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: (434) 299-2549
Main Fax:
Organization Website: www.vasli.org
Employer ID Number: 45-5560300
Organization Tax Status: 501(c)(3)

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: April 29, 2021
Requested Amount: 10,000

Project Title: College opportunities for Latinx high school students
Project Description:

The mission of Scholars Latino Initiative (SLI) is to create college opportunities for Latino/x students. In its unique high school- and university-based programs in Harrisonburg, Richmond, and Winchester, Virginia, SLI helps its talented, aspiring, and determined scholars as they prepare for and apply to college, secure financial aid or additional funding, and anticipate college life.

In collaboration with university faculty and high school teachers, SLI offers opportunities such as rigorous academic challenge through "Early College" seminars, leadership development through community service and collaborations, and supportive mentorships with university students. SLI’s dual enrollment tuition assistance, $1,000 computer awards, and college scholarships of up to $5,000 further empower its scholars as they pursue a college degree.

Since 2012, SLI has served 112 scholars (52 current, 60 alumni) and provided $213,000 in scholarship awards, $46,000 in computer awards, and $14,000+ in dual enrollment tuition assistance. SLI scholars have attended 16 colleges and universities. Its budget for direct student assistance has grown, in 2021 reaching $101,000.

SLI was founded by Peter Iver Kaufman in 2001 at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Kaufman brought the SLI concept to Richmond in 2008, and subsequently helped to establish it in the Shenandoah Valley. Incorporated in Harrisonburg in 2012, SLI began serving Winchester students, and received its tax-exempt status in 2013. Kaufman continues to lead SLI efforts in Richmond and holds the George Matthews & Virginia Brinkley Modlin Chair in Leadership Studies at the University of Richmond.

This grant will help SLI provide direct support (scholarships, computer awards, dual enrollment assistance) for SLI scholars, plus help fund SLI programming, mentorships, and ongoing development efforts to build a community of support for SLI scholars.

Total Project Budget: $159,000

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Ongoing development efforts secure funding from individuals, businesses, foundations, and other organizations. To-date in 2021, efforts have resulted in 128 gifts totaling $47,275.42.

Project Duration: 2021 budget year, or 2022 budget year
Geographical Area Served: Harrisonburg, Richmond, and Winchester, Virginia
Age Group To Be Served: High school and beginning-college students

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