The Latino Leadership & College Experience Camp
Sunday, July 22nd through Friday, July 27, 2018
The LLCEC, created in 2006, is a unique experience that provides Latinx and immigrant youth with an intensive college preparation and leadership development experience. Simulating college processes, high school students from across the state of Kentucky are able to enjoy a creative mix of college-like courses, leadership development workshops, team-building activities, cultural experiences, sports activities and social justice education in an atmosphere centered on their language, culture and history.
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During the camp, each student is able to visit with representatives from all major colleges and universities in Kentucky, participate in workshops on college planning, financial aid and scholarships, and gain insights from leadership workshops, motivational speakers, community artists and current college students. The LLCEC integrates culturally responsive lessons within the courses provided and offers activities that expose the students to African American and Latino American history and cultural in an effort to help students better develop their self-awareness.
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Currently in Kentucky, only 24% of Latinos ages 25-64 have an associate’s degree or higher. According to the CPE, 61% of Latino students graduating from Kentucky’s high schools are not prepared for college. The LLCEC has set out to improve these numbers. The program has served 260 students; of those who have completed high school 84% have enrolled in college. LLCEC participants have enrolled in nearly every Kentucky regional/ flagship institution and a variety of institutions within the Kentucky Community and Technical College System. The first LLCEC cohort in 2006 boasts a 79% college completion rate fair exceeding the state average for Latino students. While we have a lot of work to do to ensure all of our students complete high school prepared for college, enter college, and successfully progress, this program has shown promise that, simply put, it works. By combining academic preparation with leadership development and college coaching support, students have been able to succeed.
In 2015, the LLCEC was selected by the White House Initiative for Educational Excellence of Hispanics as a Bright Spot for Latino student success.
In 2013, the LLCEC was named as an Excelencia in Education Finalist for the Examples of Excelencia Award.
In 2013, the LLCEC was named as an Excelencia in Education Finalist for the Examples of Excelencia Award.
“I didn’t realize how big a deal this was for me. It’s helping me get ready for college and the real world after high school. I’ve learned about getting into college and how to pay for it. I’ve also been able to narrow my career choices.”
2014 Participant
“It’s inspiring because the volunteers were in our shoes and they’ve made it.
This camp has helped them to get where they are.”
2014 Participant