ILACHE e-Newsletter

Scholarship Opportunities

Sandy López — Thu, 04 Mar 2021 02:30:00 GMT

The 2021 ILACHE Scholarship and Dr. Berta Arias Writing Scholarship are now open to apply!The deadline to apply for both scholarships is Friday, April 2, 2021.

Must be of Latinx descent; undocumented students, including DACA recipients, U.S. citizens (U.S. born or naturalized) and permanent legal residents are welcome to apply. Students must have a 3.0 GPA and provide letters of recommendation. Click on links below to learn more.

Visit our scholarship page to learn more!

Key facts about U.S. Latinos for National Hispanic Heritage Month

Sandy López — Fri, 11 Sep 2020 02:47:14 GMT

National Hispanic Heritage Month, which begins each year on Sept. 15, celebrates U.S. Latinos, their culture and their history. Started in 1968 by Congress as Hispanic Heritage Week, it was expanded to a month in 1988. The celebration begins in the middle rather than the start of September because it coincides with national independence days in several Latin American countries: Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua and Costa Rica celebrate theirs on Sept. 15, followed by Mexico on Sept. 16, Chile on Sept. 18 and Belize on Sept 21.

Here are some key facts about the nation’s Latino population by age, geography and origin groups.

Latino USA: Puerto Ricans Living In The Center Of The COVID-19 Outbreak

Sandy López — Mon, 17 Aug 2020 16:36:04 GMT

In this segment, CPI reporters Vanessa Colón Almenas and Coral Murphy join Latino USA to break down their investigation. The two were part of the four-person team that worked on this story: Colón analyzed data on COVID-19 and Puerto Ricans in the U.S., while Murphy spoke with Puerto Ricans in New York and New Jersey about their experiences with the virus.

Listen to entire segment

The First Data On Kids, COVID-19 And Race Is Here — And It's Not Good

Sandy López — Mon, 17 Aug 2020 16:32:09 GMT

The First Data On Kids, COVID-19 And Race Is Here — And It's Not Good

Once again, the virus is exposing this country's stark racial and economic divides.

By Catherine Pearson

The coronavirus pandemic in the United States has been marked by stark racial and socioeconomic disparities. Black and Latinx adults in this country are more likely to get the disease. They’re more likely to die from it. The same holds true for lower-income earners.

Read the entire article

Litigation Related to the DACA Program

Sandy López — Tue, 24 Jul 2018 15:38:49 GMT

On August 8, 2018, there will be a preliminary injunction hearing in Texas v. Nielsen (S.D. Tex. – Judge Hanen). On or after this date, Judge Hanen will decide whether to issue a preliminary injunction against the DACA program — possibly blocking USCIS from accepting DACA applications, including renewals.

This means that, as early as mid-August, USCIS could stop accepting renewal applications. Eligible DACA recipients are encouraged to consult with an attorney and submit their renewal applications as soon as possible.

https://www.nilc.org/issues/daca/litigation-related-to-the-daca-program/

Call to action - protect IL Immigrant communities

Sandy López — Wed, 18 Jul 2018 15:45:08 GMT

We urge you to act today to protect Illinois immigrant communities by calling Governor Rauner at 217-782-0244 and ask that he sign SB 34 (VOICES Act), SB 35 (Safe Zones Act), and SB 3488 (No Registry Act). The VOICES Act will help immigrant survivors of domestic violence and trafficking; the Safe Zones Act will protect immigrant families while they’re learning at school or getting care at a hospital, and the No Registry Act will prohibit Illinois from participating in any federal registry program that singles out any group based on religion or national origin.

On behalf of the ILACHE Board

Free DACA renewal workshop this Saturday in DeKalb

Sandy López — Thu, 25 Jan 2018 18:58:45 GMT

El taller para renovar DACA es para el público en general no solo para estudiantes!

DREAM Action NIU will be hosting a DACA renewal workshop. They have an immigration lawyer who is waiving his fees. At this moment they can fund 7 new renewal applications. Please share with your networks especially those in the suburbs. Saturday, Jan. 27th - 10-2pm

More information about the workshop

Caught in a 'Dream'

Sandy López — Thu, 25 Jan 2018 18:33:02 GMT

Who are the so-called Dreamers? The Chicago Tribune’s Abel Uribe photographed more than 40 of these young immigrants from 12 countries to better understand who they are.

What he discovered is that recipients of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, or DACA, consider themselves American in every way. They are engineers, parents, lawyers, chefs, social workers, technology specialists and students.

Illinois has the nation's third-largest population of immigrants covered by DACA, an Obama-era program that the Trump administration wants to "wind down." Congress is divided over whether to create new protections for these young people who, through no fault of their own, arrived in this country as minors.

http://graphics.chicagotribune.com/faces-of-daca-dreamers/

Illinois Latino Legislative Caucus Foundation Town Hall

Sandy López — Wed, 15 Nov 2017 18:00:47 GMT

Friday, December 1, 2017
10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Northeastern Illinois University
Alumni Hall
5500 St. Louis Ave
Chicago, IL 60625

Sessions include the following topics:

Immigration
Education
Health and Human Services
Economic Development

Dr. Juan Andrade, Jr. Scholarship for Young Hispanic Leaders

Sandy López — Fri, 03 Nov 2017 03:27:31 GMT

Deadline: Letters must be emailed to Adrian Calderon at acalderon@ushli.org by January 5, 2018.

Qualifications: Applicant must be enrolled or accepted for enrollment as a full-time student, in an accredited four-year or two-year institution in the U.S. or U.S. territories, and demonstrate a verifiable need for financial support. At least one parent must be of Hispanic ancestry. Non-US citizens are eligible to apply (DACA or Undocumented). Recipients must also be available to attend the 36th National USHLI Conference in Chicago, IL, February 15-18, 2018.

For more information about how to apply visit: http://www.ushli.org/juan_andrade_scholarship.html

ILACHE Scholarships

Sandy López — Fri, 03 Nov 2017 03:25:24 GMT

The Illinois Latino Council on Higher Education (ILACHE) is pleased to offer two $1,000 scholarships to Latinx students in Illinois who exhibit outstanding commitment to learning, community service, and leadership. The winners will be recognized at our 26th Annual Conference at Illinois State University on Friday, April 20, 2018. To register for the conference, please visit www.ilache.com.
ILACHE Scholarship Application or https://form.jotform.com/72985131 206152

Complete online applications with all required supporting documents must be submitted no later than midnight (Central Standard Time) on Friday, December 1, 2017 at 5:00 p.m. The timestamp of the online application and emails will be used to determine the submission time.

Joliet Junior College

Sandy López — Thu, 05 Oct 2017 20:30:33 GMT

10/6 - Latinx Heritage Month Film after the Latinos Unidos meeting @ 1:30 PM
in A-1061. Refreshments will be served.

Elgin Community College #AdvocacyInAction

Sandy López — Thu, 05 Oct 2017 20:28:20 GMT

Elgin Community College undocumented students and allies event. #AdvocacyInAction

Events by undocumented #NIU students

Sandy López — Thu, 05 Oct 2017 20:26:52 GMT

#NIU undocumented students have three more events this semester! Make sure to share your upcoming events! #StrongerTogether

ISU graduate students awarded prestigious fellowship

Sandy López — Thu, 05 Oct 2017 20:23:58 GMT

ILACHE congratulates all of the students especially the two members of the Illinois State University inaugural cohort in Leadership, Equity, and Inquiry Latin@ cohort, the Illinois Latino Council on Higher Education,

https://news.illinoisstate.edu/2017/10/isu-graduate-students-awarded-prestigious-fellowship/

Happening today! Latinx Diversity UIC Protest

Sandy López — Thu, 28 Sep 2017 14:46:53 GMT

Nationally, the largest ethnic group and locally the 2nd largest racial/ethnic group in Chicago, the Latinx community continues to grow exponentially and experiences huge disparities economically, medically and socially. If social workers are to be adequately prepared to service this large community, there is a need for a more prominent Latinx presence within departments of social work in higher learning that understands how to be culturally responsive to the current state of affairs in terms of practices and policies that are threatening the livelihood and wellbeing of this already vulnerable and marginalized population.

At the University of Illinois at Chicago, Jane Addams College of Social Work (UIC JACSW) ...by the College’s own reports there are currently only 1 African American/Latino faculty, and Latinx enrollment has been stagnant for the last 3 years in the range of 17-19%, lowest among all human-serving degrees at UIC. After receiving much feedback from students, alumni, and faculty there is a need for:

* More curriculum relevant to Latinx social issues;

* A welcoming environment with no microaggressions;

* Senior-level Latinx faculty and faculty researching Latinx issues that are ready to mentor and serve as ambassadors for Latinx students and the community;

* Increased recruitment/retention of Latinx students to at least one-third, reflecting the local demographics; and

* Internships where the client-base is at least 50% with flexible schedules that include evenings and weekends.

In these trying times it is important that a Latinx Task Force is created to collaborate with the College to have this social work program truly follow its intended mission of advocacy for racial, social and economic justice. Join us in a press conference to express our discontent with Dean Hairston’s refusal to support collaborative efforts for addressing these needs.

#UIC #JACSW #SocialWork #SocialJustice #SocialWorkers #DiversityMeansLatinxToo

https://www.facebook.com/events/712926788907810/?active_tab=about

IBHE Underrepresented Groups Reports & Studies (Access & Diversity)

Sandy López — Tue, 13 Jun 2017 18:33:27 GMT

The Illinois Board of Higher Education undertakes a variety of regular and ad hoc studies to support policy decisions, to illuminate critical issues of importance to the state, and to meet statutory requirements.

Broadly speaking, these studies examine issues related to students, faculty, academic programs, and access and diversity, as well as a number of regular reports to the Governor and General Assembly.

Reports may be generated by staff on a regular cycle, such as the Higher Education Annual Report and the Underrepresented Groups Report, or be the product of special Board committees, such as the Committee on Affordability or the Priorities, Productivity, and Accountability Committee.

In addition, studies or reports that relate to budget and fiscal matters, academic affairs, legislation, or state grant programs may be found elsewhere on this website.

http://www.ibhe.org/Reports%20&%20Studies/access.htm

OLE Scholarship - Deadline June 2, 2017

Sandy López — Fri, 19 May 2017 18:48:25 GMT

The Organization of Latinos at Exelon (OLE) is an Employee Resource Group within the Exelon family of companies. The OLE Scholarship was established with specific goals in mind: to help students gain access into post-secondary education, help students stay in their respective institutions, and help students pursue their dreams.

Latino Students who are Illinois Residents

Must be a college bound high school senior/or freshman in college

Minimum 2.5 Grade Point Average in a 4.0 point grade scale

SUBMISSION DEADLINE June 2, 2017 @ 5 p.m. CST
NOTE: In order to receive the scholarship you (or a representative) must be available to attend the Scholarship Ceremony at the OLE Signature Event on October 11, 2017. Location to be announced.
Specifically, we are looking for students who describe how their field of interest and future goals will make a positive impact on the Latino Community.
For further details please feel free to send your questions to ole_west@exeloncorp.com

Application (doc)

2017 Leadership Award Nomination Form (Deadline Wed., March 1, 2017)

Sandy López — Fri, 03 Feb 2017 19:43:48 GMT

The ILACHE Board of Directors invites nominations from our membership for our 2017 ILACHE Leadership Awards. All the nominations will be reviewed by the conference committee and presented to the ILACHE Board for approval. https://form.jotform.com/63155905697164

Each winning nominee and a guest will receive a complimentary ILACHE Conference registration and must be present to accept the award on Friday, April 21, 2017 at the 25th Annual ILACHE Conference to be held at Northeastern Illinois University.

Please note: You will not be able to save this form and return to it later. We ask that you please read the instructions and have your nomination statement ready to be uploaded.

Illinois African American and Latino Higher Education Alliance (IALHEA)

Sandy López — Fri, 02 Dec 2016 06:23:02 GMT

Save the Date:Wednesday, April 12, 2017

Illinois African American and Latino Higher Education Alliance (IALHEA)

Diversity Dialogue and Research Forum

Conference registration: IALHEA Diversity Dialogue and Research Forum 2017

Call for Abstracts for Student Research Poster Presentations

Abstract information and submission: IALHEA Abstract Submission Form 2017

Hosted by the University of Illinois at Chicago

New Location: UIC Forum - 725 W Roosevelt Rd # 126,
(Corner of Roosevelt and Halsted) Chicago, IL 60607

Coordinated by the Illinois African American and Latino Higher Education Alliance

POST-ELECTION TALKING POINTS AND RESOURCES

Sandy López — Fri, 11 Nov 2016 06:28:46 GMT

November 2016

DACA

 Initial DACA applications. For those who have not yet applied for DACA, the processing of those applications is taking long enough now that they would likely not be adjudicated until after January 2017, and it is possible the DACA program will not exist by then. Therefore, at this point potential applicants’ efforts to assemble an initial DACA application and pay the filing fees (which go up in December 2016) may result in no benefit and expose them to DHS.

 DACA renewals. It is unknown whether the next Administration will terminate existing DACA grants or instead not allow DACA recipients to renew. Those who have already received DACA are known by the government. Therefore, renewing DACA does not carry a new risk. In fact, renewing DACA may mean a DACA recipient can have a work permit until it expires one to two years into the next Administration. One risk, however, is again that the renewal might not be adjudicated before Trump becomes President, and the effort and money to renew will be for nothing. People who file to renew soon may be successful, as DACA renewals are currently being processed in 8 weeks with USCIS' upgraded system. The cost may be offset by loans and other funding available through Mission Asset Fund, the Mexican Consulate, some DACA collaboratives and/or other programs.

 Advance parole. At this point, advance parole may be a little bit harder to get, because processing time is three months or more, which would put approvals (even if filed today) and subsequent travel in February 2017. Emergency advance parole requests, however, may still be useful in helping people travel and subsequently adjust status under 245(a).

President-elect Donald Trump pledged to end DACA when he becomes President. Trump will not be President until he is inaugurated on January 20, 2017. Until that time, DACA will remain in place and USCIS will continue to process both initial and renewal DACA requests.

The risk. Those who receive or apply for DACA will not necessarily be targeted for deportation. Administrative programs like this have never been used for wholesale deportation in the past. It would be extremely costly for the government to try to deport all 700K+ DACA recipients. However, Trump is more unpredictable than past presidents, so we do not really know what to expect.

What the Future Holds

We do not expect expanded DACA or DAPA to make it through the courts. 

What Immigrants Can Do Now

 The ILRC has a comprehensive client intake form to assist practitioners in screening. It can be found online at https://www.ilrc.org/screening-immigration-relief-client-intake-form-and-notes.
 The Immigration Advocates Network maintains a national directory of more than 950 free or low- cost nonprofit immigration legal services providers in all 50 states. It can be found online at https://www.immigrationlawhelp.org.
 Community members should be warned of fraudulent service provider schemes and educated about how to seek competent immigration help.

https://www.ilrc.org/anti-fraud-flyers.
People should know their rights when in contact with an immigration agency.

 The ILRC has created Red Cards to help both citizens and noncitizens defend themselves against constitutional violations during ICE raids. These cards provide citizens and noncitizens with information about how to assert their constitution rights and an explanation for ICE agents that the individuals are indeed asserting their constitutional rights. Go https://www.ilrc.org/red-cards for more information and contact us at redcards@ilrc.org to order. The ILRC also has information about raids and immigrants’ rights available online at https://www.ilrc.org/community-resources.

If filing to renew DACA, applicants need to be aware that the filing fee increases to $495 on December 23, 2016.

 The Mission Asset Fund (http://missionassetfund.org/lending-circles-for-dreamers/), Self-Help Federal Credit Union (http://www.self-helpfcu.org/personal/loans/immigration-loans), the Mexican Consulate or local DACA service providers may have information about loans or grants to help with the filing fees.

Preparing Undergraduate Men of Color for Doctoral Study in the RISE Fields

Sandy López — Wed, 07 Sep 2016 19:00:00 GMT

Preparing Undergraduate Men of Color for Doctoral Study in the RISE Fields

We invite Native American, Black, Latino, Asian American and Pacific Islander undergraduate men who are presently in their junior year to apply for participation in our Grad Prep Academy, a project that prepares scholars for doctoral study and research-related careers in the five RISE fields: education, health, human services and social policy, juvenile and criminal justice, and workforce development.

http://risebmoc.org/grad-prep

2016 NLPA Biennial Conferencia

Sandy López — Fri, 26 Aug 2016 23:00:00 GMT

2016 NLPA Biennial Conferencia

Latina/o Psychology: Advocating for social justice, liberation, & equality for our familias

September 29 - October 2, 2016

Orlando World Center Marriott
Orlando, Florida

The National Latina/o Psychological Association (NLPA) is a national organization of mental health professionals, academics, researchers, and students whose objective is to generate and advance psychological knowledge and foster its effective application for the benefit of Latinas/os.

NLPA's membership represents a rich diversity of national background, ethnicity, cultural origin, religious tradition, and political ideology. We work in a wide range of professional and academic settings.

The theme and logo of our conference want to inspire and mobilize our participants to advocate for all Latinas/os through a social justice and liberation psychology lens. We seek to inform and provide tools to address the needs of our Latina/o individuals, families, and communities.

For more information:

http://www.nlpaconference.org/

Escalating the War on Low-Income Families

Sandy López — Tue, 23 Aug 2016 13:09:04 GMT

Illinois Governor Rauner recently cut “Meals on Wheels” for seniors and at-risk youth services. Chicago residents were hit with a nearly 13% property tax increase. Some Chicago public schools could face 2017 cutbacks of an incredible 20 percent.

For entire article click on the link below
http://www.nationofchange.org/2016/08/21/escalating-war-low-income-families/

Rally to Save Higher Educatoin

Sandy López — Thu, 07 Apr 2016 04:07:09 GMT

Support the Student ACCESS Bill

Sandy López — Sat, 02 Apr 2016 16:37:02 GMT

BREAKING NEWS: The online form to fill out a witness slip is up and running! http://tinyurl.com/gn5lvnm

Please sign up in favor of the bill! It takes less than 2 minutes. This is a perfect way to show support for the Student ACCESS Bill for those who cannot lobby in person on April 5th in Springfield. Sign up and then share the link with your networks! The goal is to flood the committee with witness slips of support for the IL Student ACCESS Bill!

‪#‎ACCESSIL‬

Here is how in less than 2 minutes:

1.) Click on URGENT: SIGN WITNESS SLIP NOW!

2.) I. Fill out your personal information
(for Firm/Business or Agency AND Title you can write NA)
3.) II. myself or organization/business/school
4.) III. Click - Proponent
5.) IV. Click - Record of Appearance Only

MINDS in AG Fellowship Program

Sandy López — Wed, 02 Mar 2016 18:44:52 GMT

The MINDS in AG program proposes a strategy to train the next generation of scientists to integrate data science and agricultural and biological sciences to address complex societal challenges. Fellowships in the amount of $18,500 per year are awarded for the 2 years of the duration of the master's program. Faculty mentors are committed to supplement the fellowship to the level of 50% R.A.

Deadlines: Applications will be considered on a continuous basis until all fellowships are awarded.

Eligibility: Applicants must meet the following criteria:

Applicant must be a U.S. citizen or national.
Fellowships are conditional on applicants being admitted into the master's graduate program within the department(s) of Crop Sciences or Animal Sciences.
Applicant must have fewer than 2 semesters completed in graduate coursework.
Identify at least 1 faculty mentor and a thesis research project relevant to the MINDS in AG areas of study.

Students from underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply.

Please prepare to submit the following documents during your application:

Resume
Personal statement of goals, research, educational accomplishments, and career objectives relevant to the MINDS in AG Program
Names and contact information of two references
Academic transcripts (unofficial transcripts are accepted)
Summary of proposed research and name of proposed faculty mentor(s). Can be submitted at a later date.

Application Link: https://uiuc.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_2bpc0T226VtQwWV

Free FAFSA Completion Workshop

Sandy López — Sun, 10 Jan 2016 23:09:44 GMT

Free FAFSA Completion Workshop

Are you looking for scholarships, grants, student loans or on-campus job opportunities? The Free Application for Federal Student Aid(FAFSA) is the first step in the financial aid process. Join us for a hands-on FAFSA completion workshop.

* Bring a copy of your family’s most recent tax forms.

Saturday, January 16, 2016

10 a.m. –12 p.m.

La Casa Resource Center

1815S. Paulina Street

Chicago, IL 60608

Free parking available behind the church

COST: $0, Nada

MOREMaríaBucio, Director of La Casa

INFORMATIONe-mail: lacasa@resurrectionproject.org

Ph (312) 880-1889

www.lacasastudenthousing.org

Call for Posters and Presentations

Sandy López — Thu, 07 Jan 2016 18:27:08 GMT

Deadline February 19, 2016

2016 Conference Call for Posters

We would like to extend an invitation to students from Illinois colleges and universities to participate in the 2016 Illinois Latino Council on Higher Education (ILACHE) Emerging Scholars Poster presentation. This cross-disciplinary forum was created to showcase the scholarly work of undergraduate and graduate Latino students from Illinois colleges and universities. We welcome presentations across disciplines. Proposals should address this year's conference theme in any of the three conference tracks mentioned below. However, you can and are encouraged to submit other proposals outside the scope of these tracks as long as it addresses the conference theme: Reshaping Latino Access to Higher Education: Realities, Challenges, and Opportunities.

2016 Conference Call for Presentations

We would like to extend an invitation to ILACHE members and non-members from Illinois colleges and universities to participate in the ILACHE 24^th Annual Professional and Student Development Conference. We welcome presentations across disciplines. Proposals should address this year's conference theme in any of the three conference tracks mentioned below. However, you can and are encouraged to submit other proposals outside the scope of these tracks as long as it addresses the conference theme: Reshaping Latino Access to Higher Education: Realities, Challenges, and Opportunities.

A Guide for Applying to Jobs at Selective Liberal Arts Colleges

Sandy López — Thu, 05 Nov 2015 19:56:56 GMT

You are on your way to earning a Ph.D. from a major research university. Your professors work at a major research university. Your placement director works at a major research university. But when the time comes for you to enter the job market, many of the available positions will not be at major research universities. Among the various other institutions of higher learning where you might be applying for jobs are selective liberal arts colleges, or SLACs. Here's what you should know.

Read more -

https://www.insidehighered.com/advice/2015/10/23/advice-getting-job-selective-liberal-arts-college-essay

ILACHE Leadership Award

Sandy López — Tue, 13 Oct 2015 22:38:07 GMT

ILACHE Leadership Award

https://form.jotform.com/52856636942164

Nomination Deadline - Friday, November 20, 2016 at 5:00 p.m.

The ILACHE Board of Directors invites nominations from our membership for our 2016 ILACHE Leadership Awards.

Each winning nominee and a guest will receive a complimentary ILACHE Conference registration and must be present to accept the award on Friday, April 29, 2016 at the 24th Annual ILACHE Conference to be held at Northern Illinois University.

Eligibility: Who can be nominated?

A Latina/o who has made significant contributions to the Latino higher education community through service and leadership.

Award Categories

Lifetime Achievement Award - Honors a leader whose lifetime body of work and commitment serves as a model for other educators. This award is reserved for a person whose contributions to Latinos in higher education are inspiring and whose trajectory we want others to emulate.

Leadership Award - Acknowledges important contributions that improve access and equity for Latinos in higher education. The award was created in 2001 to recognize an individual who has demonstrated years of exemplary service, commitment and leadership to Latinos in Higher Education in the state of Illinois.

Emerging Leader Award - Recognizes the contributions of a student leader. This award category was created in 2011.

Nomination Process

The completed nomination packet consists of a "Nomination Form" and an "Essay" demonstrating the persons’ achievement(s). The essay must include the individuals’ contribution(s) to the Latino community, involvement above and beyond their work contributions.

Nomination Due Date

The Nomination Form and Nomination Statement must be completed and submitted no later than 5 PM on Friday, November 20, 2016.

Please note: Incomplete and late nomination entries will not be considered.

Diversity Scholarship Foundation (DSF) Scholarship

Sandy López — Thu, 08 Oct 2015 22:00:00 GMT

Diversity Scholarship Foundation (DSF) Scholarship

DSF 2015 Scholarship App.pdf

All applications must be received by 5:00 p.m. on November 1, 2015

All application materials must be submitted in PDF format by email to dsfchicago@gmail.com

Individuals who have previously received a scholarship from DSF may not be eligible

For questions please contact dsfchicago@gmail.com

Individuals who receive scholarships must be able to attend the 2015 Unity Award Dinner on December 1, 2015, from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Failure to attend through award presentation at the conclusion of the program may result in forfeiture of the scholarship

Today’s newly arrived immigrants are the best-educated ever

Sandy López — Tue, 06 Oct 2015 17:00:00 GMT

The immigrants who have recently come to the United States are the most highly educated in history. A new Pew Research Center analysis of U.S. Census Bureau data shows that 41% of immigrants arriving here in the past five years had completed at least a bachelor’s degree. By comparison, only 20% of newly arrived immigrants in 1970 were similarly educated.

Click the link below to read more:
http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2015/10/05/todays-newly-arrived-immigrants-are-the-best-educated-ever/

College Admissions Isn’t Fair … Whatever That Means

Sandy López — Fri, 02 Oct 2015 17:30:00 GMT

There’s no formula to guarantee admission. Having the grades and scores is necessary to be competitive, one counselor says. "But it’s not sufficient."

Click the link below to read more:
http://chronicle.com/article/College-Admissions

2015 Leadership Award Nomination -Deadline Extended until March 6th

Sandy López — Fri, 27 Feb 2015 18:42:23 GMT

The ILACHE Board of Directors invites nominations from our membership for our 2015 ILACHE Leadership Awards. All the nominations will be reviewed by the conference committee and presented to the ILACHE Board for approval.

Each winning nominee and a guest will receive a complimentary ILACHE Conference registration and must be present to accept the award at the 23^rd Annual ILACHE Conference.

Eligibility: Who can be nominated?

A Latina/o who has made significant contributions to the Latino higher education community through service and leadership.

Award Categories

Lifetime Achievement Award - Honors a leader whose lifetime body of work and commitment serves as a model for other educators. This award is reserved for a person whose contributions to Latinos in higher education are inspiring and whose trajectory we want others to emulate.

Leadership Award - Acknowledges important contributions that improve access and equity for Latinos in higher education. The award was created in 2001 to recognize an individual who has demonstrated years of exemplary service, commitment and leadership to Latinos in Higher Education in the state of Illinois.

Emerging Leader Award - Recognizes the contributions of a student leader. This award category was created in 2011.

Nomination Process

Nomination Due Date

The Nomination Form and Nomination Statement must be completed and submitted no later than 5 PM on Friday, March 6, 2015.

http://form.jotform.us/form/42167763307154

DREAM Scholarship Application Deadline - February 27, 2015

Sandy López — Wed, 18 Feb 2015 21:50:10 GMT

DREAM Scholarship Application Deadline - February 27, 2015 at 11:59 pm
http://www.theanheloproject.org/dream-scholarship/

The Anhelo Project is a non- for-profit organization that consists of a group of student leaders and professionals from various educational institutions and community based organizations in Chicago. Our goal is to support undocumented students, who despite growing up in the United States and earning a high school diploma, continuously face challenging road blocks when pursuing a post-secondary education. The biggest obstacle is financial need due to their ineligibility to apply for federal and state financial aid.

The Anhelo Project will award the Dream Scholarship to deserving undergraduate students who demonstrate leadership, academic competitiveness, community involvement, and financial need.

2015-2016 ILACHE Scholarship

Sandy López — Mon, 09 Feb 2015 17:03:42 GMT

The Illinois Latino Council on Higher Education (ILACHE) is pleased to offer two $1000 scholarships to Latino/a students in Illinois who exhibit outstanding commitment to learning, community service, and leadership. ILACHE is an action oriented, independent advocacy group for Latinos in higher education in the areas of access and equity as it relates to employment, college admission, and legislation in the State of Illinois.

Diversifying Faculty in Illinois

Sandy López — Thu, 08 Jan 2015 18:12:22 GMT

For those of you from underrepresented groups who would like to work in higher education, especially as a faculty member including at a community college, look at the DFI page (Diversifying Faculty in Illinois). The fellowship offers anywhere from $10,000 or more for those studying for an MA or doctoral degree. It is valid at most higher education institutions that grant a graduate degree. Some of those also include tuition waivers. Don't let this opportunity pass you by!

http://www.ibhe.org/dfi/

Letter from the President

Monica Teixeira — Thu, 13 Dec 2012 00:35:05 GMT

Dear ILACHE members,

The election is over, and there are some encouraging signs for issues important to our constituents. It is clear from all analyses that the Latino vote played a crucial role in securing the re-election of President Barack Obama. This was a result not only of the votes Latinos cast in favor of Obama but of the decline of votes denied Romney that Latinos traditionally cast for the Republican Party.

This new reality of Latino weight in the election has important consequences. Even before the election we saw the implementation of the Deferred Action Plan, and now there are serious talks about passing the Dream Act and comprehensive immigration reform. Washington is listening because it now knows that our voices are backed with real power in the form of votes.

But 2012 was also a difficult year. The financial crisis continues and talks of a fiscal cliff could severely impact Pell grants, Title V and other forms of federal funding for Latinos in higher education. Twenty-twelve was the year when affirmative action policies once again took center stage in political discussions. So we must continue to be active and make sure that our voice is heard. We are in a better position than before, but there is much to do.

At a local level, the state of Illinois’ fiscal crisis is not easing. In terms of higher education funding, the most immediate priority is the MAP award. Every year more people apply than receive it, and the cut-off date is earlier and earlier. I encourage all of you to develop a strong campaign at your institutions and in your communities to assure that all college bound individuals complete the FAFSA for the year 2013-14 by March thereby assuring that all Latinos who require MAP support can receive it.

We hope that 2013 will be a better year for Latinos in higher education. We look forward to seeing you at the ILACHE conference on April 19, 2013 at Roosevelt University.

Andrew Sund

Commentary: Pushing Back Against the War on the Middle Class

Monica Teixeira — Wed, 12 Dec 2012 02:17:24 GMT

The failure to amend the Illinois Constitution that politicians quietly placed on the November 2012 ballot as an end around pension obligations prompted Governor Pat Quinn to initiate an education program to convince the people of Illinois of the need for reform. The underlying tone of the Internet campaign, “Thanks in Advance,” resembles recent attempts to blame striking Chicago Public School teachers for missed school days. “Thanks in Advance” is another chapter in the war against pensions that suggests that government workers are jeopardizing the futures of Illinois children. Using an emotionally charged strategy of divide and conquer, the “reform” campaign sets private against public employees; community agencies and grass roots staff against public workers and union members, and the young against the aging.

Pension reform as framed by various “civic committees” suggests the need to correct abuses stemming from the past sins of overly indulgent public officials. These committees, primarily populated by business representatives and the local elite, project themselves through their media allies as disinterested parties save for their desire to secure financially stable, good government. Yet seeping through the typically thick filters of public relations are hidden intentions: tax benefits for business, government incentive programs, and lucrative contracts that depend on finance policy and the necessity to minimize other state costs. Ironically, it is some of the beneficiaries of subsidies, bailouts, and TIFs who point the finger at the middle class for the budget problems of the state.

Pension abuses exist. The collection of multiple retirement packages by politicians and judges (e.g., state, county, city, etc.) often with minimal time invested is a common practice. High-ranking school administrators have been known to “retire,” move across state lines and manoeuver to collect additional pensions. Rehiring the “retired” at lucrative salaries is one way colleges reward loyalists. These are, for the most part, the prerogatives of the privileged, not the ordinary worker. Still, the manipulation of the system is used to vilify-- sometimes by those guilty of the worst abuses-- all public employees whose average benefit in the case of at least one major pension system (SURS) is approximately $30,000.

Often missing from the discussion are the many years of irresponsible state borrowing from pension systems that it has yet to pay back; the carrot dangled in front of employees of a decent pension and health benefits to compensate for years of low or no salary increases while employees with the same or less credentials in the private sector received better remuneration. Conveniently absent from pension talk is the fact that state workers agreed to increase their contributions in order to secure an annual cost of living increase (COLA), which is now being bandied about as the symbol of state largesse, its so-called Cadillac programs.

This Illinois campaign is nothing more than the local version of the national Republican agenda that seeks to pick the pockets of the middle class and have it pay for the past abuses of the wealthy and well-connected, many of whom fed at the public trough over the years and now sing in the holy choir of the self-righteous. We must launch our own campaign using all the social media at our disposal to counteract the latest attempts at the Foxification of reality. Inform your friends and neighbors. Use every tool at your disposal to let them know who really mortgaged the future of their children and on whose backs the responsibility should be placed.

Leonard Ramirez is an ILACHE board member and freelance writer.

Diversifying Higher Education Faculty in Illinois (DFI) program

Monica Teixeira — Tue, 11 Dec 2012 02:47:42 GMT

The goal of DFI is to increase the number of minority full-time tenure track faculty and staff at Illinois’ two- and four-year, public and private colleges and universities. DFI applications are due to institutional representatives on February 18, 2013. The DFI website listed below has a list of institutional representatives.

A DFI Fellow must be an Illinois resident and U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident alien who is a member of an Underrepresented Group. Black/African American, Hispanic American, Asian American, American Indian or Alaskan Native. "Traditionally underrepresented minority group" means any of the minority groups designated in the Public Act which are represented in Illinois post-baccalaureate enrollment at a percentage rate less than the minority group's representation in the total Illinois population. The Public Act further specifies that to be classified as an Illinois resident, an applicant must possess a high school diploma or postsecondary degree from an accredited Illinois educational institution or have lived in Illinois for at least three years.

http://www.ibhe.org/DFI/default.htm

Editorial: The Elections of 2012

Monica Teixeira — Tue, 11 Dec 2012 02:21:59 GMT

Liz Ortiz

It is quite evident that Latinos played a decisive role in electing President Obama. Seventy-two percent of Latinos voted for the President, and in several key states Latinos were the wave that turned the tide in the President’s favor. Political pundits and commentators will continue to analyze this election. My commentary merely provides some post-election observations.

Changes in popular culture regarding Latinos as a political power have occurred since the election. The immediate effect is evident on major news and talk shows. In the past, a Latino guest expert was rarely ever seen. Now, Latinos are popping up everywhere across our TV screens. Even Bill Maher had a Republican Latina on his show. Who would have thought? However, as I watch I am sometimes embarrassed. It often seems as if any Latino will do and that sometimes the invited Latino speakers and experts do not seem all that savvy or well spoken. Perhaps, now is the time for us to mobilize our resources and inform news outlets and others of our cadre of knowledgeable spokespeople who understand and truly represent the Latino community.

My second observation is also just as simple. In addition to seeing more Latinos in the media, politicians need to realize that Latinos are not a one-issue community. We care about immigration reform, but we also care about the economy, the rich paying their fair share, the consequences of the fiscal cliff, universal health care, climate change, and so on. Latinos are a diverse people and our views and our positions are also diverse. However, there are some issues that are supported by most Latinos.

ILACHE strongly supports, the DREAM Act and immigration reform. We are counting on our President to deliver on these two important things. But we are also counting on him to address the problems of the economy and provide much needed relief for poor and middle class Americans. We are counting on all our leaders to end the deadlock in Washington and in Springfield and to govern with the people in mind, not their own selfish interests.

As this election demonstrated, Latinos will vote in record numbers when we feel our futures are on the line. Given current demographics, the Latino voting block can be expected to grow with each election. This election shows that when Latinos vote, we vote our beliefs and what we think is best for our community and country. It is high time for politicians, pundits, and leaders to take us seriously and that means more than just any brown face or any one issue will do.