Latino Education Advancement Foundation

📚 This month, we were thrilled to host a transformative tour of Evergreen Valley College for about 30 LEAF Scholars, including some of our second-year scholars who had yet to tour their campus. For many of our scholars who are first-generation college students, this event was a pivotal step in building a strong sense of connection and support, essential for their journey through higher education. 🌟🎓 🚶🏽♂️ The tour was more than just a walkthrough; it was an opportunity for our second-year scholars to welcome and guide the incoming first-years. 🤝 Their shared experiences and encouragement fostered a warm sense of belonging, making the transition smoother. 💫 🙌🏽 A heartfelt thank you to Evergreen Valley College for their incredible collaboration and to our second-year LEAF Scholars for creating a welcoming environment for their peers. Together, we are building a community where every scholar feels supported and empowered to achieve their dreams. 🌱🏆 #LEAFCommunity #FirstGenPride #ScholarsSupportingScholars

I'm excited to invite you to the 2024 Latiné/x Summit! Juntos Apoyando a Nuestras Familias: The Role of Community-Based Practices to Support Latiné Youth and Families. This is a great professional development opportunity for anybody working in community schools or community-based programs. Join us on September 28, 2024, from 8:30 am to 5:15 pm. To register, please visit: https://lnkd.in/gmM9ijwp Hosted by the Center for Professional Development at the Santa Clara University School of Education and Counseling Psychology, in partnership with the Latinx Research Center, the SCU Ignatian Center for Jesuit Education, and the Latino Education Advancement Foundation, this summit brings together educators, school administrators, and licensed mental health providers to focus on supporting Latiné education and mental health care. Why attend? Expert Insights: Learn from professionals in mental health, education, public health, and leadership who will share actionable strategies for Latiné education, parent engagement, wellness, and healthcare. Community Focus: Engage with models that can be implemented in community schools to create supportive and collaborative environments for students, rooted in Jesuit values of social justice and holistic care. Professional Development: Earn APA-approved CE credits or non-APA Professional Development hours for educators. Event Details: Date: September 28, 2024 Time: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm Location: Benson Center - Santa Clara University campus Cost: Free entry! Optional fees for APA CE credits ($150) or non-APA PD hours ($30). Lunch included! Feel free to share this opportunity with your network. For any questions, you can reach me at [email protected]. Join us for a day dedicated to supporting Latiné youth and families through community-based models. Together, we can make a meaningful impact. Looking forward to seeing you there! #LatineEducation #mentalhealth #communityschools #Latinecommunity #communityengagement

💸 Boost Your Financial Smarts with Latinas Talk Dinero! 💸 Calling all LEAF Scholars, Mentors, and Families! Join us for a hands-on workshop designed to help you: ✨ Master budgeting for the school year 💡 Discover smart ways to fund your education and save 🔍 Get personalized financial tips just for you 📅 When: Tuesday, Sept. 10th 🕔 Time: 5 PM - 6 PM 📍 Where: 14271 Story Rd, San José CA 95127 RSVP here: tinyurl.com/LTDRSVP Latinas Talk Dinero seeks to develop and sustain networks of information, resources, and opportunities to support the success of first-generation professionals. Through their commitment to financial literacy, community, and accessibility, they strive to ensure first-generation professionals are equipped with the tools necessary to thrive in higher education, their career, and their community. #LatinasTalkDinero #FinancialLiteracy101 #StudentFinance #MoneyManagement #EmpowerYourself #FinancialEducation

🎉 A huge shoutout to our incredible team and volunteers for making this Fall's scholarship distribution a success! We distributed $192,000 to 384 students, offered assistance with financial aid and class registration, and topped it off with some LEAF swag to kickstart the school year in style! 📚✨ 🚀 Scholars Supported: 298 ($149,000) 🤝 Mentors Supported: 86 ($43,000) It was incredible seeing so many bright faces.😁✨ We’re so proud to support our LEAF scholars and mentors as they start their academic journeys this fall! 🍂 Let's make this school year the best one yet! 💪 Thank you, San Jose Public Library’s Dr. Roberto Cruz Alum Rock Branch Library, for hosting our check distribution and creating a warm and welcoming environment for our LEAF scholars and mentors.👏🌱 #LEAFScholars #ScholarshipSupport #BackToSchool #CommunityImpact #Fall2024

🌟 Meet the powerhouse driving LEAF’s mission forward! 🌱 Brittany Alvarez, our Executive Director, has spent over a decade championing educational equity nationwide. Her data-driven, student-centered vision has transformed opportunities for our first-gen Latinx LEAF Scholars from East San José. From founding the LEAF Center for College Success to creating the LEAF Scholarship, Brittany is committed to supporting the college journeys and socio-emotional growth of over 500 students and families. 📚✨ Stay tuned to see how our incredible team is making an impact! 💪 #LEAFScholars #FirstGenSuccess #LatinxExcellence

Meet Isabel Pérez, a first-gen trailblazer and our newest LEAF Mentor! 🌟 With multiple degrees under her belt and a deep commitment to her community, Isabel’s journey is truly inspiring. From her early days at Modesto Junior College to earning her B.S. in Business Administration at SJSU, Isabel embodies determination, leadership, and a passion for giving back. She’s on a mission to uplift her community and guide the next generation of students. Curious about how Isabel is making waves in mentorship? Tap the link below to read her full story and discover the impact she’s creating with LEAF! leafca.org/blog #LEAFSpotlight #FirstGenSuccess #MentorshipMatters

🎉 Meet the LEAF Operations Team! 🎉 Excited to introduce the team that empowers our first-gen Latinx LEAF Scholars from East San José by ensuring our organization has the tools and resources to make a lasting impact this school year! 🌟 Sonia Avitia, Deputy Executive Director Sonia brings expertise in finance, HR, and communications, with a deep commitment to diversity, equity, and community uplift. As an immigrant and woman of color, she offers a unique perspective, focused on closing literacy gaps and fostering collaboration. 🌟 Ashley Rosas, Operations Manager A Santa Clara University alum with a B.S. in Math, Ashley brings seven years of HR experience to the table. As a Latina in STEM and a first-gen college graduate, she’s dedicated to empowering Latinx students and families, believing that education is a powerful equalizer. 🌟 Diego Escobar, Finance and Special Projects Associate A San José native with a degree in Business Management, Diego is focused on maximizing financial impact to eliminate educational disparities. As the child of first-gen immigrants, he’s committed to creating opportunities that help families overcome obstacles. 🌟 Arturo Muñoz, Communications and External Relations Manager With seven years of advocacy experience and a degree in Communications, Arturo leads narrative-driven campaigns for educational equity. He’s a published poet, host of the podcast Varrio Voices, and serves on Hollister’s Arts and Culture Commission, amplifying the voices of his community. Stay tuned to see how our incredible team is making a difference! 💪📚

🌟 We’re thrilled to announce that the LEAF College Success Program, an initiative of the Latino Education Advancement Foundation, is a finalist for Excelencia in Education's 2024 Examples of Excelencia! 🌟 This prestigious recognition 🎖️ highlights our commitment to empowering Latino students through culturally relevant, evidence-based practices that foster success in higher education. With over 500 students and families served, and an impressive 81% college persistence rate, we’re proud to stand out as a model of excellence. 💪📚 As we look ahead to the Celebración de Excelencia event on September 30, we remain steadfast in our mission to uplift and support our community. 🙌 We’re honored to be on this journey, committed to educational equity and Latino student success. 🌱🎓 Read more about this exciting achievement on our blog! 📖✨ leafca.org/blog #LEAFSuccess #LatinoStudentSuccess #Excelencia2024 #EducationForAll

🌟 Meet Angel Beteran, an exceptional LEAF Scholar who’s soared at De Anza College with a 3.4 GPA! This fall, he's taking the next big step to University of California, Davis to pursue Environmental Engineering. 🎓 Despite facing challenges, Angel’s resilience and time management skills helped him navigate a demanding schedule, including a NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration program. As a first-gen, Mexican-American, gay student, he embraces his journey and uses his experiences as motivation. “From feeling like ‘I could never be as smart as them’ to ‘I’m doing the best I can, and that’s all that matters,’ I’ve learned that my background isn’t a disadvantage but a drive to pave the way for others like me.”🌱 Driven by his passion for water infrastructure and combating climate change, Angel is ready to make a lasting impact.🌍 Read more about Angel’s inspiring journey on our blog! leafca.org/blog 🚀 #LEAFScholars #UCDAvisBound #STEM #EnvironmentalEngineering