La Paz Chattanooga is launching the Avanzando Through College program this week in an effort to better equip area Latino students to earn higher education degrees. Now in its eighth year nationally, Avanzando, which means “going forward,” is new to the Greater Chattanooga area, and is made possible in partnership with UnidosUS and Volkswagen Chattanooga.
“As Chattanooga’s Latino community continues to grow, so does the need to ensure students have the tools and support systems surrounding them to successfully navigate higher education,” said Stacy Johnson, president and CEO at La Paz Chattanooga.
“Being accepted to college is just the beginning of that journey, and the Avanzando Through College program provides additional resources so that the rest of the experience is a life-changing success.”
"Personalized and culturally aware, Avanzando Through College is designed for first-generation Latino students, specifically current college freshmen, sophomores and first-year transfer students," officials said. "Participants will take part in monthly workshops and events focusing on topics that have been identified as being vital in college retention and student success."
La Paz is hosting an on-site orientation session for the program on Friday, Nov. 10 at 5:30 p.m. at 809 S. Willow St. in Chattanooga. Interested students are encouraged to complete an application form by this Friday at https://www.lapazchattanooga.org/avanzando.
Questions about Avanzando Through College can be directed to Wendy Reynoso, La Paz’s Student Success and Services coordinator, at wreynoso@lapazchattanooga.org.