Mar 16, 2023

K-State co-sponsors events to expand outreach to Latinos

Posted Mar 16, 2023 10:15 AM

K-State News

MANHATTAN ā€” Kansas State University is partnering with the Kansas State College Advising Corps and other state institutions of higher education to co-sponsor Latinos to College/Hacia La Universidad Kansas, a series of events aimed at helping Latino students and their families prepare for college and careers. 

The events are cooperative efforts between Kansas employers, schools, community organizations and post-secondary institutions. 

Now in its fourth year, the Latinos to College program is expanding and will be offering events in three locations:

ā€¢ Kansas City area: March 25, Kansas State University Olathe Campus.
ā€¢ Southwest Kansas: April 15, Dodge City High School.
ā€¢ Central Kansas/Wichita: April 29, Derby High School.

"Unfortunately, there has been a sharp decline in the number of Latino students enrolling in college," said Laura Loyacono, director of engagement and development at Kansas State College Advising Corps. "These events address the acute need for post-secondary planning in the Latino communities across Kansas and serve to connect families to available resources, including financial aid, scholarships and community support."

All events are fully bilingual: marketing, materials and all sessions are presented in English and Spanish. Presenters are all bilingual, and each participant can choose the format ā€” English or Spanish ā€” in which to participate. Topics to be covered include tips for preparing for the ACT, financial aid timeline and materials needed to apply, scholarships, dual enrollment and advanced credit. Students and their families will have the opportunity to visit with colleges and community organizations. Speakers at the events will include alumni and current students from sponsoring and participating institutions.

Lead sponsors include Kansas State University, the University of Kansas, the University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City Kansas Community College and Wichita State University. Participating institutions include Johnson County Community College, Donnelly College, Fort Hays State University, Baker University, the University of Kansas School of Medicine, Dodge City Community College and Garden City Community College.