How well are high schools in Tucson preparting their minority students for college?

Photo taken by: Danielle C. Chapot

Hey and thanks for reading!

This week I wanted to focus on a really important issue of how high schools in Tucson, Arizona are preparing their minority students for college enrollment.

At Tucson High Magnet School located at 400 N. Second Ave., launched a pilot guidance program in 2001 to concentrate on college advising to its minority students.

First off, I want make clear what the ethnic breakdown is at THMS for the present time:

Hispanic: 59%
White: 29%
African American: 6%
Asian: 2%
Native American: 4%

Photo taken by: Danielle C. Chapot

Post-Secondary School Counselor at THMS, Marissa Ostroff said "I believe that a firm foundation of motivation and persistence to degree completion begins from actively engaging minority students in the learning process early through the school years."

"As students progress to high school, educators must continue to reach and to motivate these students guiding them toward the road to college encouraging and challenging coursework," she said.



According to an article Ostroff wrote entitled "Tucson High Magnet School Pilot Program: Tucson, Arizona," the purpose and focus of the school's college counselors are to maintain the following with an extra focus on minority students:

*to raise its students' aspirations and standards
*to improve the success in all coursework
*to to analyze and work to change the status quo in an effort to raise the level of achievement in students
*to reduce the level of pressure and stress in the college application process
*to find the "best college fit" for each student
*to raise the bar and the expectations of each student
*to aid with scholarship searches, testing information, college visits, and financial aid opportunities

Serving an extremely diverse student body, THMS has grown from 2,100 students to 3,000 students within the past five years. The number of seniors who have already been accepted into a college has risen by a lot from a "consistent range of approximately 83% between 2004-2006 with high emphases on minorities," Ostroff wrote.

Of this 83 percent, 50 percent has been admitted into a two-year college and 33 percent of the 83 have been admitted into a four-year college.

"The elements of repetition of college entrance information, counselor availability, motivation and demonstration of the process are critical factors to college advancement," Ostroff said.

"The focus is to not only be admitted but to remain active and graduate," she said.

To contact THMS, click here.

Meet Gamma Alpha Omega Hispanic Sorority

Welcome back and thank you for reading!

This week I have decided to focus on profiling a local sorority here at the University of Arizona to give my readers an opportunity to read about something very important: how the University of Arizona has incorporated and highlighted the achievements and recognition of its Hispanic learners, into its student body.

So, meet Gamma Alpha Omega Hispanic Sorority. Gamma Alpha Omega was founded in 1993 at the Arizona State University campus in Tempe, Arizona by five college women.

Their goal was to push forward the Hispanic body through activity and challenged learning. The sorority targets common-day social issues in the Hispanic community, as well as targets the accomplishment and success of the academic distinction of its members.

"We consider ourselves a mulit-cultural organization and accept women of all backgrounds and
ethnicity's," said Jessica Aguirre, a current active member of Gamma Alpha Omega Sorority Inc. Beta Chapter since 2003.

"We were formed for Latina women as a support system, to give encouragement to these women to get an education and to give back to the Hispanic community," she said.

"I think the major thing we have accomplished is being a support system for minority women. "

"This semester we have 7 active members, which is very small compared to a traditional sorority, but by being this small gives us a chance to really get to know one another."

The sorority's mission is also to seek, motivate and serve the Hispanic student body to get out into the real world and be leaders. The sorority has reached to nine different states and there are currently fifteen chapters on various campuses.

Our main philanthropy is the John Valenzuela Youth Center in
South Tucson, a predominately Hispanic community. Through the center we are
often found playing games with the kids or helping with homework. This
semester my two sisters

This year, sisters Nicole Brown and Rachel Mendivil created an outreach program called "Studying with a Wildcat," which is designed for the sorority philanthropy John Valenzuela Youth Center. The tutoring program enables children from the John Valenzuela Youth Center to come to the University of Arizona and familiarize themselves with a college campus.

Aguirre said it is designed to "give them a feel of what the UA is about, let them know there are people who look like them at the UA, and let them know it is possible to get an education no matter what their background is."

The program takes place in the Integrated Learning Center (ILC) every Thursday evening from 6:30 p.m.- 8:00 p.m.

Amongst numerous accomplishments, Gamma Alpha Omega was "officially recognized" as "an incorporated entity in the state of Arizona" in April of 2001.

Its founding mothers are:

Michelle Seanez
Amy Alvarez
Patsy Guardado
Clara Lopez
Michelle Mendoza

Executive Board Members, include:

Vanessa Ruiz: President
Zayoni Torres: Vice President
Jessica Aguirre: Sergeant at Arms and Treasurer
Yomaira Pena: Standards
Wendy Ayala: Public Relations
Karina Mendoza: National Representative
Rachel Mendivil: Traditions

To view upcoming events occurring in the sorority, click here.

To contact the sorority, click here.

Lambda Theta Phi Latin Fraternity, Inc.

Photo taken by: Danielle C. Chapot

Lambda Theta Phi Latin Fraternity, Inc.

Thanks for your visit!

The mission of the Lambda Theta Phi chapter is to support Hispanic students in their successes towards graduating.

The chapter fosters leaders, opportunities for networking and higher academics amongst the college environment. Its members strive to create an impact on its community through the ties and services each member works hard to bring to the table.

Last month Lambda Theta Phi celebrated Hispanic Heritage month with an annual event called El Grito de Lambda. At the event, a live-band performed celebrating the independence of Latin American countries.

The chapter provides guest speakers and information to make the UA community aware of its Hispanic community.

To view 2007 awards members from the National chapter have received, Click Here.

"Our fraternity on campus has made waves considering its young tenure on this university campus," said brother of Lambda Theta Phi Jose Rodriguez Jr.

"We have made strides in providing leadership through CHSA, SHPE, JUNTOS, NCLC and USFC," Rodriguez said.

"We have been leaders by taking top positions in each of the groups, setting the example for latinos and our fellow younger brothers to follow," he said.

For more information please visit the Lambda Theta Phi Latin Fraternity, Inc. National Web site.

Hispanic Business Student Association

Welcome back and thank you for your visit!

This week I looked into the University of Arizona's Hispanic Business Student Association. I think that there are a lot of great things that this organization is doing for the UA community and just wanted to share with my readers.

The HBSA was established in spring of 2004. Its mission is to support undergraduate Hispanic business students' development professionally and educationally. The goal is to also support the diversity of the Hispanic community.

"I would say that one of our biggest goals is to create a networking opportunity not only with professionals but also with current students so that we are all able to help each other succeed," Violeta Perez, the HBSA president said.

Many UA Eller Colleg students are involved in HBSA and according to Perez, HBSA alumni "have secured positions with companies such as Macy's West, Accenture, the Vanguard Group, and Intel."

The following is a list of HBSA achievements over the years:
* Two $500 scholarships at the Cinco de Mayo Award Ceremony
*Providing corporate guest speakers for its members
* Participation in the Eller College Philanthropy

Future goals for HBSA include giving out more scholarships at future Cinco de Mayo Events, improving and increasing the number of its members, and hosting more Hispanic Heritage Month events.

"I think the association is headed in a good direction," Perez said.

"We currently have about 15 active members, but as the document says I would like to see that number double by next year," he said.

"I think that with all the Hispanic students on campus, we should have higher membership."

To visit HBSA: McClelland Hall Room 118

Contact:
Violeta Perez
President
Hispanic Business Student Association
vaperez@email.arizona.edu

Profile: Chicano/Hispano Student Affairs

Photos taken by: Danielle C. Chapot

Welcome back!

This week I am focusing in on Chicano/Hispano Student Affairs that I know a lot of people have become involved in here at the University of Arizona. Chicano/Hispano Student Affairs offers programs that encourage academic success and personal achievement while taking up and living out the cultural individuality and distinctiveness of Hispano and Chicano students.

Some student organizations that are apart of Chicano/Hispano are Gamma Alpha Omega Hispanic Sorority, Hispanic Business Student Association, Kappa Delta Chi Hispanic Sorority, and Lambda Theta Phi.

Assistant Director of Chicano/Hispano Student Affairs Janet Rico Uhrig stated that the Chicano/Hispano Student Affairs is "actively involved in the University community in order to incorporate multicultural perspectives across disciplines, programs, and our students' academic careers."


The organization offers many resources to aid students in their development, such as tutoring and scholarships.

The following are upcoming events for September:

• Academic Success- What does it look like?
• Hispanic Heritage Month Kick-off
• Tailgate/Welcome- back Picnic

Calendar of semester events


To contact Chicano/Hispano Student Affairs. Staff is friendly and very willing to talk or answer any questions.

Profile: The Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE)

Thank you for your visit!

Photo taken by: Danielle C. Chapot

This week I am exploring the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) at the University of Arizona. The direction of SHPE is geared towards guiding college students to becoming successful engineers in the workforce post graduation. The intention is to help these students to become professional in their field, just as the name signifies.

SHPE was founded in 1974 by a group of engineers from Los Angeles. Their objective was to represent the Hispanic community in science, engineering, and mathematical professions and positions.

The University of Arizona SHPE chapter is made up of student and professional networks dispersed throughout the nation. Its mission is to encourage participation in Hispanic engineering interest.

Executive Vice President Julianna Prieto said "It not only provides Hispanic students, but anyone who wishes to join the organization the opportunity to network, socialize with other students, while providing professional development, and the ability to develop leadership skills."
"HPE also gives students the chance to get involved with the surrounding community and industries, for example, the Young Latina Forum which brings over 100 girls to campus and provides them a day to learn about careers in science and engineering," Prieto said.

"SHPE is one big family, and I have made great friendships. I honestly love SHPE,
and all its members," she said.

To contact the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers: Click Here.

To preview upcoming SHPE events: Click Here.

Here is a brief list of those events:

*Young Latina Forum: November 9, 2007
*Spring Fling
*Science Day
*SHPE UA Sports

Profile: Analucia Valenzuela

Welcome!!

This week I chose to focus on profiling a student at the University of Arizona. Here is her personal account of what life is like to be an Hispanic student at the UA, who was once enrolled in Mexico's schooling and now lives in an home that only speaks Spanish. Here is what we talked about!



Photo taken by Daniela Gallardo

Profile on Analucia Valenzuela

Name: Analucia Valenzuela
Age: 21
Year: senior
Major: Chemical Engineering
Where were you born: Nogales, Sonora Mexico

Were you born outside of the U.S. and if so, how long have you been in the U.S. for?
For the last 6 years.

How long were you in Mexico for until you left and enrolled in a U.S. school?
I went there until my junior year in High School. Then, I came to finish high School in Nogales AZ and after that UA.

When did your parents decide to move to the U.S. to provide a better education for you?
They decided that when I was in High School and [were]thinking about my education. The U.S. has one of the best systems of education and technology resources concerning [the]university level.

How has your experience in a Mexico school differed from schooling here in the U.S.?
Everyone spoke Spanish. The education system is different from the one here, and it was easier to express myself and be more involved in extracurricular activities [in Mexico].

What is the primary language used in your family's home?
100% Spanish

Do your parents speak primarily English or Spanish?
Both speak Spanish. They know a little bit of English, but just the basic stuff.

What kind of challenges have you faced as an Hispanic student at an American school?
I think it is hard in the beginning to come to a new place, to meet new people and to live and grow [on] our own. Once that stage has been passed everything is OK. It may be a little harder for Hispanic students because of the difference in culture and language.

Socially, have you encountered any challenges being an Hispanic student at the UA?
No, I think a lot of people at UA are open-minded towards Hispanic students.

How have classes here at the UA been challenging for you, especially difficult engineering classes that you are currently enrolled in when your primary language is not English?
I have to really pay attention to what the professor is saying in order to understand and learn. If I get distracted I don't get what they're saying. I get really nervous when I give presentations. Other than that everything is ok, I might have to work a bit more than other students (ex. If I don’t understand something I have to look it up)

Do you feel that the UA does a good job accommodating students like yourself, and other Hispanic students enrolled, academically?
Yes, The school has a big percentage of Hispanic [students]. UA has resources for Hispanic students and everyone is always willing to help. (Organizations Analucia has joined: Chicano/Hispano Student Affairs and Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers)

If you could label one challenge, in particular that has been the hardest for you while enrolled as a student in the U.S., what would that be?
Being able to speak English well. Also, getting used to the education system .

What do you plan on doing after you graduate? And, do you feel that your ethnicity will ever or has ever stopped you from accomplishing things?
I plan to find a good job and work in [an] industry. Maybe come back to school for a masters if the opportunity is offered. I don't think my ethnicity has stopped me at all. My ethnicity has helped me out in life by having a background, culture and values mixed with my current experiences.

How do your parents feel about what you are doing at the UA, learning English and all?
They are really proud of me.

Any other comments you would like to add?
I’m really happy that I got an opportunity to study in the US. I think that the education and all the help that is offered here is great. I maybe have to work harder because of the language or cultural difference but I think it’s worth it. Like I said before becoming bilingual and learning from different people and cultures made me grow as a person.