Grand Valley's Pathway program opens for LAUP youth in Holland

Holland area youth who participate in Latin Americans United for Progress (LAUP) programs now have guaranteed admission to Grand Valley through the university's pathway program.

The announcement was made May 20 during LAUP's graduation ceremony for eighth-11th grade students in the Adelante program and seniors in the Más Adelante program. The Pathway to GVSU pipeline program grants admission to GVSU for students who qualify. LAUP students must meet general admission requirements and register for a GVSU Passport to attend college preparedness workshops.

Danny Vélez, associate vice president for Admissions & Recruitment, said it's the first pathway agreement with an organization like LAUP, established in 1964 to celebrate and empower the Latino community in West Michigan.

"It's exciting to partner with a community organization like LAUP, which shares many of the same values as the university does," Vélez said. "We will become a partner in their educational programming, helping students realize that continuing their education after high school is within their reach."

Johnny Rodriguez, LAUP executive director, said he is grateful for the partnership with Grand Valley as students will see how the community invests in their future.

"We are growing our youth programs and making an impact at even a younger age," Rodriguez said. "I want them to be exposed to all the career opportunities and not feel pigeonholed into one thing. Partnering with Grand Valley gives students all the tools they need to be successful."

B. Donta Truss, vice president for Enrollment Development and Educational Outreach, said LAUP empowers Latino youth to be active participants in creating a better community for all through advocacy.

"At GVSU, we believe having barrier-free access to higher education will ensure learners in LAUP programs will be the best they can be in their communities," Truss said. "Through this partnership, GVSU will begin to walk alongside these students after they complete the eighth grade and include them in programming designed to increase chances of enrolling in college and, hopefully, they will select GVSU at that time."

Julian Lugo was hired as LAUP's full-time programs manager in December. He said there has been an increase in participation and expects more students to sign up now that this partnership has been finalized.

Lugo said LAUP's Adelante program focuses on building life skills, peer relationships and career paths and the Más Adelante program for seniors focuses on FAFSA applications, financial literacy, resumes and interviewing skills.