Universities recruit more Hispanic students
By Enrique Carrion
August 22, 2002
Mundo Hispánico
The University of Georgia, along with three other Georgia colleges, is carrying out a pilot program to encourage more Hispanic students to pursue college and prepare high school teachers to teach English as a second language.
The program Group Initiative for Hispanics was created in fall 2000 in response to Georgia's high resident Hispanic population. UGA, Gainesville College and Dalton State College have joined forces in carrying out the program, which has a 2002 budget of $275,000.
The program is based on the idea of increasing the number of teachers qualified to teach English as a second language to high school students with little knowledge of the language. It also looks to reach out to Hispanic students and their parents to encourage and help them continue their studies at the college level.
One of the initiatives being carried out to educate Hispanic students about the importance of college is Steps to College. As many Hispanic students are not aware of the advantages of college and have little access to universities, Steps to College invites Hispanic students to participate in a five week program where they can experience the college environment and receive educational advice.
The use of English is encouraged during these five weeks, and the participants prepare for college admissions exams.
The Group Initiative for Hispanics program also has the goal of decreasing the number of Hispanic students that don't finish high school.
Another problem that Hispanic students and their parents face is the lack of knowledge about opportunities and aid that exists to help students continue their studies. Therefore, the program also seeks to create a network of information through newspapers and other bilingual publications. This informative section will include cultural themes, weekly articles to encourage students to pursue higher education, games and puzzles.