Outreach

Spreading Roots

Over the last decade, HSF has been delivering informational workshops across the country, conducting over 1,600 outreach events, and reaching over 262,000 parents and students nationwide. While the recent economic downturn made a significant dent in the level of donor support for these programs, we were able to host 30 outreach events in 12 states across the country, reaching nearly 12,000 Latino students and parents. Approximately 75% of those who attended spoke Spanish at home, and 70% of the students who attended hoped to be the first in their family to attend college.

Our presentations provided detailed information about when and how to prepare for college, how to apply to college, how to find scholarships, and how to access all forms of financial aid, including federal student aid. Our follow-up surveys show that these attendees showed a much higher level of understanding after participating in our events.

Town Hall Meetings. These bilingual, multi-media meetings clarify the path to college for students and their families, providing take-home materials in Spanish and English that guide parents through the courses their child needs to take during high school, the resources available for financial aid, and the requirements and process of applying for scholarships.

Steps for Success Saturdays. These intensive, full-day workshops help students and their families get ready for college, and provide how-to instruction on preparing for the SAT or ACT exams, applying for financial aid, writing college application essays, and finding the right college match.