Indiana Commission for Higher Education has launched an initiative to increase the pipeline of Hispanic and Latino learners enrolling in state higher education institutions.
An earlier report by the commission found that Hispanic high school graduates were 10 percentage points behind the statewide college-going rate.
The five Padres Estrellas– translated as “Star Parents” will provide college and career support to such students and families in collaboration with community organizations.
They will connect with schools, neighborhoods and community partners and focus on helping students and families enroll in the Next Level Jobs Workforce Ready Grant and 21st Century Scholars program.
It is funded by Indiana’s Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP).
“We are committed to increasing access to the opportunity a quality degree or credential provides for Hoosier students,” said Higher Education Commissioner Teresa Lubbers.
“Hoosier students are becoming increasingly diverse and economically challenged and we know we must do more to meet these needs and close educational achievement gaps.”
The first “Star parents” to lead the program are José Juarez, Marlen Ortiz, Lauro Zuñiga,
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