion results in a tuition scholarship for the students, and Bishop said that they are working with Motorola for funding to expand the program to 100 students.

Bishop added that grants and scholarships are available for all levels of students, not just those at the top of their class. Harper College gave out $500,000 in scholarships to 300 students through the Harper College Educational Foundation last year.

Financial Aid Director Earl Dowling urged students to turn in their financial aid forms by April 15, saying that because of the state budget problems, later applicants may get less money from the state.

Dowling said Harper plans to make available $20 million in grants, loans, and scholarships next school year.

Keynote speaker Dr. Claudia Rueda-Alvarez, a counselor at Maine West High School in Des Plaines, told students they "can achieve anything you can put your heart to and be successful. Don't let anyone stand in your way."

She stressed the concept of "ganas", or motivation sufficient to act upon, something she told students must have to have successful careers.

Juanita Bassler, multicultural recruiting specialist and the coordinator for the summit, introduced Harper graduates who spoke about their professional careers and how college helped them.

"They are what we were 10 to 12 years ago," said Roberto Valadez, director of the TRiO program at Truman College in Chicago. "We lacked the motivation or vision to go somewhere, but because of our mentors at Harper, we were able to succeed."

"As each generation moves on, we have to keep improving our education," said Karina Balderas, a social worker in Arlington Heights.

Pepsi sponsored the event, and together with Harper College, paid for transportation and refreshments for the high school students.