LINC/TELACU Education Foundation Scholarship 2500 South St. Louis, 2nd Floor Chicago, IL 60623 Tel: (773) 762-8970 or (877) 510-LINC E-mail: admin@linc-usa.org Web site: www.linc-usa.org

Latino youth reach academic goals with help from Latino Initiatives for the New Century

By Nina Martines

Every year, many Latino students in Illinois are unable to overcome the many obstacles that prevent them from academic success and a college education.

Students struggling against the affects of low income, rising tuition cost and lack of social support, only 22 percent of Latino high school graduates go onto higher education. Roughly 10 percent of those students receive a bachelor’s degree or higher.

Recognizing that Latino college-bound students are a vital asset to the community, Latino Initiatives for the New Century (LINC) began an ambitious effort to reverse the trend.

The LINC TELACU Education Foundation is a nonprofit organization that attempts to remove the barriers that prevent Hispanic students from pursuing a college education.

The organization is headquartered in the heart of Little Village, which is home to the largest Mexican American community in Chicago.

Latino Initiatives for the New Century provides annual scholarships to qualified Latino students in Illinois, New York and Texas who are dedicated to seeking a college degree. The organization provides necessary resources to students to achieve higher education, decrease high school drop out rates and increase college completion rates.

In 2004, Latino Initiatives for the New Century offered 65 scholarships in the city of Chicago. By awarding scholarships, LINC makes a college education more affordable, but they also empower youth to follow their dreams.

“We are called upon to find new dreamers within the community and empower them,” said Barbara DeLaCasa, executive director of the LINC Chicago office. The organization’s goal is to eliminate the barrier between Latinos and higher education one family at a time through developing future leaders.

“The scholarship is more than just money to me it represents the faith that the organization has in my dreams and I will be forever grateful,” said Alma Hernandez, a LINC scholar. The organization instills hope in Latino youth, sending the message that a college education is possible. As long as students believe in themselves, LINC can provide the resources to make their dream a reality.

“By working closely with our current scholars, high schools, partnering colleges and corporate partners,” DeLaCasa said, “we are fulfilling our objective by creating a cohesive national network of committed individuals whose unwavering support will ensure success for years to come.”