Imani Thompson with Latino U College Access

SUMMARY

Imani worked as a College Access Program Fellow at Latino U College Access (LUCA) to support first-generation Latino students to and through college, who have demonstrated academic aptitude, through individualized coaching and culturally relevant programming. Imani supported with the implementation and augmentation of the summer programs for their High School Scholars and First Gen Forward (FGF) Scholars. The Latino U Scholars program guides students through coaching and workshops by providing Scholars with intensive, individualized mentorship throughout the college admissions process. The FGF program serves to ease Scholars’ transition into college and supports them through completion of their degree.

OVERVIEW

  • Provided recommendations on how to build community with Scholars and improve programming to be more fun and engaging

  • Conducted thorough outreach to Scholars and families through to ensure 100% participation in summer programs and increase engagement throughout the school year

  • Reviewed summer workshop presentations to ensure that they are current

  • Assisted with delivering in-person student workshops to increase knowledge of college access and college success

  • Collected, shared, and organized photos, anecdotes and quotes from Scholars to be shared with the Communications team

  • Coordinated and planned the College Knowledge Orientation event for incoming students to introduce students to LUCA’s programming and brief students on the college application process

IMPACT

There were over 70 students in the Class of 2023.


Article written by Imani