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KSU to launch UnidosUS’ Avanzando Through College and Escalera programs

Kentucky State University (KSU) is actively opening doors to new opportunities through collaborative efforts with the nation’s largest Hispanic civil rights and advocacy organization, UnidosUS. UnidosUS has recently awarded KSU two grants totaling $42,500 to implement the Avanzando Through College program for college students and the Escalera program to high school students. This exciting partnership is set to break barriers to success by boosting support and resources curated to the unique needs of Hispanic, Latino, and Latin American students.

“These programs are a powerful way to support Hispanic, Latino, and Latin American students throughout their educational journey and we are thrilled to partner with UnidosUS to offer these life changing opportunities,” said Dr. Koffi C. Akakpo, KSU President. “These two programs go hand in hand firstly by assisting high school students who are navigating the college application process and researching possible career paths, and also supporting college students who are on their journey and providing them with purposeful engagements to elevate student success.”

Established in 2015 by UnidosUS, the Avanzando Through College program equips college students with the skills, information, and support systems needed to thrive and graduate. Notably, students will also have the opportunity to receive resources and programming in Spanish, thereby breaking language barriers and increasing access to information that is key to student success.

“The Avanzando Through College is a program specifically for first- or second-year students that are Latino, Hispanic, or from Latin America. This program is going to provide them with very specific and tailored resources so they can succeed during that transition from high school to college. Usually, Latinos and Hispanic students are first generation and they are also ESL students - second language English learners- so that’s why it’s hard to adapt [to college] sometimes,” explained Dr. Paloma Pinillos, KSU Latinx Services Coordinator.

KSU will guide a cohort of KSU college students and offer them personalized, culturally competent aid as well as a support network of guides and peers that will help them to navigate college successfully.

UnidosUS’ Escalera program similarly provides much needed resources and support systems, but is geared toward preparing high school students for life after graduation. It will prepare students for college as well as educate them of alternative options. Thus, broadening their exposure to different career paths and lifestyles available to them after high school.