Amigas Latinas for College

Upcoming Young Women Energized Event!

2011-09-23T15:22:00.000-05:00

WEN’s 6th Annual Young Women Energized (YWE) will be held Tuesday, October 18, 2011. YWE is a mentoring event designed exclusively for high school girls 11th -12th grades! Girls learn about exciting careers open in the energy industry and network with industry professionals from a variety of companies and disciplines. Many parents join their daughters to learn more about university programs and scholarships.

Event Details

Date
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Time
4:00 to 7:30 pm
Location
United Way Resource Center
50 Waugh Drive
Houston, TX 77007
(713) 685-2300

Register now for Young Women Energized!

Scholarship Awards Reception

2011-09-23T15:08:00.001-05:00

Our reception on August 9, 2011 honoring the first annual Amigas Latinas for College scholarship recipients was a big success. Held at one of our favorite locations, El Tiempo Cantina, many of ALC's friends and supporters joined in the celebration. All six of our awardees were present along with their families and friends. We wish the recipients the best of luck as they embark on their higher education journey. We also want to thank Roland Laurenzo, owner of El Tiempo, and all our other friends and supporters who helped make the event a wonderful celebration of the achievements of some outstanding young women.

Congratulations to Our 2011 Scholarship Recipients!

2011-08-12T10:06:00.001-05:00

Please join us!

2011-07-11T12:12:00.000-05:00

Save the Date - ALC Reception for Scholarship Recipients

2011-06-20T21:24:00.000-05:00

Women's Energy Network - Young Women Energized event

2011-06-10T15:49:00.001-05:00

Each year, the professional organization Women’s Energy Network hosts a special event for high school junior and senior girls. This year, they are hosting an event on October 18, 2011. This event is geared to get young women interested in the energy business, which is 50% of Houston’s economy.

Over the summer, WEN will be posting to their Facebook page several times per week at http://www.facebook.com/pages/YWEnergized/171168676273128. The page will include a weekly career interview with women in the energy business including attorneys, accounting, marketing, engineers, land "women", traders and others as well as interesting articles about the energy field.

Please check out WEN's Facebook page and put the October 18, 2011 event on your calendar!

MECA Summer Arts Camp - sign up now!

2011-05-11T13:35:00.000-05:00

Limited Space! Summer Arts Camp
June 13 - July 29, 2011

MECA is now enrolling for their seven-week summer program from June 13 through July 29. The day camp will operate from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and will offer students in grades K-8 broad exposure to visual, dance, music, and theater arts. The day camp is a great way for parents to provide enriching activities for their children during their vacation break.

In the evenings from 4-9 p.m., the after-school program will provide students with more advanced instruction in disciplines like ballet folklórico, mosaic art, choir, piano and much more. In addition to fun arts classes, students will take field trips to the Children's Museum, Miller Outdoor Theater, and the Museum of Fine Arts to name a few. Complimentary balanced lunches and snacks are provided daily in cooperation with the City of Houston Parks and Recreation Department.

MECA is now registering students daily between 3-7 p.m. Those registering must pay a non-refundable $30 fee at the time of registration. Families seeking sliding-scale discounts must provide proof of income using a pay stub or IRS documentation. To register, contact Maria-Elisa Heg at (713) 802-9370, ext. 12 or email her here. You may also stop by MECA between 3-7 p.m.

The Summer Arts Program is sponsored in part by the Brown Foundation, Inc.

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with MECA

2011-04-04T09:12:00.003-05:00

Serving the Community Since 1977

SAVE THE DATE

Cinco en Cinco

MECA's Cinco en Cinco 2011 will feature a concert of piano music by five Mexican composers from the late 19th and early 20th centuries: Felipe Villanueva, Ricardo Castro, Blas Galindo, Luis G. Jordá, and Manuel M. Ponce.

The central piece of the concert will be Ponce's Concierto Romántico, the only concerto for piano ever written by the composer.

We are pleased to present Omar Herrera-Arizmendi on piano this year. Born in Mexico City, Mr. Herrera-Arizmendi is a proud descendant of Manuel M. Ponce and in recent years, has played with several orchestras as well as with chamber groups in the United States and Mexico. Currently, he is pursuing his doctorate in Music at the University of Houston alongside his accompanist Yan Shen, a guest pianist, who is originally from China and is also currently pursuing her Doctoral degree under Timothy Hester at the University of Houston. Ms. Shen received her Bachelor of Music at the Guang Zhou Conservatory of Music and her Master of Music at the Wu Han Conservatory of Music and will perform the orchestral reduction at the second piano. Both pianists performed to standing ovations last year at MECA.

Calling All Actors!

2011-02-28T13:30:00.000-06:00

MECA presents

Papí, Me and César Chávez written by Tony Garcia
April 1 - 2, 2011

This interactive play tells the story of César Chávez and the United Farm Workers of America movement through the eyes of Gloria, the ten year-old daughter of migrant farm workers. As the play develops, Gloria witnesses protesters led by César Chávez advocating for safe working conditions and fair wages through strikes and nonviolent rallies. The story is interspersed with scenes led by a Teatrista, who further explores the life of a farm worker through dialogue with the audience and short demonstrations with student participants. Material is appropriate for elementary through high-school aged students.

AUDITIONS ONGOING, if interested contact Estevan Azcona

From our friends at MECA: Sor Juana Ines de la Cruz

2011-02-28T13:26:00.007-06:00

MECA Celebrates Sor Juana

Visual Art Exhibit honoring Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz

March 18- April 29, 2011

This exhibit features artwork inspired by seventeenth century Mexican nun Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz (1651-1695), one of the greatest poets and playwrights of her time, and the first person in the Americas to argue in writing for the rights of women to be educated.

Reception to be held March 18, 8 p.m. at MECA, 1900 Kane, Houston

Participating artists are:

Alma Soto

Lorena Alvarez

Yolanda Buccio

Ruth Sosa Bailey

Renee Rodriguez

Artista Elisabet

Melanie Kane

Diana Muniz

Lilibeth Andre

From our friends at MECA: Pachanga!

2011-02-28T13:22:00.000-06:00

PACHANGA!

(another word for "Fiesta")

Saturday - March 5, 2011/ 12 - 5pm

An outdoor, family friendly mini-fest featuring live music, handmade art & food!

Admission: $2.00
Free for Children 12 Years & under

Pet friendly event!

Location: MECA Dow School Green -
1900 Kane Street, Houston, TX 77007

713-802-9370 www.meca-houston.org

This outdoor musical festival will feature the best of Houston's live music, handmade art as well as food. Performers include local musical acts-the Breadwinners and Devil Killing Moth, with a headline performance by Los Pistoleros de Texas.

The music of Los Pistoleros de Texas evokes the essence of Gulf Coast music: part Tex-Mex, Cumbia, Cajun, Blues, and even Bluegrass. The band's use of regional ethnocentric instruments; button accordion, pedal steel, harmonica and banjo - craft a unique sound. Los Pistoleros de Texas have shared the stage with international acts such as Flaco Jiménez, the Texas Tornadoes, Ozomatli, and Los Skarnales. The band's organizer features a notable MECA music instructor, Roberto Rodriguez.

Art booths-showcasing the artwork of local talent: David Lippold, Levi Rosen, Mike Hernandez, Christian Navarrete, Dot Dot Dash, Kyle Fu, Stephen Kelly and Linda Hinojos.

Women's Energy Network - Young Women Energized Social Media Intern Application

2011-01-27T10:48:00.002-06:00

Young Women Energized is an annual event hosted by the Women's Energy Network in the fall of each year. Its purpose is to introduce high school aged girls to careers in the energy industry in an effort to encourage them to consider career options in this field. Beginning in 2011, WEN is pleased to offer an internship for a female high school student (sophomore or junior grade level) in the Greater Houston area. The intern's primary responsibility would be the marketing and visibility of WEN's annual YWE event through social media. This position will provide the selected intern with valuable resume building skills through the introduction of marketing strategies, networking within a professional, career-oriented organization for women, career guidance and the promotion of college education.

A link to the application is here. The application due date is February 25, 2011. The intern(s) would be selected by mid-March. It is an unpaid internship. Any questions regarding WEN, YWE, the application or the internship itself can be directed to womenenergynetwork2011@gmail.com or info@wenhouston.org

Universities Are Challenged as Demographics Shift

2011-01-01T21:09:00.003-06:00

Interesting article from the New York Times that focuses on demographic changes at the University of Texas at Austin, and in particular, increases in Latino and Black students.

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/02/us/02ttstudents.html

Pre-College Programs at Notre Dame University

2010-12-20T12:32:00.001-06:00

Notre Dame University is now accepting applications for its Summer 2011 program. Visit Notre Dame next summer to explore your intellectual capacity and discover your inner self. Learn more about your culture or cultivate a better understanding of others. Notre Dame’s Pre-College Programs offer inspiring summer opportunities for exceptional students. Learn more about the enriching experiences that await you by visiting their website.

College Resources

2010-12-20T12:24:00.005-06:00

Cappex has resources for students who are putting the finishing touches on their college applications, including a checklist and articles with helpful tips for this important process. The checklist and other documents allow students to manage deadlines, track their progress and complete all the key details of each application they submit. To find all of the worksheets in the free Cappex College Fit Kit, a set of worksheets, quizzes and videos to help students through the process, visit the Cappex website.

Cat Lift Truck Scholarships

2010-12-18T14:14:00.000-06:00

Cat Lift Trucks, now in its seventh year of recognizing outstanding Houston-area students, will award two $5,000 scholarships to high school seniors graduating in Spring 2011 from a public and/or private school within Harris, Brazoria, Chambers, Fort Bend, Galveston, Liberty, Montgomery and Waller counties. Students planning to major in mechanical engineering or a business-related field are eligible to apply. Students who meet the following criteria are encouraged to apply:

Applicants must be ranked in the upper one-half (1/2) of his/her graduating class with a minimum overall unweighted grade point average of a “B” or 80% after completion of his/her junior year. Information must be verified with an official transcript.

Applicants must plan to enroll in an accredited college, university or technical school within the state of Texas and participate in a curriculum leading to a bachelor’s degree or technical certificate in mechanical engineering or a business field. If scholarship recipients enroll in a college, university or technical school outside of Texas, their funds will be forfeited and given to the next highest ranking applicant.

Applicants must be citizens of the United States and/or be born in the United States and a resident of the state of Texas. Applicants must be graduating seniors or qualified as a mid-term graduate.

Cat Lift Trucks understands the life-changing value a college education brings to students and strives to ensure that academic and community conscientious students are rewarded. For more information, click here.

TAMU Partnership for Primary Care Program

2010-12-18T14:07:00.000-06:00

Are you considering a career in medicine? You have the opportunity to bring quality health care home to your fellow Texans through the Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine Partnership for Primary Care program. Presently the application period for the program is in full swing and will run from December 1, 2010 until February 4, 2011. Interviews will be held in early March 2011. For more information or to apply, contact Raymond Joyce, Coordinator.

PrimeWay FCU Scholarships

2010-12-18T14:02:00.001-06:00

PrimeWay Federal Credit Union wants to help make it easier for get an education. They are awarding one $2,500 Dale Roberts Scholarship and two $1,000 PrimeWay scholarships to eligible students in the Harris County and Fort Bend areas. For more information, go to the PrimeWay website at https://www.primewayfcu.com/youth/scholarships.shtml. If you have any questions about the scholarship, contact PrimeWay at scholarships@primewayfcu.com. The application deadline is Saturday, March 26, 2011, so please don’t delay.

Spend the Summer at Georgetown University

2010-12-18T13:56:00.002-06:00

Discover your passion this summer at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. Whether you’re seeking college credit, exploring a new interest or want to experience campus life firsthand, you are certain to find a program at Georgetown that both sets you apart from your high school peers and leaves a lasting impression for years to come. For additional information on the different summer programs offered, visit the website: http://scs.georgetown.edu/summer-programs-for-high-school-students

CONGRATULATIONS to Pricsyla Riquelme

2010-12-17T14:39:00.004-06:00

Congratulations, Pricsyla! Pricsyla Riquelme has been accepted to the Houston Baptist University. She is a senior at Westside HS in HISD and a longtime member of Amigas Latinas for College.

Party Pictures

2010-12-07T16:26:00.007-06:00

Our annual fundraiser last week at El Tiempo Cantina and Restaurant was a great success. Many of our friends and members were in attendance and we were once again reminded of how fortunate we are to have their support. Here are some party pictures; a more detailed posting will follow with thank you's to many, and in particular, to El Tiempo owner Roland Laurenzo for again hosting the event.

Annual Amigas Latinas for College Fundraiser

2010-11-22T22:16:00.004-06:00

ALC Graduate Reunion Party

2010-06-14T11:13:00.006-05:00

Everyone had a wonderful time at Virginia's ALC graduate reunion party on Friday night. Yummy pizza and salad were followed by a delicious chocolate cake. There was great conversation and much laughter and discussion of plans for the summer, next fall and the future.

Summer 2010 ALC Grad Reunion

2010-05-29T08:42:00.008-05:00

AMIGAS LATINAS FOR COLLEGE GRADS 2010 SUMMER REUNION!

Calling all ALC students who have graduated from high school and who have finished, attending or about to attend an institution of higher education!

Come, enjoy and visit with ALC college or college grad students in a summer reunion. See old friends or acquaintances, network and enjoy pizza. Friday, June 11, 2010, 6:30 - 9:30PM.

Please contact Virginia Baxt, vpbaxt@gmail.com for more information.

Congratulations Carolina!

2010-03-05T09:54:00.005-06:00

ALC is proud to announce that the 2010 Bathsheba Perry Scholarship has been awarded to Carolina Mendoza. Carolina is a long-standing ALC member who has served as ALC president for 2009-2010.

The award was presented to Carolina by Dr. John Baxt at ALC's February 20, 2010 meeting. We wish Carolina much success as she pursues her education at the University of Texas at San Antonio!

College For All Texans - Top 10% College Program Scholarship

2010-02-03T15:49:00.003-06:00

The 80th Texas Legislature created the Top 10% Scholarship to ecourage students who graduate in the top 10% of their high school class to attend a Texas public institution of higher education. Qualifying students need to submit the FAFSA or TAFSA by March 1, 2010, and those who have a financial need may be eligible to receive up to $2,000 if they enroll as full-time students in a Texas public college or university in the fall 2010 semester.
Please visit http://www.collegeforalltexans.com in order to see the eligibility requirements.

Notre Dame Summer Opportunity for Latino Students

2010-01-28T16:31:00.002-06:00

July 11-17, 2010

The Latino Community Leadership Seminar is an opportunity for 40 outstanding Hispanic students entering their senior year in high school who want to challenge and develop their commitment to the Latino community. This seminar explores the role of Latinos in U.S. society through a series of presentations, discussions, and experiences. Students will examine how their values and experiences interact with political, economic, and social realities to produce new avenues for effective Latino leadership. The seminar is designed to help the students succeed in developing leadership skills that can harness their stong commitment to community service derived from the values of Latino culture and the Catholic social tradition.

All program expenses including round trip transportation to the campus will be covered by the University. If selected, the only expense to the student is a $150 non-refundable confirmation fee.

Please visit the following site for more information http://precollege.nd.edu/

The Theodore E. Baker & William G. Telfer Scholarship

2010-01-28T16:21:00.002-06:00

The American Association of University Women - West Harris County Branch are offering
THE THEODORE E. BAKER & WILLIAM G. TELFER SCHOLARSHIP

Encouraging young women to pursue the fields of math or science at the university level.
Offering a $1000 scholarship.

Requirements: Young woman high school senior interested in the field of math or science with at least an 1100 in the reading & math portions of the SAT.
Enrolled as a regular student in Alief, Houston, or Spring Branch ISD.
Applying to a four year university.

For more detailed information please go to their website at http://www.aauw.org/

Fundraiser for ALC

2010-01-14T12:51:00.005-06:00

Calling All Future Veterinarians

2010-01-08T13:09:00.008-06:00

The Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine has a summer program for high school students who are interested in the field of veterinary medicine. The three day program gives participants the opportunity to explore the possibilities of veterinary medicine as a career. Participants will live in University dormitories, attend special sessions, and discover the broad diversity of career opportunities available to graduates with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree.

Camp Dates for 2010

July 13-16, 2010
July 20-23, 2010

For an application and additional information, click here.

ALC Holiday Party

2009-12-18T10:57:00.010-06:00

Please join us for the
Amigas Latinas for College
Christmas Party

Hosted by Carolina Mendoza &
Natalia Sanchez
Where: 2213 Peppermill (Natalia’s House)
When: Sunday, December 20 @ 7:00 pm
RSVP by December 19 to Natalia at 832-656-8508

Please bring a festive drink or dish!!

Thank you to our friends and supporters

2009-12-03T16:28:00.005-06:00

Last Monday, ALC held a benefit fundraiser at El Tiempo Cantina on Washington Avenue. Many of ALC's friends and supporters attended the event and enjoyed the food, drink and good company.

The ALC board and staff extend their thanks and appreciation to all who attended. Special thanks to Roland Laurenzo, owner of the El Tiempo, who hosted the event and is generously donating a portion of the restaurant's proceeds from that evening to ALC. Thank you also to our friends who made personal contributions that evening, including:

Beverly Bradley
Manuel and Marcelo Marini
Dr. and Mrs. Martin Steiner
The Bohorquez Law Firm, PLLC
Dwayne Cobbs

All your generous support is greatly appreciated!

Engineering Scholarships

2009-11-30T09:03:00.009-06:00

The Texas Society of Professional Engineers (TSPE) and the Texas Engineering Foundation (TEF) will award approximately $100,000 in scholarships to college students attending at an ABET-accredited engineering program at a Texas college or university. To be considered for the scholarships, you must apply by January 15, 2010. Download an application form and a list of eligible universities from the TSPE website. The Greater Houston Chapter of TSPE also requires an essay on the topics provided in the application. Scholarship awardees will be notified by the end of February 2010. For more information about the scholarships, click here.

Linda Lorelle College Preparatory Conference

2009-11-19T09:10:00.006-06:00

The Linda Lorelle Scholarship Fund is proud to announce its Sixth Annual College Preparatory Conference scheduled for Saturday, January 30, 2010.

The conference is a FREE, city-wide symposium created to educate students and parents about the college process. The LLSF would like to share all the important information, tips and strategies we gather each year in support of our scholarship recipients within the Greater Houston Area.

You must register online to attend. Check-in begins at 8:30 a.m., a brief General Session takes place at 9:00 a.m. followed by breakout sessions before and after lunch that will address the following topics:

• How to choose a college
• The admissions process
• Financial aid
• Campus life and housing
• Preparation for college

Lunch will be provided free of charge and sessions will be moderated by a Houston television or radio personality. The day wraps up with an opportunity for students and their parents to mingle informally with the panel participants and take part in a drawing for numerous door prizes, including two $1,000 scholarships. To be eligible for the drawing, participants must complete all four breakout sessions and they must be present to win.

Last year, the conference attracted over 2500 high school students from over 160 different Houston area high schools. All Houston universities were present along with 40 vendors giving students the opportunity to mix and mingle with local businesses and local universities.

Please plan to attend; to register, click here. For more information, check out the website.

Student Day at Houston AutoRama

2009-11-17T18:14:00.012-06:00

Student Day at the Houston AutoRama 2009 is a two-part program entitled Engineering Speed for middle school through college age students that demonstrates the connection between technology, cars, math and real life.

See Heavy Metal, a 1970 Chevelle owned by Richard and Jean Tapia, at AutoRama

Engineering Speed will be at the George R. Brown Convention Center from 9:30 - 11:30 a.m., Friday, November 27, 2009 as part of the Houston/International Show Car Association Education Day. Student Day is sponsored by Rice University's Center for Excellence and Equity in Education.

There is no cost to students or chaperones; however, everyone MUST have already registered online, mailed a confirmation form that they will attend the program, and received an email from the organizers.

For more information or to register, click here.

Hispanic Scholarship Fund

2009-11-17T17:45:00.009-06:00

For information about scholarships that may be available for your college education, check out the Hispanic Scholarship Fund.

MFAH Volunteers Needed

2009-11-12T10:26:00.013-06:00

Sunday, November 15th, is the next Bayou Bend Family Day. Come and volunteer with us!

Family Days are usually every third Sunday of the month, September through May, rain or shine. Family Days are the perfect day to bring children to Bayou Bend, as the home and gardens are abuzz with excitement and activities, demonstrations, and performances. Best of all, admission is always free on Family Days!

This month´s theme is Harvest Celebration. Celebrate the first and the many subsequent American harvest celebrations with traditional Native American performances, music, and storytelling. Find out about the dress and customs of the earliest European settlers before heading over to the craft table to make your own corncob doll or pine cone turkey!

Bayou Bend needs enthusiastic volunteers to help with the next Family Day. Volunteers assist small children with craft projects that are designed to correlate with the theme chosen for the afternoon. Volunteers are needed from 3:00-5:00 p.m.. Or, you can work both shifts! The first shift is from 1:00-3:00 p.m. If you are interested, please contact Sarah Castro at Bayou Bend at scastro@mfah.org.

Scholarship opportunities

2009-11-11T12:16:00.003-06:00

1. Houston Hispanic Forum: deadline is November 20, 2009 (no exceptions). For more information, click here.

2. Ruby Sue Clifton Scholarship presented by Smart Financial Credit Union. For more information, click here.

Houston Hispanic Forum Career & Education Day

2009-11-11T11:53:00.003-06:00

The Houston Hispanic Forum presents its 24th annual Career Forum and Education Day for students in grades 6-12 and their parents.

Saturday, January 9, 2010
9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
George R. Brown Convention Center

Talk to professionals about careers
Complete your FAFSA and apply to Texas colleges online
Get the facts about financial aid

Free admission and lunch
For more information, contact the Houston Hispanic Forum at Hispanic_Forum@sbcglobal.net or visit them online at www.hispanicforum.org

Online magazine

2009-11-02T11:48:00.004-06:00

Some of you might be interested in Teen Latinitas, an online magazine for young Latinas based in Austin.

Looking for Latina writers

2009-11-02T11:39:00.002-06:00

ALC received this notice of opportunity from Ariana Alvarado today:

I hope this email finds you in good health and spirit. For those of you who know me, I am super passionate about the Latino community. Doing my part to uplift mi gente has always been a career goal of mine whether it be through tv, film, or the written word. I have stumbled on a niche that hardly gets any attention or support: Latinas in college.

As Latinas in college, we experience many of the fears and excitement that all other college students do. Yet, there are unique aspects of our culture that makes our college experience different. Therefore, I have created EducatedLatina.com, the first online college magazine created for the modern, worldly, chic Latina of today. The website offers advice, tips, and tricks for navigating life on and off campus while offering a community of support to get you that degree. Whether you are an undergrad, grad, or doctoral student, Educated Latina is here to guide you through it!

I am seeking writers and bloggers for the website. Please feel free to forward this description to anyone or any listserve that might be interested:

Are you an undergrad or grad student? Do you have an opinion? Do you love to write? Are you up on what's hot in entertainment, fashion, politics, college life and more? Are you passionate about the Latina community and cultura? Come and write for us!

This is an opportunity to write about issues affecting the Latina community on and off campus. Please submit a 500 word article and be sure to include a bio of yourself with: your name, age, college/university, major/minor, extracurricular activities and career goals. Please email administrator@educatedlatina.com. Thanks!

The site is still under construction and is set to launch in January 2010. I am very excited about this new venture and would really appreciate your support, comments and ideas. Please spread the word out to the Latinas in your life. Hopefully Educated Latina will inspire them to go to college, stay, and graduate!

Nuestra Familia, Nuestra Salud

2009-10-29T14:35:00.004-05:00

The 3rd annual Nuestra Familia, Nuestra Salud Health Fair takes place this Sunday, November 1, 2009, from noon to 4:00 p.m. at the George R. Brown Convention Center. The fair is free of charge and open to the public. ALC will have a table at the fair; if you are interested in volunteering, contact Adriana Sanchez at 281-777-3534.

Volunteers needed for annual Day of the Dead celebration

2009-10-28T16:52:00.007-05:00

The annual Day of the Dead celebration commemorates the Hispanic community's tradition of honoring our loved ones who have passed on. This year's event is a celebration with food, music, and dancing and includes mariachis and folkloric performances by “Los Chaparitos”.

Volunteers are needed to decorate and set up the altar and assist with registration. Work hours are from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Please call Polly Alam at 713/ 927-1080 by Friday October 30 at noon if you can volunteer.

Update from the National Hispanic Environmental Council

2009-10-27T08:52:00.007-05:00

ALC member Priscila Cevallos recently attended the Hispanic Environmental Council Program in New Mexico. Here is a report on her experience.

"I just got back from the national Hispanic Environmental Council Program in New Mexico and it was simply amazing! Our schedule was full: we did everything from camping next to a beautiful lake, to visiting the Los Alamos Laboratory where the first atomic bomb was created. The experience was wonderful and I definitely learned so much from the lectures/presentations, and the water, soil, vegetation, animals, and human impact field studies we conducted. We were able to visit many National Parks and hike all over New Mexico! I only wish that I could have stayed a while longer. Thank you Virginia [Baxt] for letting me know about the program. The bonds created there are going to last a lifetime and I hope that I will be able to get another internship with the people I met there. Thank you again."
All the best,
Priscila Cevallos

Calling Future Doctors

2009-10-19T07:38:00.007-05:00

Beginning December 1, 2009 through the second week in February, 2010, graduating high school seniors interested in the medical profession can apply to the Partnership for Primary Care Program at the Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine. This innovative program gives you the opportunity to pursue a medical degree without taking the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT). While there are no shortcuts to a quality education, there is an alternative path to gaining entrance into medical school. The PPC program is designed to help qualified, dedicated young people get a foot in the door of the medical field and to eventually contribute to improving health care in parts of Texas that need it most.

More information about the program can be found here. If you are interested in medicine, please check out the website for more information and for application forms.

Teen and Parent Conference

2009-10-13T09:11:00.005-05:00

In honor of October being Domestic Violence Awareness month, Bridge Over Troubled Waters is hosting its 4th annual Teen & Parent Conference.

BOTW particularly needs adult mentors for the conference. If you are interested in attending or volunteering or just want more information, please contact LaShic Patterson at LPatterson@tbotw.org.

Volunteer Opportunity - Institute of Hispanic Culture

2009-10-05T08:53:00.005-05:00

The INSTITUTE OF HISPANIC CULTURE is celebrating EL DIA DE HISPANIDAD at Miller Outdoor Theater. This major annual event features some of the best dancers, music and performances from various Latin American countries.

Volunteers are needed SUNDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2009 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. to pass out programs. If the volunteers want to stay for the performance, they get free seating at the front.

The INSTITUTE gives several scholarships every year. This is a great opportunity for ALC members to meet some of this wonderful organization's board members. ALC Board Member Polly Alam will be there and will be glad to introduce volunteers to Institute board members.

If you can attend, call Polly asap on her cell phone at 713/927-1080. Attire is casual; jeans are fine but please be presentable to meet INSTITUTE directors and officials.

Hope to see you there!

Young Women Energized

2009-09-23T09:44:00.003-05:00

Registration is now open for the Women's Energy Network's (WEN) Young Women Energized event on November 4, 2009.

Young Women Energized (YWE) is a mentoring event designed exclusively for high school girls. Learn about exciting careers open in the energy industry and network with industry professionals from a variety of companies and disciplines.

Parents are welcome and will have the opportunity to learn more about university programs and scholarships.

Date/Time: Wednesday, November 4, 2009
4:30 pm - Registration & Refreshments
5:45 pm - Welcome & Introductions, followed by Program for High School Girls & Parents
Location:
United Way Community Resource Center
50 Waugh Drive
Houston, Texas

If you are a student and would like to register for the event, click here. For more information about the event, click here.

Congratulations Priscila!

2009-09-07T08:06:00.006-05:00

Congratulations to ALC member Priscila Cevallos for being selected to participate in the National Hispanic Environmental Council's Youth Training Institute. The week long institute begins September 19, 2009 in beautiful northern New Mexico and is designed to train the environmental leaders of tomorrow. Our best wishes to Priscila!

Volunteers needed for Food Distribution

2009-08-28T11:49:00.005-05:00

Wednesday, September 16, 2009 from 7:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.

The Houston Food Bank will be hosting a month-long event spotlighting hunger. The theme and slogan for this year is Hunger Bites. There will be 30 food fairs going on throughout Houston on September 16, 2009.

The Ripley House on Navigation will be participating as a distribution site and is currently seeking volunteers to help. The tentative hours are from 7:00am – 2:00pm. For more information or to volunteer, contact Natalia at the Ripley House at nferreyra@Neighborhood-Centers.org. Adriana Sanchez will be carpooling, so if you need a ride, please contact her at asanchez@amigaslatinas4college.org.

Free Legal Clinic

2009-08-25T21:44:00.003-05:00

ALC member and third year law student Andrea Ramirez has sent notice of a free legal clinic this Saturday at Texas Southern University. If you need legal advice regarding property taxes, foreclosures or wills and estates, please feel free to attend the clinic.

Opal Mitchell Lee Property Preservation Clinic
Legal Advice & Counsel
FREE 1-ON-1 PRIVATE CONSULTATION WITH A VOLUNTEER ATTORNEY

Date: Saturday, August 29, 2009
Time: 10:00 a.m.—2:00 p.m.
Place: Jesse H. Jones School of Business
Texas Southern University Campus corner of Cleburne and Tierwester Streets)

Types of Cases: Property Taxes, Foreclosures, and Wills and Estates
Please call us if you have transportation needs.

Contact Us:
Earl Carl Institute for Legal & Social Policy, Inc.
Box 1156
3100 Cleburne Street
Houston, Texas 77004
Office: (713) 313-1139
Fax: (713) 313-1153
Email: earlcarlinstitute@tmslaw.tsu.edu

Yoga - Updated

2009-08-18T22:04:00.001-05:00

ALC is offering a free yoga class for its members on Thursday, August 20 at 4:30 p.m. at the Clay Road YMCA.

Yoga improves flexibility, strength, muscle tone and reduces stress. If you have not already tried yoga, take the class to see how you like it. It may work for you!

Please call Adriana Sanchez @ 281-777-3534 should you have any further questions.
Look forward to seeing everyone there!

Fiestas Patrias Scholarship

2009-08-17T08:25:00.004-05:00

Fiestas Patrias Grand Ball of Houston is offering its annual scholarship for 2009. To be considered, you must complete a written application. For a copy of the application, contact Adriana at asanchez@amigaslatinas4college.org. so that she can forward it to you. The deadline for applying for the scholarship is September 15, 2009, so if you are interested, don't delay!

Christmas in August

2009-08-04T18:23:00.000-05:00

Free for ALC members, friends and family. For more information or to RSVP, contact Adriana at asanchez@amigaslatinas4college.org.

Campus Tour of Houston Baptist University

2009-07-24T15:24:00.007-05:00

A campus tour of Houston Baptist University is scheduled for Wednesday, August 5, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. Please RSVP to Adriana Sanchez by July 31 so that she may have a count of how many will attend. If we do not have enough people who RSVP, we will have to cancel the tour.

To RSVP or for more information, contact Adriana at asanchez@amigaslatinas4college.org.

Try Yoga

2009-07-24T14:54:00.003-05:00

ALC is offering a free yoga class for its members on Monday, August 24 at 5:30 p.m. at the Clay Road YMCA.

Yoga improves flexibility, strength, muscle tone and reduces stress. If you have not already tried yoga, take the class to see how you like it. It may work for you!

Make College Happen

2009-07-21T12:15:00.007-05:00

The College for All Texans website contains all the information you need to select the Texas university, college, junior college or technical school that’s best for you. It also contains tools to plan your education in detail. You can even apply to college online and apply for financial aid.

Check out the website at collegeforalltexans.com for more information.

Rice Launches Scholarship Web Site

2009-07-21T12:09:00.007-05:00

For those college-bound students looking for financial help, the search just got easier. As a service to the community, Rice University's Multicultural Community Relations, Public Affairs has created a Web site that contains a comprehensive list of scholarships available to local students.

The web page was launched in June with more than 40 links to a wide variety of organizations offering scholarships. The awards vary in terms of requirements and amount of money offered. Some examples of the diverse groups that provide scholarships are the Houston Livestock Show and rodeo, the Houston Association of Black Journalists, the Hispanic Heritage Foundation and the Chinese Professional Club of Houston.

Check out the site here.

Campus visit to St. Thomas University

2009-07-18T00:32:00.004-05:00

Here are some photos from the ALC visit to St. Thomas University this week.

Campus visit to Rice University

2009-07-13T15:41:00.003-05:00

Here are some photos from the ALC visit to Rice University last week.

Tomball Leadership Retreat, July 11, 2009

2009-07-11T12:29:00.018-05:00

Amigas Latinas for College students from middle, high school and college met in a beautiful pastoral setting for a leadership retreat in Tomball, Texas at the home of executive director Virginia Baxt. In this warm, open and sharing group of young people and parents, participants bonded, developed as a team, learned leadership skills and developed awareness of issues affecting the world in which we live. Ideas for sustainability, social justice issues and developing spirituality among various peoples were discussed. This is the last retreat that will be held at this site since the home has been sold.

Latin Culture Expo 2009

2009-07-10T12:30:00.003-05:00

Latin Culture Expo

Saturday July 11, 2009

11:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Ripley House Neighborhood Center

4410 Navigation Boulevard
Houston, TX 77011
Free Admission!

Special Guest: Astros Miguel Tejada

Do you feel Mexica has always had the glory among the Hispanic countries? Well this is your chance to come out and rejoice not only Mexico, but all the different Hispanic countries. Embrace diversity through food, music, dances and history.

Participating countries:

Puerto Rico
Argentina
Colombia
Peru
Costa Rica
Mexico
Many more

Participating consulates include Colombia, Mexico and Costa Rica. Have fun and learn about other cultures in areas like art, music and food. Listen to great music and dance to the rhythm of different beats.

Diviértase y aprenda sobre otras culturas en áreas de arte, música y comida. Escuche música diferente y baile al son de nuevos ritmos.

For more information, call 713-315-6411

GEAR UP Leadership Retreat @ UH

2009-07-08T06:15:00.005-05:00

Amigas Latinas recently partnered with GEAR UP Pasadena for an intensive two-day Leadership Retreat at the University of Houston. Students from Pasadena and South Houston High School gathered at UH for the retreat that featured workshops on leadership and personal development. Also included were a scavenger hunt and a luncheon at the UH Hilton. It was a wonderful and worthwhile experience for all who participated. Special thanks to ALC graduates Hilda Bautista and Andrea Ramirez and ALC staff member Adriana Sanchez for their help with the retreat.

The Awakening of Lideres Latinas for a New Dream

2009-07-03T17:19:00.006-05:00

Join us for the Amigas Latinas for College annual Leadership Retreat for mothers and daughters July 10-12, 2009 in Tomball Texas

Awakening – a key part of the Initiative is to offer all members of Amigas Latinas for College the opportunity to awaken into a commitment to act and to create a grounded optimism about our future here on Planet Earth. This succeeds the work of the Awakening the Dreamer Symposium.

Leadership -The purpose of this amazing new project is to create a new understanding of Leadership in Latinas by "Changing the Direction of our Dreams" - for a world that is environmentally sustainable, spiritually fulfilling, and socially just, while being led by brilliant, active, and inspiring Latinas.

Featuring Andrea Ramirez, Priscila Cevallos and Cinthya Bengtsen
Food cost: $20
Call 832-444-7844 to register or for more information

NEW OFFICERS for 2009-2010 School Year

2009-06-30T09:46:00.013-05:00

Congratulations to new officers for the 2009 - 2010 school year! They are Carolina Mendoza (President), Natalia Sanchez (Vice President), Cynthia Hernandez (Treasurer) and Pricsyla Riquelme (Secretary).

Speaking on behalf of the board and myself, we are all here to help you make this the best year yet of Amigas Latinas for College.

Virginia Baxt, Executive Director and Founder
Amigas Latinas for College, Inc.
a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization

ALC Grads June 2009 Get-To-Gather

2009-06-25T22:48:00.021-05:00

Amigas Latinas for College college students got together for an informal get-to-gather at the home of executive director and founder, Virginia Baxt, on Tuesday evening, June 23, 2009. Fun was had by all, as the pictures will show.

Campus Tour of Rice University

2009-06-25T12:30:00.010-05:00

A campus tour of Rice University is scheduled for Wednesday, July 8 from 1:30 - 2:30 p.m. Please RSVP to Adriana Sanchez by June 30 so that she may have a count of how many will attend. If we do not have enough people who RSVP, we will have to cancel the tour.

To RSVP or for more information, contact Adriana at asanchez@amigaslatinas4college.org

College tour of St. Thomas University

2009-06-24T11:05:00.009-05:00

A campus tour of St. Thomas University is scheduled for July 14 from 10:00 a.m. to noon. Please RSVP to Adriana Sanchez by July 10 so that she may have a count of how many will attend. If we do not have enough people who RSVP, we will have to cancel the tour.

To RSVP or for more information, contact Adriana at asanchez@amigaslatinas4college.org

Stay Cool at MFAH!

2009-06-24T10:52:00.003-05:00

Come volunteer at the Museum of Fine Arts. It’s a Summertime Beach Party at the next Target Free First Sunday, July 5^th. The MFAH needs volunteers, so if you want to be part of the fun, sign up ASAP.

Target Free First Sundays take place in the Audrey Jones Beck and Caroline Wiess Law buildings from 1:00 - 5:00 p.m. Volunteer shifts are from 12:30-3:00 p.m. and 2:30-5:00 p.m. You can sign up for one or both.

Young adults 13-17 are encouraged to volunteer (children's activities only).

Volunteers can help in one of two areas:

1. Children's activities: direct interaction with children and craft projects or
2. Directional assistance: volunteers are stationed at the museum entrances to welcome visitors.

If you would like to volunteer, please call 713-639-7507 or e-mail lgilmour@mfah.org with your name, desired time, and preferred assignment* (children's activities or directional assistance).

*While every effort will be made to accommodate volunteer assignment preferences, we may need to reassign volunteers to the areas of greatest need at the time of check-in. We appreciate your flexibility.

Garage Sale a Success!

2009-06-13T17:11:00.005-05:00

Thank you to our ALC members, directors and friends for making the fundraiser/garage sale a huge success. Special thanks to Adriana Sanchez and Paula Alam and their families and staff for their hard work and to Polly for providing us with a terrific location for the event. Even though the weather was hot and muggy, many volunteers showed up to help. Thank you as well to everyone who donated items to sell and food and drinks for the volunteers.

Here are some pictures from the event.

Univision Radio interview for 'Awakening the Dreamer'

2009-06-11T06:12:00.017-05:00

Univision Radio is airing Amigas Latinas for College "Awakening the Dreamer" symposium information this Sunday, June 14, 2009 on radio station 106.5 FM from 6 to 6:30 AM. Radio Host Renzo Heredia interviewed Amigas Latinas for College parent, Cleusa Cevallos, for information about the symposium and Amigas Latinas for College since daughter Priscila Cevallos, co-facilitator of the June 20th symposium, could not attend to do the interview.

For more information on what this initiative is about check their website, http://awakeningthedreamer.org/, and attend the 9:00 - 1:00 PM symposium at the HEB Bunkerhill Community Room, 9710 Katy Freeway, June 20, 2009. We hope to see you there.

Cleusa Cevallos, Adriana Sanchez and Adriana's son, Nicholas

Cleusa and Adriana

Cleusa

Cleusa and Renzo Heredia

Renzo Heredia

Please volunteer to help at the ALC Garage Sale

2009-06-03T11:49:00.004-05:00

We need your help at the upcoming ALC Garage Sale on June 13, 2009, at the Amegy Bank parking lot, 5301 Bissonnett in Bellaire.

Please sign up for one or more shifts to work the day of sale. Shifts are as follows:

6am -9am Set-up

9am - 11am Assist with garage sale

11am-1pm Assist with garage sale

1pm -2pm Closing of garage sale

We'll have refreshments available for everyone. Also, we are still accepting donations of items for the sale.

Please support Amigas Latinas by helping us raise money! For more information or to donate items, please contact Adriana Sanchez at asanchez71@att.net or at 281-777-3534.

ALC Hilda Bautista speaks to immigrant students at Lee College

2009-06-02T21:19:00.010-05:00

May 28, 2009

My name is Hilda Bautista I have just completed my third year and am about to enter my fourth and final year at the University of Texas at Austin. I am majoring in Human Biology with a minor in Social aspects of Health and Disease and will be applying to medical school upon graduation next spring.

I am going to share with you a little bit of my background and why I am here tonight. I come from a large family, five children and two parents make seven and am the oldest of my siblings with a ten year difference between my youngest brother and myself.

I was born in Mexico and I have been living here in the United States for a little over 18 years, so the United States is truly the only country I have ever known. I grew up in West Houston, jumping around from one apartment complex to another, but luckily remained in the same schools growing up and teachers always gave my parents good remarks about how I was doing in school. Doing well in classes really prompted my goals to do well in school and I aspired to be a doctor. Yet, no one ever really told me how that dream could be accomplished. How would I go from being the “little Rocio” as my family would call me, and become the respected doctor I aspired to be?

Back then I didn’t have a clue. In middle school all of my friend’s parents had gone to college or had some type of formal education. Their parents were professionals, they went to schools like UT and Texas A&M, and were engineers, business. . I didn’t even know what “UT” was. So I knew that I somehow had to get to college if I ever wanted to achieve my dreams. But I had no real guide as to how to do it or what that meant to “go to college.” How would I apply? Who pays for college or is it free? And I that time I was too young to know which where the questions to ask. . . .

. . . So in some ways I have beat the odds. I stayed on track throughout high school knowing that their would be a light at the end of the tunnel, a light held by my mentors and teachers, and graduation, a sort of liberation into the real world, or the real world of college in my case.
It is important to know that from my high school, not many students attend a four-year college. Surely, a handful more go to community college but still transfer to a bigger university to pursue their professional goals. but there are many more that go into the minimum-wage work force, which we know today, is unstable and insecure and at best pays to make ends meet. A handful of my friends settled down and started families, even. And that is a great responsibility that I personally could not handle, not yet. They have made decisions that have changed their whole lives. But so have I.

After sending out applications to 10 Colleges and Universities, I got waitlisted in a handful and rejected from a couple, and accepted at the state universities. My final decision of which to attend was a financial one, . . . I had visited the campus and saw the diversity among the students, a diversity that I was excited about. My parent’s were on board with my decision. If they had any hesitation about me attending UT, it was under my radar. Once I got settled in Austin at the University, I was excited to be out of Houston , ready to explore the city and take advantage of it as a student. I was eager to study hard to get good grades, which I needed not only to maintain my scholarships but also to be a competitive applicant when Medical Schools applications came around. Now a little bit about College life.

College life is tempting. I am not going to lie to you there are many invitations to socialize in college. There’s independence that I didn’t have back at home on top of the many new friends and the city itself, full of night life, was overwhelming and if I would let it, a huge wave that would suffocate me in all of its glory. There are those who sink, the ones who unfortunately flunk out the first semester, and those that ride the wave safely to shore, the students who succeed academically and are safe for one more semester, or until the next wave comes in. There were many nights when my friends were going to watch a movie, hang out, go to a party, but I knew that I couldn’t, that I had to buckle down and finish my homework or study for an exam. I had my priorities and keeping a focus throughout the semester allowed me to not be on the line when finals came around at the end of the semester. Fighting temptations that can consume your nights and your wallets (let’s face it, going out can add up), but having friends that would study into the night always made it easier to fight desire to go out. However, once I had a routine down, I knew when I could make time to study and time to play.

College is challenging. The professors introduce the material in class a lot of times talking about theories and other things that can be way over the student’s head and then You are responsible to figure out the problems. Once in a while you are lucky enough to get a professor that not only gives you examples in class and makes the material tangible and enjoyable. I have had classes, that no matter how hard I tried, the material was just too challenging. But there are always resources. There Tutoring centers and the professors are almost always willing to help you during their office hours. . . .

. . . I know that I have one more year to go, and have to yet start my career, but know that I am here representing only a sample of the many career opportunities that are available in college. There are anthropologist, geologists, engineers, accountant, historians, writers, poets, mathematicians, just to name a few. But the thread that holds us together is higher education. Higher education is the only passport we need to navigate the intellectual world. We are young and full of potential and the world needs us to give back with our ideas, our experience, and our skills. It is up to us, up to you, to make a difference and that begins with you and your education.
It is always important to remind yourself the purpose of doing what you are doing. My parents came to America hoping for a better future for their children and I am going to school because I have younger brothers that need a role model in school. But in the bigger scheme of things, I am doing it because there is a community out there that needs us to go into professions where we understand their problems and background. And demonstrate “que si se puede.”

Awakening the Dreamer Symposium June 20th - Update 1

2009-06-02T16:29:00.005-05:00

Connect with people who care about sustainability, spirituality and social justice, the biggest challenges and opportunities of our time.

Our mission is bringing forth an environmentally sustainable, spiritually fulfilling and socially just human presence on Planet Earth. Source: Awakening the Dreamer website

RSVP to Adriana Sanchez
281-777-3534

Opportunities for Community Service

2009-06-01T10:51:00.011-05:00

Here are some wonderful community service opportunities for ALC members. Please consider offering your time and energy to these great causes.

June 20, Saturday 9:AM – noon
House of Amos – Community Center and Food Pantry
8030 Boone Road (@ Bissonnet) Houston, Texas 77072
Volunteers needed to assist in boxing food, vegetables for distribution to seniors and needy families in low income community. Volunteers should wear cool, casual clothes with ALC t-shirt, comfortable shoes, be prepared to work outdoors.

June 23, Tuesday 11:AM – 1:PM
Bayland Community Center - Patriotic Luncheon
5 – 6 volunteers needed to serve catered luncheon to 250 seniors. Volunteers will meet at Amegy Bank, 5301 Bissonnet, then drive to Bayland Center. Will receive Amegy Bank T-shirt and free BBQ luncheon. Dress casual/ jeans with Amegy t-shirt.

July 18, Saturday 9:AM – noon
House of Amos – Community Center and Food Pantry
8030 Boone Road (@Bissonnet) Houston Texas 77072
Volunteers needed to assist in boxing food, vegetables for distribution to seniors and needy families in low income community. Volunteers should wear cool, casual clothes with ALC t-shirt, comfortable shoes, be prepared to work outdoors.

Ripley House Summer Mixer

2009-06-01T10:41:00.007-05:00

The Ripley House Campus of Neighborhood Centers, Inc. invites ALC members to its Summer Mixer to meet its staff and learn more about the organization, its programs and upcoming special events.

Friday, June 26, 2009
7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Plaza Amistad, 4410 Navigation
Houston, Texas 77011

Business casual attire. Refreshments will be served.
Please RSVP by June 10 to ytrevino@neighborhood-centers.org

Ancient MesoAmerican Cosmovision Conference

2009-05-31T16:14:00.006-05:00

Hosts: Houston Community College’s Mexican-American/Latino Program and the Museum Guadalupe Aztlan of Houston, Texas.

ANCIENT MESOAMERICAN COSMOVISION CONFERENCE

(The Conference is Free of Charge)

DATES: Thursday, June 25 (English) and Friday, June 26, 2009 (Spanish)
Location: Thursday and Friday, Southeast College, 6815 Rustic, Houston
Art Exhibit Opening: Thursday, June 25 at 7pm at the Museo Guadalupe Aztlan, 708 Telephone Rd., Suite B. Houston, Tx 77011.
Program: HCC Southeast College – Lecture Hall

Thursday, June 25

8:30 – 8:40 - Welcome: Dr. Joanne Lin, Dean of Student Services
8:40 – 8:45 - Introduction to Ancient Mesoamerica – Dr. Grisel Cano
8:45 – 9:45 – Guest Speaker, Artist, Educator -Ramon Barela – McAllen, Tx. “Mind Shift”
9:45 – 10 - Break
10:00 – 10:45 – Carminia Martinez – Anthropologist – “Calendars, Prophecies, and the 2012 Millenarian Movement Among the Council of Mayan Elders and Priests of Yucatan.
10:45 – 11: 15 - Alfonso Lopez - “The Ah-Men: Mayan Priest of the Agrarian Cult of Traditional Pueblos in Yucatan”
11:15 – 12:15 - Artist, media producer, Gabriel Gaytan
“Tonal Achtli, Semilla del Sol, Seed of the Sun,” A Mesoamerican Visual Literacy Experience with Art, History and Culture
12:15 – 1 - Lunch
1:00 – 1:45 Angelina H. Rodriguez, LPC, ATR-BC - A Mayan Tradition in a New Culture-Celebrating Death Through Art”
1:45 – 2: 30 – Panel with presenters -Question and Answers
Afternoon – Visit the Tlaquepaque at 708 Telephone Road
Thursday – Art Exhibit – :Mindshift - Featuring Ramon Barela – Museo Guadalupe Aztlan - 708 Telephone St. Suite B – 7 pm.

Friday, June 26

9 – 9:30 – Introduccion – Ramon Barela, artista
9:30 – 10:00 – Ruben Bello, artista “ABYA-YALA, el verdadero nombre del continente americano.10:00 a 11:00 – Dr. Aid Avila Covarrubias “Ruta de la Peregrinacion Azteca”
11:00 – 11:15 – Break
11:15 – 12:15 – David Palmer - Neoliberalismo y Globalizacion de la Sabiduria Elemental
12: 15 – 1:30 – Lunch
1:30 – 2:00 – Jesus Medel – Los huipiles
2:00 – 3:00 Reunion con los Presentates – Mesa Redonda.

For more information, contact Grisel Cano @ 832 878-4079.

Excerpts from Lee College Fiesta de Graduación Speech by Baxt

2009-05-28T13:45:00.033-05:00

Lee College, Baytown, Texas, May 28, 2009
"Think outside the box, be creative, consider other possibilities, and then act on these possibilities and stay the course."

There are few good jobs in today’s economy for people without a college education, according to Rice University Professor Stephen Klineberg. . .

Education gives you tools, ways of thinking needed to build a good life―one that benefits you, your family, and your society. And, when one door closes, you have ways of analyzing and solving problems that enable you to open another door. . . Education explodes the size of your world. Education is power and it is powerful, and Education is the only possession you can never lose, unlike so many other things in our lives. In addition, education it is invaluable wherever you go and in whichever country you finally choose to live.

We are a knowledge-based society, says Klineberg of Rice University . . . “What you earn depends on what you’ve learned.” Cities like ours needs and wants creative, knowledgeable and skilled individuals. When you have that knowledge and those skills, you are freer. You can live anywhere. Poverty of the type many Hispanics in the US experience, or experienced in their home countries, can become a thing of the past. Economically speaking, education is the great equalizer.

Yet there is a problem. Hispanic students in general, and immigrant Hispanic students in particular, do not take advantage of higher education opportunities like their peers from other ethnic groups. Not here in the Greater Houston area. Not elsewhere in the US. This is important because Houston, like many cities, faces a serious challenge: How to reverse a troubling and stubborn trend. As Whites (or Anglos) fail to replace their numbers (historically the educated), Hispanics, as an ethnic group, continue to be the fastest growing and least well educated among all groups. If the US is to continue to prosper and to continue to be a land of opportunity, then you must help, you must prepare yourself to assume positions in business and government and you must be prepared to carry the baton of freedom and economic development that helped make the US great.

[Hispanics are the largest population in the Houston area, 1% more than white. In 1980, Whites (or Anglos) made up 62% of Harris County’s population and Hispanics 15 – 16%; in 2006, Anglos are a minority at 36 – 37 % while Hispanics are the majority at 38%. (Klineberg, 2008)]

[48 % of Hispanic immigrant students do not finish high school; only 8 % finish college, compared to 5 % of Anglos who do not finish HS and the 29% who finish college.(Klineberg, 2008)]

So, what is going on? While there may be bias on the outside, the greatest obstacle to higher education for Hispanics is the limit you place on yourselves in your minds. That does not mean you are less intelligent that someone with a college education. It is what you expect from life, what you think is possible, not what actually is possible. The limits on development can be internal, or they can come from pressures and/or influences of family, friends and/or the community.

The roles we play, our achievements, the type of occupations we choose, whom we marry, how we raise our children, our religious beliefs, etc.) are largely dictated by the influences and expectations of three key groups―our families, our community, and our friends (i.e., our peers), and especially our peers when we are adolescents. So, choose your friends carefully.

I believe, if you young Latinos support one another’s dream and right to a higher education and you are adequately mentored so you know the way to college and completion, low expectations will disappear as more of you become educated and the low-education stereotypes you hold for yourselves will be no more. Peer Support and mentoring are key here and these young women here tonight can vouch for that.

Granted there are many, many obstacles in the path of immigrant students in acquiring valuable education, knowledge and skills. Money and status are two such obstacles. But these are primarily excuses and not reasons not to succeed. You will work hard in life in whatever you try to do. Why not work hard to achieve an education that will give you and the ones you love a better life.

In regards to legality of status issues: Students attending a Texas high school for 3 yrs before graduating can still pay in-state tuition as a Texas resident, as opposed to International. If you took the recommended courses, the Texas Grant is available for low-income students, but you must apply early. The DREAM Act, which affects immigrant students who want to stay in the US, has been reintroduced and has more of a chance of passing than ever before. It has the President’s support.

Last week President Obama and his Administration joined Microsoft, the College Board, US colleges and Universities, in publicly supporting the DREAM Act, “I support the DREAM Act 100 percent," he said. Specifically in reference to immigrant students he said, "These students are now children of the United States, and it is very likely that they will remain in this country." He also said, he wants more students to have the opportunity to go to college, and to have access to more resources, scholarships, and loans.

The second obstacle to a higher education is cost. But cost is not a valid excuse either. Many scholarships are available for Hispanic students and, while harder to find, a number of them do not require citizenship or permanent residency. During the scholarship season, they are listed on our site and on other education-oriented websites. And you can attend and finish college without a scholarship. You will work hard, true, but you are not afraid of working hard. You will do that anyway in life. Absent scholarship, you can work your way through, as one of our students here tonight did and graduated with honors in International Business last weekend from the University of Houston Downtown.

So, what I am saying to you, and to your parents, ‘Think outside the box, be creative, consider other possibilities, and then act on these possibilities and stay the course.’ This is the message I am trying to communicate in Amigas Latinas for College and hopefully someday Amigos Latinos for College. By now you may be beginning to understand my philosophy and the reason I founded Amigas Latinas for College.

REMINDER - ALC Garage Sale on June 13

2009-05-27T22:04:00.005-05:00

Our BIG garage sale fundraiser is still planned for Saturday, June 13, 2009 from 8:00 - noon at the Amegy Bank in Bellaire. We have collected some donations but need many more. You can begin dropping off your donations on June 1; please contact Adriana Sanchez at http://www.blogger.com/asanchez71@att.net or at 281-777-3534 for more information.

Also, we will soon post a list of volunteer opportunities for the pricing the merchandise beforehand and working the day of the sale. Please check this site for more information. Please help us make the garage sale a big success!

ALC Officer Elections - update #3

2009-05-26T04:19:00.004-05:00

We will soon be announcing a date for the ALC officer elections. In the meantime, here is an updated list of candidates for office.

PRESIDENT

Maria-Paola Matheus

My name is Maria-Paola Matheus and I want to run for President of this great organization. Like many of you may already know, I am currently a junior at the Awty International School but have spent four years at Westchester Academy for International Studies. I am a part of the Honor Society, French Honor Society, Model United Nations, and Student Council among other things. I have had the opportunity to work for a hospital where I help many people in need. Through my job, I have learned to be more hard working and determined whenever I have a task at hand, all of which would help me be a better President of the organization. I have been part of the organization since the beginning of this school year and I have attended the majority of the meetings. I believe attendance is crucial because we can not do anything if people do not try to keep themselves apart of the organization. As for Amigas Latinas for College, I see that there could be some great potential. To make the organization bigger and better run (especially for Virginia Baxt, the founder), we could attempt to do many new things and activities. We could have a spring carwash along with community raffles (you would be surprised at how many companies are willing to donate things and services), community bake sales, and Amigas Latinas for College merchandise. Thus, we could bring in much more money. We could also try to do much more to help out with the college process. That would include visiting more colleges and arranging more people to come talk to us that could guide us in the fields we want to possibly go study in. I know that each of us is going to succeed in getting into college. We all can do this. I would enjoy being President because I am productive and I am a people-person, listening to what each and every one of you has to say. So please, elect me as next year’s President: you will not regret it. Thank you for taking the time to considerate me for President.

Carolina Mendoza

I would like the opportunity to run for the president position of ALC. I believe I meet the criteria needed for this position. I have been a commited member of the club since 2006. This year I was the communication officer and was responsible in fulfilling all of my duties. During my time in the club, I feel I have increased my knowledege in leadership and responsibilty. I am certain that I am more than ready to run for President of the club. During my three years in high school, I have achieved many accomplishments. Some of these accomplishments include being a Honor Roll student for two consecutive years, completing 80 hours of community service, and being involved in other clubs. My freshman year I was involved in the Latin Rhythm Club, performing for my peers in the school pep rally, gaining confidence. My Sophomore year I was involved in the French Club which gave me a chance to experience French culture. I learned the fundamentals of their language and cuisine. My Junior year has been by far the most productive. I have had the chance to be part of the Best Buddies club in my school which is an organization that mentors children with special needs. Being a part of this club has aided me into becoming a more mature person. Since a young age I have been extremely passionate and interested in the field of culinary arts. My freshman year I enrolled in Introduction to Culinary Arts, the following year I enrolled in Baking and Catering, and finally my Junior year I interviewed for a position in the Chef Training program offered to students who were highly interested in the field; thankfully I was able to be part of the class and accomplished a semester of duel credit college hours receiving training from a professional chef. At the end of the program I attained my Serv Safe certificate. Receiving the certificate at such a young age was a huge accomplishment and I'm honored to have the opportunity to gain it. The certificate will increase my chances of aquiring a job in a professional kitchen. As I get closer to becoming a senior, I am eager about my future plans of attending Le Courdon Bleu in Austin. I will be able to finally make my passion into a career. Being a member of the ALC club for the past three years has been a great experience. I would be incredibly honored to end my last year in the club as the President of Amigas Latinas for College.

Priscila Cevallos - updated

As President of Amigas Latinas for College, I will create a focused and united group of motivated girls. My strive to fulfill the ALC’s mission: to increase the number of Hispanic young women who succeed in achieving goals of higher education, my unwavering work ethic, and my amiable and compassionate manner will all be qualities that will be maintained. As President, I intend to bring leadership and commitment to Amigas Latinas. I believe in Amigas Latinas and I believe that if we want to go far, we must go together. Next year I hope to inspire all the girls of Amigas Latinas to unite and help each other achieve their goals and dreams.

Priscila comes from an international, multicultural background. She was born, raised, and attended her first school in Germany, then moved to Brazil where she resided for two years, and later traveled to the United States, where she has lived ever since. Priscila is also fluent in four languages: Spanish, Portuguese, English, and German. She is entering her junior year at Westchester Academy for International Studies, and is starting the International Baccalaureate Program in the fall. At school, she is involved in Model United Nations, serving as a delegate for Bulgaria and Bosnia and Herzegovina at the Rice and University of Houston Conferences, respectively. She is also in German National Honor Society and National Honor Society at her school. This year Priscila participated in the Odyssey of the Mind Competition, receiving first place at regional’s, and second at state, and traveled to Maryland to compete with teams from around the world. Priscila started a Med-Club for Girls at her high school and led a Blood – drive in March of 2008, gathering more than 83 pints of blood. She also commenced a Bioneers Club, the purpose being to become aware of leading an environmentally sustainable life at home, at school, and in community, and learning the steps to do so. Cath Conlon and Pat Greer interviewed her, on their Eco-ology radio show, about the Youth Bioneers Club in the spring. Priscila is on the board of the Bioneers Youth Committee, in charge of organizing and planning the first ever Texas Youth Bioneers Conference at the George R. Brown Convention Center. Priscila has been practicing ballet for over 10 years with the Houston Ballet, Allegro Ballet, and many others, and was featured in the world premier of Storm Recaptured when she was 14, dancing one of the lead roles in the ballet. She is an intern at KPFT’s Human Rights Show and has conducted interviews with people from all over the world. She was invited to speak with LaVerne Williams at the Art Institute of Houston and at the Bats on the Bayou Convention over the participation of the youth in environment. In November, she was invited to attend, on a scholarship, the training to become a facilitator of the Awakening the Dreamer, Changing the Dream Symposium in Texas, made by the Pachamama Alliance. Priscila is one of the few teens involved with the program and ever since the training, has facilitated many symposiums around Houston and at home. She co-facilitated a workshop with Heather Harder, who had been a previous presidential candidate, on Leadership in Women. At the beginning of the summer, Priscila cooperated in the neurological research project led by Harvey S. Levin, Ph.D from the cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory at Baylor College of Medicine, and Mary Newsome who is the assistant professor of Dr. Levin. The purpose of the project was to study the brain scans of certain brain-injured children and compare them to healthy children. Priscila was also invited to attend a Money & You Workshop on a scholarship, and is now part of a team, working on a project to bring a business workshop to students in high school and college. Recently, she was involved in the Blackwood Nature Camp for 8 – 13 year olds as a counselor, receiving CPR, first aid training, and leadership experience in a course of three weeks.

VICE PRESIDENT

Natalia Sanchez

I would like to nominate myself for the officer position of vice-president. I have been to almost every meeting and event there has been since I joined Amigas Latinas for College, and I've seen just how much lack of commitment there is in some of the group members. I think I would make a good vice-president because I really like and care about this group, and I actually make an effort to be an active member. I connect with a lot of the girls in the group and I've become friends with them as well, and that has made it easier for all of us to work together. I have some ideas for ALC to work on next year. It would be very helpful if we could have more writing workshops where we could all get together somewhere with some mentors and have each one of us work on whatever essay we need help on. We had something similar to this at the HEB room, where it was a "work on anything you need" workshop, and some of the college girls helped us. We should also have more volunteering opportunities where EVERYONE is required to go to because these are things that would make any resume look really good, but a lot of the girls don't realize that, so only about 5 or so show up to these events. Also, we should have some fun meetings so that everyone can just get to know and get comfortable with one another because sometimes it's hard for new members to get used to everyone else already knowing each other. Those are just some of the things I have in mind right now, but I would definitely like to have some input towards what ALC is going to look like next year, since it will be my senior year as well.

TREASURER

Cynthia Hernandez
I would like to nominate my self for Treasurer. I'm very responsible and I'm good at remembering things as well as reminding people when things are due.

COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER

Victoria Cárdenas

I would like to run for Communications Officer for the 2009-2010 school year. I strongly believe that communication is instrumental in the success of any organization. I would make a good officer because I am responsible and have the technology skills to share information between ALC members and the community. I would make sure to let all ALC members know when and where meetings are scheduled, and ensure they come as well.

Priscila's Odyssey of the Mind Finals Carwash

2009-05-17T21:57:00.017-05:00

Fundraiser Thank You!

I would like to thank everyone who participated in the carwash this past weekend. We had a great turnout of the Amigas Latinas for College girls and board members and were able to raise $350! We met the blinding sun and constant streaming of cars with enthusiasm and fun! Pricyla did a great job waving down the cars and our assembly style carwash was very effective! The ALC support was amazing and I am so thrilled that so many were able to help out. A special thank you Virginia and John for providing us with the many useful materials and that wonderful charisma and to Paula Alam for the lovely parking lot and the cookies. I would also like to thank my mom, Clevin, Natalia, Cynthia, Erika, Pricyla, Mrs. Sanchez, and Adriana and her family for doing a great job washing cars and the never-ending enthusiasm! I think it was a fantastic fundraiser!

Love and Thanks,

Priscila Cevallos

ALC Officer Elections - update #2

2009-05-12T15:14:00.005-05:00

PRESIDENT

Maria-Paola Matheus

My name is Maria-Paola Matheus and I want to run for President of this great organization. Like many of you may already know, I am currently a junior at the Awty International School but have spent four years at Westchester Academy for International Studies. I am a part of the Honor Society, French Honor Society, Model United Nations, and Student Council among other things. I have had the opportunity to work for a hospital where I help many people in need. Through my job, I have learned to be more hard working and determined whenever I have a task at hand, all of which would help me be a better President of the organization. I have been part of the organization since the beginning of this school year and I have attended the majority of the meetings. I believe attendance is crucial because we can not do anything if people do not try to keep themselves apart of the organization. As for Amigas Latinas for College, I see that there could be some great potential. To make the organization bigger and better run (especially for Virginia Baxt, the founder), we could attempt to do many new things and activities. We could have a spring carwash along with community raffles (you would be surprised at how many companies are willing to donate things and services), community bake sales, and Amigas Latinas for College merchandise. Thus, we could bring in much more money. We could also try to do much more to help out with the college process. That would include visiting more colleges and arranging more people to come talk to us that could guide us in the fields we want to possibly go study in. I know that each of us is going to succeed in getting into college. We all can do this. I would enjoy being President because I am productive and I am a people-person, listening to what each and every one of you has to say. So please, elect me as next year’s President: you will not regret it. Thank you for taking the time to considerate me for President.

ALC Officer Elections - update

2009-05-11T18:16:00.002-05:00

We have another candidate for one of the officer positions.

TREASURER

Cynthia Hernandez
I would like to nominate my self for Treasurer. I'm very responsible and I'm good at remembering things as well as reminding people when things are due.

Support our fellow ALC member Priscila Cevallos

2009-05-11T10:46:00.006-05:00

Priscila Cevallos invites all Amigas Latinas for College members, mentors, and board to join her on May 16, 2009 at 10:00 a.m.at the Amegy Bank in Bellaire (5301 Bissonnet) for a car wash.

The money raised will help send her to Ames, Iowa where the 2009 Odyssey of the Mind World Finals are located. This is an opportunity of a lifetime and Priscila needs all the support she can get.

Priscila looks forward to seeing you there. Thank you for your help!

ALC board member Polly Alam is providing brownies and cookies from a commercial bakery that is one of her customers.

Please contact Priscila directly if you want to help. Her number and email are: 832-444-7844, pricevallos@hotmail.com

ALC Officer Elections

2009-05-11T10:40:00.005-05:00

Several fine candidates have nominated themselves for ALC officer positions for 2009-2010. The election date has not yet been set but will be in the near future. In the meantime, please familiarize yourselves with the candidates and their positions.

PRESIDENT

Carolina Mendoza

I would like the opportunity to run for the president position of ALC. I believe I meet the criteria needed for this position. I have been a commited member of the club since 2006. This year I was the communication officer and was responsible in fulfilling all of my duties. During my time in the club, I feel I have increased my knowledege in leadership and responsibilty. I am certain that I am more than ready to run for President of the club. During my three years in high school, I have achieved many accomplishments. Some of these accomplishments include being a Honor Roll student for two consecutive years, completing 80 hours of community service, and being involved in other clubs.. My freshman year I was involved in the Latin Rhythm Club, performing for my peers in the school pep rally, gaining confidence. My Sophomore year I was involved in the French Club which gave me a chance to experience French culture. I learned the fundamentals of their language and cuisine. My Junior year has been by far the most productive. I have had the chance to be part of the Best Buddies club in my school which is an organization that mentors children with special needs. Being a part of this club has aided me into becoming a more mature person. Since a young age I have been extremely passionate and interested in the field of culinary arts. My freshman year I enrolled in Introduction to Culinary Arts, the following year I enrolled in Baking and Catering, and finally my Junior year I interviewed for a position in the Chef Training program offered to students who were highly interested in the field; thankfully I was able to be part of the class and accomplished a semester of duel credit college hours receiving training from a professional chef. At the end of the program I attained my Serv Safe certificate. Receiving the certificate at such a young age was a huge accomplishment and I'm honored to have the opportunity to gain it. The certificate will increase my chances of aquiring a job in a professional kitchen. As I get closer to becoming a senior, I am eager about my future plans of attending Le Courdon Bleu in Austin. I will be able to finally make my passion into a career. Being a member of the ALC club for the past three years has been a great experience. I would be incredibly honored to end my last year in the club as the President of Amigas Latinas for College.

Priscila Cevallos

VICE PRESIDENT

Natalia Sanchez

Shirley Serrano

I would say that I am the right candidate to be Vice President because I have been in ALC for more than a year and I know and am aware of how everything works. I can take the initiative to do what needs to be done. I have basically been taking the position of vice presidency while Jessica was out most of the time, so I would say I am capable of doing what my responsibilities are. I talk to all the girls in the organization and get along with them very well. I attend every meeting that I have to be at even when I am not needed. This will be my second to last year to be in the organization as a high school student and my senior year I will be running for presidency and I want to try vice presidency first. So I would really like this opportunity to help out and have some responsibilities.

SECRETARY

Vanessa Serrano

I would like to run for Secretary in the ALC organization. Reason being that I have been an ALC member for over a year now and this coming year I will be a senior. I think that it would be a great experience to learn how to keep track of the information and be more organized about the different events and things that will be going on. I have seen my sister do this work and I have learned from her a lot. I also have learned to be more opened and be more outgoing with the members. I get along pretty well with them too and I think they are amazing girls and I have loved working with them this past years. I will miss them a lot once I leave to college. In conclusion I would really love having this position and be more involved in the organization this coming year. I know it can be a big hand full sometimes, but in the long run it is worth it. I hope to get this position and be part of the ALC officers. would definitely like to have some input towards what ALC is going to look like next year, since it will be my senior year as well.

COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER

Victoria Cárdenas

Awakening the Dreamer Symposium

2009-05-10T06:59:00.009-05:00

Join us for a Symposium on Saturday, June 20th, 2009 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. featuring facilitators Priscila Cevallos and Clevin Cevallos

Amigas Latinas Open House on May 9, 2009

2009-05-06T18:26:00.000-05:00

If you plan to attend and have not yet RSVP'd, please contact Adriana Sanchez at asanchez71@att.net. Hope to see you there!

Awakening the Dreamer

2009-05-04T22:32:00.001-05:00

Priscila Cevallos is going to co-facilitate a presentation titled 'Awakening the Dreamer.' This is environment preservation, multidimensional program. To learn more, visit the: awakeningthedreamer.org

Saturday, June 20, 2009, 9AM- 1PM. Please be on time because program will start promptly at 9AM
HEB Bunkerhill Community Room (front of story), 9710 Katy Freeway

In the mid-1990's, through a mysterious set of circumstances, a group of North Americans visited a remote and intact group of indigenous people - the Achuar - located deep in the Amazonian region of Ecuador. The result was the Pachamama Alliance. (Source: website)

Excerpts from the website:
In recent years concern over the destruction of the world's tropical rainforests has reached global proportions. Alarm about the extinction of species, the permanent loss of potentially life-saving medicinal plants, the irreversible damage to the delicate balance of the Earth's climate control system and the tragic disappearance of indigenous cultures has captured the attention of millions of people around the world.

ALC Garage Sale on June 13, 2009

2009-04-21T11:50:00.007-05:00

ALC is planning a BIG garage sale fundraiser for Saturday, June 13, 2009 from 8:00 - noon at the Amegy Bank in Bellaire.

We will begin accepting donations next month. Please look around your house and garage for items to donate; items should be clean and in good or new condition.

Donation drop off locations and times will be announced soon. Also, look for a list of volunteer opportunities related to the garage sale that we will be publishing soon.

For more information, contact Adriana Sanchez at asanchez71@att.net or at 281-777-3534.

Movie premiere

2009-04-13T18:19:00.003-05:00

Members of Amigas Latinas were fortunate to be invited to the recent premiere of the Hannah Montana movie in Houston. A small group of members, friends and family attended the premiere and from all appearances, had a terrific time.

Recent Activities, Winter & Spring 2009

2009-04-09T16:01:00.009-05:00

The past few months have been busy with ALC activities for our members and their families. Here are some pictures.

Spring Branch ISD Parents U

March 2009 Nescafe mural

Presentation in February 2009 by Dr. Raul G. Cuero at the MECA auditorium.

National Hispanic Forum, February 2009

Univision Radio Interview

2009-04-01T09:57:00.003-05:00

On Tuesday, March 31, 2009, ALC member Mariel Sanchez did a wonderful interview about Amigas Latinas on Univision's La Tremenda, 1010 AM. The interview will be broadcast on Sunday, April 5 from 6:00 a.m. to 6:30 a.m. during the "La Voz Del Pueblo" program.

In the interview, Mariel let the community know more about our organization. Also, Renzo Heredia, who conducted the interview, is willing to help us with our fundraising. We are glad to have this opportunity to talk about the great work that Amigas Latinas is doing.

Welcome to our blog

2009-03-04T06:57:00.000-06:00

We will use this blog is to share information with our members about opportunities and events in the Houston area. We will also post photos and other information that is of interest to us all. Please visit us often since we hope to regularly update the blog. Also, if you would us like for us to include certain information, please let us know via the comment section.