Waubonsee Community College, in partnership with the Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois, will host Latinas Taking the Lead, a free learning series to help Latina women navigate the U.S. education and higher education systems. These sessions are open to the public and will take place on Thursdays, Aug. 29 through Sept. 26 from 5:30-8 p.m. at Waubonsee’s Aurora Downtown Campus, located at 18 S. River St. Sessions will be presented in Spanish, with free child care and snacks provided.
The event will provide a welcoming environment where participants will learn from experts how to develop their communication skills, receive guidance on how to support their students, and network with other local Latina women. In addition, participants will receive a $150 stipend upon completion (must attend five of the six sessions). Sessions will cover the following topics:
- General overview of higher education
- Waubonsee’s Latinx Resource Center offerings
- Navigating the education system
- Effective communication
- Financial aid information, scholarships and saving for college
- Community resources
- Professional development
“Family and community are important values for Latino families, so these workshops will combine the need of educating our community of the U.S. education systems and resources, while incorporating the value of working together to support the student,” said Araceli Muñoz Salazar, Latinx Engagement Coordinator.
Latinas Taking the Lead is an initiative of Waubonsee’s “Colegio de Empoderamiento” which aims to empower Latinx students at Waubonsee and families in the community.
Latinos are the fastest growing demographic in the U.S according to the Pew Research Center. Waubonsee is proud to be designated by the U.S. Department of Education as a Hispanic Serving Institution.
To register and learn more, visit waubonsee.edu/coe.
