A BluePrint for Success: Case Studies of Successful - Educational ...

What We Do Best
A Blueprint for Success
According to HCF staff, the program “is most successful in empowering students by equipping them
with tangible and intangible tools, which increase hope (defined as a cognitive process that necessitates
individual agency and one’s ability to generate different strategies to reach a desired goal) and
lead to resilience.” During the program, students build aspirations, expectations, develop a life vision,
increase their practical knowledge and skills base, and develop a support network. Having developed
these assets during the program, students leave with a great amount of hope and confidence
that helps them overcome real and perceived barriers.
While students increase their understanding of the college application process, government grants
and subsidized loans, the FAFSA, on-campus student support, work-study options, and other fields
of “college knowledge,” the primary purpose of the program is to empower students to understand
and believe that they can and will go to college. HCF staff noted that, “students graduate from the
program with a greater understanding of their own potential to succeed in the face of adversity.”
Additionally, the students leave the program having established a support network consisting of Hispanic
professionals and near-peer mentors that are available to help the student for the remainder of
his/her high school career, as they transition into college, and as they ultimately move into a professional
career. HCF staff shared this comment from one of the participants of the 2011 Virginia HYI
Kickoff:
Living in Saginaw (MI) I don’t see many positive Hispanic influences, not even in my
family. This area is all I’ve experienced in terms of my heritage and other Hispanics. It’s
not an encouraging or inspiring place. I’m ashamed to say it, but I was beginning to believe
some of those negative stereotypes…people say about Hispanics. HYI changed all
that. It made me see that there are so many of us willing to make a difference for the betterment
of not just the Hispanic community but the world.
The motto of the HYI Kickoff is: “If it is to be, it is up to me!” HCF staff indicate that this message
is “constantly reinforced throughout the program and becomes a part of the empowered student’s
attitude as he/she leaves the program.” Evidence of the impact of this message can be seen in this
statement from a program alumni, “When I came to the Hispanic Youth Institute I had little hope
of making it to college, but I’ve found the confidence and motivation. Now, I don’t just want to go
to college, I know I’m going to college; it’s not a closed door and I can make it.”
HCF staff believe that the summer event is so successful because its programming and structure are
very intentional and research based. The HYI targets “at-promise” students for this program – students
with strong potential but significant risk factors, including low family income and parental
educational attainment. Peer-reviewed research findings are the basis of the section of students and
Educational Policy Institute 89 www.educationalpolicy.org