Éxito Educativo is a partnership-based program that promotes academic success among Latino families.  This exciting after-school program brings Latino Parents and their students in high school together to learn about the requirements for high school graduation, the different sources of support and the pathways to college.

The program consists of six (6) two-hour long modules.  Participants learn about the benefits of a college education, the importance of family members communicating with each other, school personnel, and peers.  They will also learn about the structure of U.S. higher education, the sources of financial aid, the importance of financial planning, and the college application and admissions process.

Interested families will attend an orientation session to learn more about the program.  Both the parent(s) and the student(s) will be required to attend all six sessions, which will occur every two weeks during the semester.

Program Objectives

  1. Discover academic potential and view higher education as attainable.
  2. Increase awareness of academic requirements for high school graduation.
  3. Promote parent awareness of school systems and modes of involvement in the schools.
  4. Enhance awareness of admission requirements at colleges and universities.
  5. Provide information on financial planning for a college education.
  6. Promote Career Exploration among Latino students.

Topics Addressed

  • Why do people go to college?
  • Family Communications
  • Career Exploration
  • Financial Resources
  • Academic Requirements for College
  • Applying for College Admission & Financial Aid

Consistent with its culturally relevant approach, the program is bilingual and can be offered in Spanish for those parents who are primarily Spanish-speaking.

The Lansing program is offered through a partnership that includes the Julian Samora Research Institute at Michigan State University, Lansing School District, Capital Area College Access Network, Lansing Promise, Lansing Community College, and MI ALMA.

The Grand Rapids program is offered through a partnership that includes MSU Extension, Catholic Central, Wyoming High School and  MI ALMA.

For More Information:

Lansing area:

Rubén Martinez, Ph.D.
Julian Samora Research Institute,
Michigan State University
517-432-1317
[email protected]

Sergio Keck
Lansing School District
517-755-2943
[email protected]

Grand Rapids area:

Veronica Quintino
Éxito Educativo Facilitator
616-308-2075
[email protected]

Susan Fenton
4-H Program Coordinator,
Michigan State University Extension
616-994-4580
[email protected]

You can also visit us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/E2MiALMA