Latinx/Hispanic students represent one of the fastest-growing demographics in higher education, but they often face unique challenges in accessing higher education resources and succeeding in college.
According to the Pew Research Center, Latinx college enrollment has surged in the past decade, yet gaps in college completion persist.
In an effort to close this gap, Vincennes University last week announced new scholarships tailored to support Latinx students and their families. These scholarships are a key part of VU’s commitment to making higher education accessible for underrepresented groups and fostering a campus where all students feel welcomed and supported, according to a press release issued by the university.
“At Vincennes University, we believe that every student deserves the opportunity to fulfill their education and career dreams, regardless of their background,” said VU President Dr. Chuck Johnson. “These scholarships, combined with mentorship, academic support, and partnerships, are designed to break down barriers for Latinx students and support student achievement and success.”
Among the two newly launched scholarships, a total of six students will be selected each year. The first scholarship available for Latinx students, the VU Diversity and Inclusion Scholarship, is available through the Vincennes University Foundation and has an application deadline of Nov. 1, 2024. The second scholarship, set to debut in the 2025-26 academic year, is part of the Vincennes University/ILI Promise Scholarship initiative in collaboration with the Indiana Latino Institute (ILI). Both scholarships are designed to assist with financial costs while paving the way for Latinx students to pursue higher education.
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In addition, VU has “further solidified its support for the Latinx community” through strong partnerships with local organizations such as the Indiana Latino Institute and ALASI (Alliance of Latin Americans of Southern Indiana), the release states.
These collaborations help expand access to scholarships and provide students with resources, from mentorship programs to career guidance, that support their academic and personal success.
“We are proud to partner with organizations like the Indiana Latino Institute and ALASI,” said April Yap-Hennig, Senior Latinx/Hispanic Recruitment Strategist at Vincennes University. “These partnerships ensure that Latinx students have the resources they need to thrive, both academically and professionally. Scholarships like the Vincennes University/ILI Promise Scholarship represent more than financial aid—they are a bridge to students’ dreams.”
And recognizing the need to create meaningful connections with Spanish-speaking students and their families, VU has also launched a new Spanish-language campaign: “¡Te Estamos Esperando!” (We Are Waiting for You!).
The campaign emphasizes VU’s understanding of the unique challenges faced by Latinx students and “demonstrates the University’s commitment to delivering marketing materials and outreach programs that truly resonate with Spanish-speaking families,” the release states.
The “¡Te Estamos Esperando!” campaign includes a range of bilingual resources, such as brochures and digital content, designed to communicate VU’s educational opportunities and financial assistance programs directly to Latinx families in a culturally relevant way.
“We know how important it is to meet families where they are, in a language they understand,” added Yap-Hennig. “This campaign is about ensuring that families feel supported from the moment they consider admission to Vincennes University.”
The university has also created a dedicated webpage at vinu.edu/LatinX. This Spanish-language website provides information and resources in both Spanish and English, including details on scholarships, financial aid, and academic programs. The webpage can also be translated into any language, ensuring accessibility for all families.
In addition, VU has hired bilingual Student Ambassadors and current members of the VU Latino Alliance to assist Latinx students and their families. The university has also launched a Spanish language voicemail (812-888-4343) and email address ([email protected]), where parents and students can communicate directly with staff in Spanish or English. For those looking to visit the campus, Spanish-language tours are now available to help families feel more comfortable and informed about their future at VU.
For more information about the scholarships, the “¡Te Estamos Esperando!” campaign, and resources for Latinx students, please visit vinu.edu/LatinX.
