Institution Latino Education Advancement Foundation State California Academic Level Community-Based Organization Issue Area Support Services Website https://www.leafca.org/ Key Personnel Brittany Alvarez Program Focus First Year Support, Parental/Family Engagement Overview The Latino Education Advancement Foundation (LEAF) aims to improve outcomes for Latinx students and families in East San José by supporting college enrollment and persistence and preparing them for economically mobile careers through career exploration programs. The LEAF College Success Program (CSP) seeks to increase college enrollment and persistence rates for East San José students to 85%. CSP offers support services from senior year of high school through the first two years of postsecondary education, including career exploration programming. CSP provides wraparound services for first-generation Latinx students enrolling in community colleges, trade schools, or four-year institutions, guiding them to build a college-going culture, navigate enrollment, persist through college, and graduate with a clear career pathway. Program Description Historically underfunded East San José high schools have left most Latinx graduates unprepared for college, with only 27% meeting state requirements for four-year institutions. Many turn to community colleges but lack the support and resources to persist. Without community-based programs, more working-class Latinx families risk displacement. The LEAF College Success Program (CSP) holistically supports Latinx students through their first two years of college by offering workshops and one-on-one advising on financial aid, academics, transfer planning, career readiness, and social-emotional support. LEAF Mentors, sharing their experiences as first-generation Latinx students, help scholars navigate higher education. Family engagement is encouraged through evidence-based programming and $500 stipends. Additionally, scholars receive $500-per-semester scholarships and access to emergency funds. LEAF partners with East San José high schools to assist Latinx seniors in applying to CSP. The application process is accessible, with no GPA, essay, or specific college requirements, making the scholarship process more inclusive for first-generation college-bound students. Outcome By partnering with seven high schools in the East Side Union High School District, the program has seen its outreach efforts diversify the CSP applicant pool and reach public high schools with over 70% Latinx/Hispanic student enrollment. 97% of LEAF Scholars identify as Latinx and 95% are first-generation. First-Year Enrollment: In 2023-2024, first-year community college and trade/vocational enrollment increased from 78% to 80%.Year to Year College Persistence Rate: In the 2023-2024 academic year, LEAF Scholars’ overall college persistence rate was 81%, compared to the 24% Hispanic/Latino college enrollment rate in the state (Excelencia in Education).GPA Achievement: 65% of Scholars have a GPA of 2.0 or higher, which is often a requirement for students to continue receiving financial aid at colleges. Learn more about Latino College Completion in California Return to Growing What Works Database
