LAUP's Role
A few years later, in 1978, an organization was formed: Latin Americans United for Progress (LAUP). Over the years, LAUP has stepped in and stepped up to fill this gap in the educational system and to become a resource for students just like the one described in the previous section.
LAUP is committed to encouraging students to pursue a college education. In fact, education is explicitly listed in their mission statement as one way to create better, stronger community. This organization wants students to become active members and leaders in their community. LAUP has historically stepped in to provide support and encouragement through teen groups, like Mas Adelante, and events like the Fiesta Queen competition. One way they continue to promote higher education to Latinx students is through financial support. They see finances are a major contributing factor preventing Latinx students from pursuing college, and in response they provide financial assistance through annual scholarships for members of LAUP.
When asked about her exprience with LAUP, Marvic Cardenas-Gallegos from Holland High School says, "LAUP helps first generation students gain confidence. It gives them hope."
LAUP as an Educational Support System: Mas Adelante
Mas Adelante is a program designed for juniors and seniors in high school applying for college or preparing them for their career. The mentors assist them in many ways such as helping them complete FAFSA forms, touring colleges, strengthening their writing skills, and filling out college applications.
A former member of Mas Adelante expalined: “I wouldn't have gotten any scholarships” and “a lot of scholarships that I got were because I was involved in Mas Adelante” (Elizabeth Salazar, West Ottawa High School).
Interested in learning more? Check out Mas Adelante's website: https://laup.org/mas-adelante-youth-program/
LAUP as a Financial Resource
To address the financial burden and obstacle of college, LAUP annually offers high school students different scholarships. Supporting them in their journey to higher education. This scholarship is specifically for first generation college aspirants, in the hopes of influencing a new generation of college students. The need for this scholarship highlights just how common it is for Latinx students to not have a family history of college education. Each award is $1,000 and requires that the student must be a resident of Holland, Zeeland, or West Ottawa. These high schools also happen to belong to the communities surrounding Hope College.
Keep exploring this exhibit to learn more about how the Latinx community is represented on Hope’s campus. With such a vibrant Latinx community within a 2 mile radius of Hope, the representation and resources look slightly different than one might expect.