Southeastern Louisiana University’s Latin American Business Development Initiative recently concluded its Young Hispanic Pre-College Preparation and Leadership Program, an initiative that brought together 30 high school seniors from Hammond, Independence, and Ponchatoula. The program, held several Saturdays in September and October, aims to prepare Hispanic students for higher education and leadership roles in their communities.
The program addresses a critical need in the region. According to recent data, the U.S. Hispanic population grew by 2% from 2013 to 2022, close to half of the nation’s overall population growth of 5.5%. Hispanics in 2022 represented 19.1% of the total U.S. population. Despite this growth, Hispanic students face persistent challenges, including lower college enrollment and completion rates. ( Pew Hispanic Center)
In fall 2022, the number of Hispanic students enrolled in U.S. degree-granting postsecondary institutions was 3.8 million. Twenty-one percent of U.S resident students enrolled in degree-granting institutions were Hispanic/Latino. However, according to Latin American Business and Leadership Development Initiative Director Aristides Baraya, gaps in educational attainment remain, making programs like Southeastern’s Pre-College Preparation and Leadership Program vital in addressing these disparities.
“The Fall 2024 program featured dynamic workshops on leadership, personal branding, financial literacy, entrepreneurship, workforce readiness, STEM, artificial intelligence, and ACT preparation,” Baraya said. “Participants engaged in a rigorous schedule that blended academic instruction with real-world skill development.”
Recognizing the importance of parental involvement, Southeastern also hosted a dedicated session for parents, Baraya explained. The daylong event covered vital topics, including preventing substance abuse, online safety, understanding vaping risks, and navigating financial aid options at Southeastern.
“This impactful program was made possible through partnerships with such prominent organizations as JPMorgan Chase and Co., Shell, Miguel A. Elias – A Professional Law Corporation, Chick-Fil-a, and others,” he said. “These collaborations underscore the commitment of both the private and academic sectors to supporting the Hispanic community.”
Organized by the Office of the Latin American Business Development Initiative, Baraya said, the program exemplifies Southeastern’s dedication to supporting underserved communities and fostering a sense of belonging.
“For more than 24 years, LABDI has strengthened leadership and educational opportunities for the Hispanic population, both locally and internationally,” he said.
For more information, contact Baraya at [email protected] or (985) 549-2171.
FUTURE HISPANIC LEADERS TAKE PART IN PROGRAM – Southeastern Louisiana University’s Latin American Business Development Initiative recently concluded its Young Hispanic Pre-College Preparation and Leadership Program, an initiative that brought together 30 high school seniors from Hammond, Independence, and Ponchatoula. The program aims to prepare Hispanic students for higher education and leadership roles in their communities.
