Latino high school students find community and connections on campus

More than 1,000 high school students found their community at Grand Valley May 6 during a Latino youth conference.

The conference was hosted by the Advocates for Latino Student Advancement in Michigan Education (Alsame), a nonprofit organization committed to making college education a reality for Latino students in Michigan. 

Michael Guerra, GVSU admissions counselor and conference co-chair, opened the conference at the Fieldhouse Arena and told the audience "this is what community looks like."

"After today, don't feel like you are alone," said Guerra, also vice chair of Alsame. "If you have questions about college or need resources at any time after today, let us know."

Yanyssa Ochoa, a sophomore from Holland High School, said she was most excited about the college and career fair, staffed by representatives from Michigan colleges and universities. 

Jacob Toledo, a ninth grade student from Catholic Central, said it was nice to be surrounded by so many other people from similar backgrounds. "We have lots of stuff in common," Toledo said.

President Philomena V. Mantella welcomed participants and said they are in charge of their education.

"You are the folks we need to be listening to to understand how we evolve education to be more impactful for learners," Mantella said. "You are in charge, bringing your passion, purpose and mission in life. We are your guides, not the people in charge of your education."

Five scholarship recipients were announced. Salvador Lopez, co-chair of Alsame and president of KConnect, a nonprofit network dedicated to addressing inequity impacting children in Kent County, said scholarship money for recipients varied from $2,500-5,000 and can be used at any Michigan college or university for any expense.

Lopez, former GVSU associate admissions director, said the 1,000 students in the Fieldhouse represented about 5 percent of all Latino youth in Michigan.

Ovidilio Vasquez was the keynote speaker. Vasquez was a farm worker in Central America who attended Harvard Business School Online and has authored six books.

Alsame