Institution Latino Memphis State Tennessee Academic Level Community-Based Organization Issue Area Access Website http://www.latinomemphis.org/abriendo-puertas Key Personnel Mauricio Calvo Program Focus College Prep Overview The mission of Abriendo Puertas is to increase post-secondary access for Latino students in the Mid-South through academic support and leadership development. They ensure juniors and seniors are empowered with the tools and support necessary to graduate on time and pursue post-secondary opportunities. Program Description Abriendo Puertas provides weekly after school meetings at five partner high schools in Shelby County. They follow a national curriculum called Escalera, created by UnidosUS. These meetings are supplemented with one-on-one advising and extra-curricular activities that include college prep advice, ACT workshops, leadership development, civic engagement trips, and other professional and academic support. Their services help students feel empowered to pursue their goals and to become leaders in their communities. Outcome 99% of Abriendo Puertas students graduate high school on time, compared to a 75% high school students and 70% of Latino students in Shelby County. The average ACT scores of students is 3-points higher than that of their Latino peers not served by the program, and 2-points higher than all of Shelby County students. 100% of their graduating students are accepted and 67% enroll in a post-secondary institution. Learn more about Latino College Completion in Tennessee Return to Growing What Works Database
