“We not only want them to stay in school, but to graduate, go to college and get a good job. The key to a good life is a good education.” That’s the message Melanie Rodriguez, Latino Education Advancement Program (LEAP) Director, relays while reflecting on the 60 high school and middle students participating in the LEAP program this summer.
LEAP was created in 2007 with funding from the E.E. Ford Foundation to help Hispanic students in the Richmond community pursue postsecondary education.
On Monday, June 25, Rodriguez brought the students to the J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College Parham Road Campus so they could tour the campus, meet with advisors and talk to current students.
“It is important that the (LEAP) students learn about college and are able to talk to current college students to know how important it is that they stay in school and continue their education,” noted Rodriguez.
Kristine Dahm and Carol Krantz from the Office of Student Affairs discussed admissions policies, transfer opportunities, tutoring and academic programs, and the JSRCC student ambassadors conducted a question and answer session. The LEAP students inquired about minimum grade point averages for admittance, where to eat, and how difficult J. Sarge courses are.
The students already visited Virginia Commonwealth University, University of Richmond and Randolph-Macon College. JSRCC is the only community college the LEAP students will visit this summer.
View WTVR Channel 6 LEAP segment
