Northern Kentucky University has received a $9,050 grant from the Mexican Consulate in Indianapolis through the IME Fellowship Program to provide scholarships that will help Mexican students or those of Mexican descent remain in school.
The NKU/IME Scholarship Program will provide $1,000 scholarships to 20 students: 10 continuing NKU students, and 10 incoming high school seniors who are Mexican or of Mexican origin and who enroll at NKU in the fall of 2017. This is possible through a matching contribution from NKU.
“We have a longstanding partnership with the Mexican Consulate of Indianapolis, and we are grateful for its ongoing support of our students,” said Leo Calderón, director of NKU’s Office of Latino Programs and Services. “We are proud to be able to expand access to a college education.”
The IME Fellowship Program aims to contribute to the academic development of students who are Mexican or of Mexican origin, to contribute to the education level of the Mexican population living in the United States, and to expand the educational opportunities of NKU students who are Mexican or of Mexican origin. The program works to strengthen the capacities of higher education institutions that offer academic programs and services targeted to students who are Mexican or of Mexican origin, such as NKU’s Office of Latino Programs and Services.
Founded in 2001, the Office of Latino Programs and Services is dedicated to improving and enhancing the educational experience of NKU’s nearly 500 Latino students. The office implements academic, cultural, and social programs designed to address the needs of the growing Latino population in the region.
For fifteen years, the office has celebrated National Hispanic Heritage Month with a comprehensive calendar of events, including a Latino Keynote Lecture Series with guests such as Dolores Huerta, Edward James Olmos, Jaime Escalante, and Sylvia Mendez. Other signature programs include the Annual Latino Recognition Dinner, the Latino Mentor Program (LAMP), a Latino Orientation for new freshman and transfer students, a UNV 101, and Alternative Spring Break trips.
For information or to apply, visit latino.nku.edu/education.html. The application period is Dec. 19-Feb. 15. For more information, please contact Leyla Peña at 859 572-6013 or penal1@nku.edu.