Gift marks the largest in Esperanza’s 35-year history
CLEVELAND, OH (August 27, 2018) – The KeyBank Foundation has awarded Esperanza Inc. $500,000 over the next three years to expand the organization’s successful post-secondary programs to ensure college success for Hispanic students. This marks the largest corporate commitment to Esperanza in its 35-year history as the leading advocate for education in Cleveland’s Hispanic Community.
“We recognize that the success of students depends not only on the quality of their education but the resources and support services available,” said Margot Copeland, chair and CEO of the KeyBank Foundation. “Through this grant, we are ensuring that students of all backgrounds receive the same opportunities, support and engagement as their peers – leveling the playing field upon graduation.”
The funds will be used to more than double Esperanza’s successful Lideres Avanzando Program to include 100 students next year and to hire additional Esperanza staff to monitor retention and to assist students throughout their college experience. The semester-long Lideres program helps students understand the higher education system and provide the skills and support necessary to graduate with a college degree in a reasonable timeframe. Since the program was launched in 2017, 100 percent of the participants persist in college.
“With so many of our students as first generation college students, it is important that we arm them with the tools and support they need to navigate the complicated college landscape,” said Victor Ruiz, Executive Director, Esperanza. “Through Lideres, we have found that once we push students to utilize campus services and programs, they overcome their fears, gain confidence and become more engaged on campus.”
Lideres, meaning “leaders,” provides monthly workshops on topics including: relationship building with peers and professors, study skills and time management, financial awareness, mental health awareness and planning for summer experiences. The program was launched last year with the support of a grant from KeyBank.
“KeyBank has been a strong supporter of Esperanza’s programs throughout our history. They recognize the important role that supporting our students and helping to ensure academic successplays in the economic and cultural strength of our community,” Ruiz said. “We are grateful for this landmark commitment and KeyBank’s continued partnership.”
Recognizing that the jobs of the future require a college education and the fact that Hispanic students are one-third less likely than their peers to graduate with a college degree, Esperanza’s five-year strategic plan launched in 2016 focuses on developing strategies to help ensure student success in college. Esperanza’s post-secondary program, which includes Lideres, mentoring, internship opportunities and college scholarships, has become one of the most comprehensive, community-based secondary programs in the nation.
Of the nearly 162 students who graduated from high school in the last three years and participated in Esperanza’s post-secondary program, 88 percent have persisted in college. This compares to a 43 percent Ohio college graduation rate in 2016 for Hispanic students.
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