Pillars for Success is an early intervention program that empowers low income and potential first generation post-secondary Latino students integrating school based curricula and existing wraparound programs. The overarching goal is to create the next generation of servant leaders for the advancement of the Latino Community. This program will help first generation Latinos improve their academic performance, complete high school, and prepare for higher education. It will also advance the students’ social capital and critical skills to succeed in life and make a significant contribution to society.
The main idea is to help risk students to improve grades by providing academic and self-esteem to success in High School and their lives. On the other hand, their mentors who are outstanding High School and College Students will develop a strong leadership and community services towards these risk students by supporting them with their academic and emotional skills.
Arkansas and other southern states have seen unprecedented grown of the Hispanic community in the last decade, with a population of more than 200,000 residents and over 40,000 students in public schools. In Northwest Arkansas, the two largest school districts, Springdale and Rogers, are over 40% Hispanic. With a total enrollment of 2,019 in 2013-2014, 41.6% of Rogers Heritage High School (RHHS) students were Hispanic, 28% limited English proficiency and 59% low-income, according to Arkansas Department of Education Data Center (ADE).