AU Partners with ILI to Offer Scholarships for Latino Students
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Anderson, Ind. — The Indiana Latino Institute (ILI) has recently announced a partnership with Indiana institutions of higher education to offer scholarships to academically gifted, low-income Latino students through the Indiana Latino Institute Higher Education Consortium. Many of ILI’s partner schools, including Anderson University, have pledged to substantially contribute to ILI’s education program, currently totaling $11 million in scholarships.
The mission of the ILI is to “improve health and advance education for the Indiana Latino community through statewide advocacy, research, and culturally responsive programs.” The Indiana Latino Institute Higher Education Consortium, founded in 2017, decided to invite Indiana institutions of higher education into a discussion regarding ways to increase access to education for Latinos in the state of Indiana. This discussion included plans to provide scholarship opportunities and other resources for helping students enroll and graduate from a college or university.
“With the rich experiences that Latino students bring, our Anderson University community is committed to engaging in thoughtful academic and career preparation so that our students lead lives of purpose,” said AU President John Pistole. “Our partnership with the Indiana Latino Institute will further our goals to build a more diverse cadre of compassionate, confident, and skilled agents of change.”
Additionally, as part of the university’s commitment to support and engage the Latino community in the college search process, AU has hired a bilingual admissions counselor for multicultural outreach and recruitment; recently concluded its first all-Spanish speaking visit event for Latino students and families; offers admissions and financial aid information in Spanish; and is hosting the first of many reoccurring Hispanic/Latino Family Sessions on Thursday, April 29th, 2021.
“In 2017, the Indiana Latino Institute began meeting with university presidents, chancellors, and administrative staff regarding higher education access and success for Latino students,” said ILI’s president and CEO, Marlene Dotson. “We’ve continued that conversation on culturally responsive approaches in recruitment and retention, and we are thrilled to finally see our collective ideas come to fruition through our MOU partnerships with over 18 universities and colleges throughout the state. Anderson University’s dedication and mission to the pursuit of education is evident, as they were one of the first schools to commit to this partnership. We look forward to working with them, their Latino students, and their community to recruit, retain, and graduate more Latino students at Anderson University.”
Anderson University is on a mission to educate students for lives of faith and service, offering more than 60 undergraduate majors, 30 three-year degrees, 20 NCAA Division III intercollegiate sports, alongside adult and graduate programs. The private, liberal arts institution is fully accredited and recognized among top colleges for its business, computer science, cybersecurity, dance, engineering, nursing, and teacher education programs. Anderson University was established in 1917 in Anderson, Indiana, by the Church of God.