Programs
The Latino Resource Center serves as a meeting place for student groups and community organizations. In 2008, the LRC provided the facilities for the following groups to meet: the Latina Assistance Program: De Mujer a Mujer, Latino Cultural Awareness Committee (L.C.A.C.), Latino Fellowship (La Fe), Voz de la Alianza Estudiantil (V.A.L.E.), International Students of Latin America (I.S.L.A.), among other Latino student organizations and groups. Additionally, the LRC sponsored 27 school site visits from predominantly Latino high schools.
Another critical component of the LRC's mission is to provide social capital and mentoring to Latinos in secondary through postsecondary education. The LRC currently supports the Together Exploring Las Oportunidades para Sobresalir (T.E.L.O.S.) mentoring program at Clinton-Rosette Middle School, the Vanguardia Afirmativa de Latinos Unidos (V.A.L.U.) mentoring program at Dekalb High School, and several mentoring programs on the NIU campus.
Some of the NIU mentoring programs supported by the Latino Resource Center are:
M.Á.S F.R.E.S.H
Mentoring for Academic Success (M.Á.S.) Freshmen Receiving Experience and Study Habits (F.R.E.S.H)
These organization help new students make a successful academic and social transition to life at NIU. They also provide free tutoring services that will not only help, but also encourage freshmen to perform at a high level in the classroom environment.
A message from the Coordinator of M.Á.S F.R.E.S.H.
Welcome to the Latino Resource Center. My name is Laura Rodriguez and I am the coordinator for the M.Á.S F.R.E.S.H. program. The reason this program was created was to provide guidance and leadership for incoming freshmen. Since it can be difficult to transition from the watchful eye of parents and teachers into an entirely new world of freedom, new undergraduates can become easily distracted and lose sight of the main reason they are at NIU, to earn a higher education.
The M.Á.S F.R.E.S.H. program was established to provide free tutoring services that will not only help, but also encourage freshmen to perform at a high level in the classroom environment. M.Á.S F.R.E.S.H. also offers multiple workshops such as resume and interviewing workshops that willhelp freshmen reach critical professional skills and techniques that are essential in order to survive in the outside world and successfully start one's career. By joining M.Á.S F.R.E.S.H., freshmen will receive the knowledge and direction that will allow a smooth transition from the high school level into the NIU campus environment.
Thank you for visiting the Latino Resource Center. If you have any questions about the M.Á.S F.R.E.S.H. program, are interested in receiving tutoring or becoming a tutor, feel free to contact me at lr_ap100@yahoo.com.
You can also apply in person by visiting the LRC and filling out an application or by downloading this Application and sending it back to me at lr_ap100@yahoo.com
De Mujer a Mujer: Latina Assistance Program: Promotes programs specific to the needs of Latinas including support, academic guidance, and leadership oppportunities that enhance students' retention and graduation.
De Mujer a Mujer: Latina Assistance Program
Mission
The mission of “De Mujer a Mujer”: Latina Assistance Program (LAP) is to provide academic support that will increase the retention and graduation rates of Latinas at Northern Illinois University by providing programs, activities and leadership opportunities that foster self-confidence, self-awareness, and self-esteem.
Program Objectives
1. To establish a positive and professional support network for Latinas.
2. To promote education, career, personal, and leadership development.
3. To increase cultural, gender role, and service learning awareness.