UNC Greensboro Latinx College-Immersion Camp Celebrates Fifth Year

UNC Greensboro recently held its fifth annual CHANCE (Campamento Hispano Abriendo Nuestro Camino a la Educación) summer program. The initiative is designed to encourage Latinx students currently in 11^th grade to pursue higher education by demonstrating that it is accessible for them.

This year, 48 campers from across North Carolina participated in the university’s four-day hybrid program. CHANCE participants immersed themselves in the college experience by attending virtual class seminars, exploring departments across campus, and attending in-person leadership development and team building activities.

Campers were able to engage with university professors, students and staff to develop peer/professional networks and forge mentor relationships focused on personal growth and higher education readiness. CHANCE ensures that participants are prepared for the college enrollment process by offering informational sessions on admissions and financial aid.

Parents were kept in the loop with a UNCG parent panel and sessions about financial aid and the U.S. education system. This year, families enjoyed cultural performances from student groups such as Corazón Folklórico, and entertainment by Ballet Folklórico Mexican Tradition of Julio Ruiz.

“Families loved our beautiful campus and the experiences that we planned for them, said CHANCE Director Margarita Kerkado. “Just by seeing how they identified with everything that we offered to them at the event, I knew they felt a sense of community and belonging and that was what we hoped for.”

Many CHANCE participants end up enrolling at UNC Greensboro, and the university is always seeking to engage new Latinx students and show them that higher education is well within their reach.

To learn more about the program, visit the CHANCE website or contact Margarita Kerkado at m_kerkad@uncg.edu.