The AZ HSI Consortium is pleased to announce the Strengthening Access: Spanish Team College Bound for Latinx Families as an inaugural AZ HSI G.A.T.E. Funding Opportunities Awardee. After careful review from colleagues across the state of AZ, Strengthening Access: Spanish Team College Bound for Latinx Families was shown to be an effective program in identifying barriers to and within higher education for Latinx learners, engaging in institutional problem solving, and implementing solutions that support Latinx learner success while successfully documenting how change at their Arizona HSI was implemented.
Please read below to learn more about Strengthening Access: Spanish Team College Bound for Latinx Families.
Project Abstract:
The proposed project addresses the significant gap between the Hispanic high school population in Arizona (46%) and their underrepresentation in college enrollment (26% at Northern Arizona University). FACTS aims to reduce barriers to postsecondary education by supporting the most influential factor in student success, their families. Hispanic families, especially low-SES families, can lack critical knowledge about college admissions, financial aid, and resources due to language and first-generation barriers.
FACTS created Team College Bound, an asset-based and culturally grounded five-lesson curriculum with all materials offered in Spanish. The program covers topics including college admissions, financial aid, and support networks and brings in Spanish-speaking institutional experts. Participants receive the opportunity of a laptop award, helping to close the digital divide, which disproportionately affects Hispanic students.
This grant will support two cohorts of Team College Bound in 2025—an online cohort for families who participate with NAU GEAR UP and an in-person cohort at Coconino High School. The program will help families build knowledge, confidence, and social support. By addressing gaps in college knowledge and resources, FACTS empowers families and increases college enrollment rates among Hispanic students. Program effectiveness data will be collected through pre- and post-surveys and will guide future improvements.
- Maggie Thom, Northern Arizona University, Enrollment Management, FACTS (Family Access, Communication, Transition and Support)
Maggie Thom leads the development and implementation of the Family Access, Communication, Transition, and Support (FACTS) program at NAU. Driven by a passion for breaking down barriers to higher education, Maggie oversees efforts to empower first-generation, underserved, and Arizonan families throughout the college-going journey. With over 10 years of experience in higher education, including 8 years in Financial Aid, Maggie brings valuable knowledge and experience to this work.
Nancy Navarro, Northern Arizona University, Office of Inclusive Excellence
Nancy Navarro plays a pivotal role at Northern Arizona University (NAU), particularly in the areas of access, inclusion, and support for Hispanic and Latine students. By working with the FACTS team and the Office of Inclusive Excellence on HSI (Hispanic-Serving Institutions) programs and strategies, she helps ensure that the university fosters an inclusive environment that is sensitive to the needs of first-generation and underrepresented students.
Image