Avelar Encourages Latino High School Students to Attend Local Si Se Puede College Prep Conference

BOLINGBROOK, Ill. – As the deadline for early college admission rolls in, state Rep. Dagmara “Dee” Avelar, D-Bolingbrook, is encouraging her Latino constituents to take advantage of Lewis University’s Si Se Puede college prep conference.

“I understand how intimidating the college application process can be for Latino students. A lot of us are coming from first-generation immigrant families who have never been to college,” Avelar said. “We have fought hard for our space in higher education, despite racial and economic barriers. It is amazing to see the extra steps universities are taking to diversify their institutions and provide resources for students in need.” 

Avelar is a proud product of the public school system and admires educators for encouraging Latino students to pursue higher education. She recently co-sponsored House Bill 3438, which designated a dream resource liaison to public universities and community colleges in Illinois to assist undocumented students with financial aid and other academic opportunities. Avelar also served as the chief sponsor to help pass College Savings Day on May 29, 2021 to spread awareness about the economic burden of higher education. 

Lewis University in Romeoville, Illinois will be hosting the Si Se Puede conference this Saturday, October 23, 2021 from 9am-1pm. The conference will provide different workshops such as admissions review, financial aid information and multicultural student services information. The conference will be offered in English and Spanish.

“Please keep an eye out for amazing opportunities similar to this conference because many of us miss out on college prep conferences, scholarship opportunities and essay reviews,” Avelar said. “The next generation of Latinos deserve the best resources available to help them succeed. Pero con ganas si se puede!”

In response to the program, the Senior Vice President of Lewis University, Raymond Kennelly, said, “We are excited to help inform and connect students with the tremendous opportunities ahead for them in college.”

For more information or to register, please visit      

https://www.lewisu.edu/studentservices/multicultural/sisepuede/index.htm                                            

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