Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Scholars Latino Initiative
Legal Name (if Different): Shenandoah Valley Scholars Latino Initiative Inc
Also Known As: SLI
Mailing Address: PO Box 2734
City: Harrisonburg
State: VA
Postal Code: 22801
Main Phone: 4342992549
Main Fax:
Organization Website: vasli.org
Employer ID Number: 45-5560300
Organization Tax Status: 501c3

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: February 14, 2022
Requested Amount: 10,000

Project Title: College access for Latino/a/x students
Project Description:

Scholars Latino Initiative (SLI) supports Latino/a/x high school students with college access through rigorous academic challenge, leadership development, scholarships, and supportive mentorships. We are celebrating our 10th year as an incorporated nonprofit, and proudly serve students in Richmond, Harrisonburg, and Winchester, Virginia (much more about SLI is at vasli.org).

SLI scholars are young people who experience unique circumstances as first-generation college students; as talented but often invisible individuals; as children from families that are disproportionately under resourced and disenfranchised; and as members of a growing population in Virginia and the U.S. that is underrepresented on college campuses.

Since 2012 SLI has had 132 scholars (50 current, 82 alumni) and supported students with $294,000 in scholarship awards, $66,000 in computer awards, and $20,000+ in dual enrollment tuition assistance for scholars taking college courses while in high school. SLI scholars have attended 21 colleges and universities.

Students who apply and are selected to be SLI scholars participate in various growth activities, such as:

…Accepting new academic challenges and leadership responsibilities that empower their paths to higher education, with guidance from SLI high school teachers and university student mentors;
…Developing personal statements and goals, evaluating careers and majors, applying for college admittance, and seeking financial aid, all with the help of faculty mentors; and
…Receiving friendship, social support and help for navigating the challenges that come with being a Latinx college-bound student.

SLI scholars have also participated in college-level writing and analysis seminars taught by university faculty members, college-readiness programming, leadership and service partnerships with community organizations, and leadership and networking retreats held on university campuses.

Learn much more about SLI on SLI’s website (vasli.org), where you can also “meet” more SLI scholars.

Total Project Budget: 225,300

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): SLI is funded by many individuals, businesses, foundations, and organizations (please see vasli.org/community), so far this year including the Robins Foundation, Peter Iver Kaufman, and Brent Holsinger.

Project Duration: January 1, 2023 – December 31, 2023
Geographical Area Served: Virginia (Richmond, Harrisonburg, Winchester)
Age Group To Be Served: 14-20

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Mr.
Contact First Name: Christopher
Contact Last Name: Clymer Kurtz
Contact Title: Director of Development
Contact Phone: 434-299-2549
Contact Email: christopher.clymerkurtz@vasli.org