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Avanzando Through College, launched in 2020 with funding from UnidosUS, is a crucial program focused on providing valuable support to Latinx students as they transition from high school to college. The program works specifically on closing the achievement gap that exists between Latinx students and their peers through a holistic approach that supports and strengthens students.  

Many of the students who are part of Centro’s youth programs are low-income, first-generation college students, and are English language learners who are on their own when it comes to their college journey. In addition, most of them are part of families that work long hours with multiple jobs and are often compelled to get a job to support their parents after-school. As such, these students find themselves with limited support from their parents and school to navigate the increasingly complex high school to college transition.

​​Avanzando Through College has the following goals:
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• Support and motivate youth to dream big and accomplish their professional/academic goals.

 

• Empower Latinx students by facilitating open, safe, youth-led spaces for young people to express themselves and learn together.

 

• Provide resources to support students as they navigate their college life (building relationships, mental health awareness, studying skills, time management, financial awareness, etc.).

 

• Provide students sponsorship/mentorship support as needed.

 

• Connect students to opportunities with our workforce development team to continue fostering professional development. 

*Application submission form available on July 15th, 2022

Paso a Paso Event

​We would like to formally invite our Latine community to the Paso a Paso for First-Generation Latine students information session coming up on Saturday, November 12th, from 10:00am to 2:00pm at Goodman-South Campus.


The day will start as early as 9:45 am for check-ins to grab some coffee and goodies. Then, in partnership with Centro Hispano and in collaboration with UW-Madison, Edgewood College and Madison College, AND UW-Milwaukee! 

​We plan to open up the space for our Paso a Paso event from 10 am to 2 pm. Food will be provided!

There will be a time where prospective first-generation students and their families join us for a half-day of gathering general information on the following:

• How to apply to college
• How complete the FAFSA (in highlighting mix status families)
• How to look for scholarships
• Ask questions about the admission and transfer process, etc.
• Have our guests hear from our student panel about their lived-experiences

Feel free to spread the word! We ask that families register for our session with the link provided:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/paso-a-paso-for-first-generation-students-tickets-421557559007?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

Questions? Don't hesitate to contact me via email at alondra@micentro.org or give Alondra a call at 608-400-5407

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Looking for financial support?  Click on your institution's logo for more information

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VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

​We are currently recruiting volunteers for the school year!

volunteer description

​Click here to apply

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AVANZANDO program contact: ​
​Alondra Quechol-Ramirez
College Transition Coordinator
alondra@micentro.org  

SCHOLAR TESTIMONIALS

Nicole
I’m Nicole, and I am seventeen years old. I attend Madison West High School. I was born in Madison, but my family originated from Honduras. I enjoy singing and watching movies. My dream college is the University of WashingtonSeattle because it is one of the best nursing schools in the country, and I really want to become a nurse. What I most like about Escalera is that it is a safe place with opportunities and it is a space where I can feel safe to express myself.

Javier
I am Javier, I am eighteen years old, and I am a senior at Memorial High School. I was born in Mexico but have lived in Wisconsin for most of my life. My favorite thing to do is to cruise around with my friends in our cars. After high school I plan on attending a technical college for an automotive technician program to hopefully manage my own garage shop one day. I like the Escalera program because it is very fun and a great way to learn about college.

Cynthia
I’m Cynthia, and I am eighteen years old. I attend Madison Memorial High School. I was born in Madison, Wisconsin. After high school I plan on attending Madison College, where I want to study criminal justice. My dream job is to become a police officer. I love to play soccer, and I like to help people in need. I like Escalera because it helps me with planning for college and applying for scholarships.