ALAS Pgh

(Advancing Latino/a/x Academic Access for Success)

ALAS Pittsburgh prepares the next generation of Latino leaders for success by providing college and career readiness programming to high school and college youth.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

ALAS, LCC’s high school and post-secondary success program, currently supports students across Allegheny County in achieving their goals for the future through our GenOne, Avanzando Through College, and Nuestro Futuro program offerings. Each of these programs offers personalized support to students as they prepare for a successful future, whether that be applying for college, seeking financial aid, exploring career options, or requesting assistance with post-secondary goals.

In addition to the one-on-one support LCC’s Student Success Specialist provides, our programs include workshops tailored to meet the needs of this specific population of students. For example, workshops might address topics such as how to fill out the FAFSA and college applications, or skills exploration sessions to help choose a major or select the right career path.

Please note:

The Latino Community Center does not offer scholarships or financial support.
LCC staff are not authorized to provide legal advice.

GenOne

GenOne offers personalized one-on-one support to high school students interested in pursuing post-secondary education. This program help students complete their college applications, apply for financial aid, and find scholarships to help with school. Participants receive personalized support from our Student Success Specialist.

Program Eligibility

GenOne is open to any Latinx student attending high school in Allegheny County who is entering their sophomore, junior, or senior year of high school at the time of program enrollment. This program is specifically designed to support students interested in pursuing post-secondary education.

Avanzando Through College

Avanzando Through College is a personalized college support program aimed at equipping Latinx students with the skills, information, and support systems needed to identify student services at university, improve academic performance, and graduate from college.

Offered in partnership with UnidosUS, the goal of Avanzando Through College is to create a supportive and culturally inclusive environment for cohorts of first-year, second-year, transfer, and/or community college students. This environment will be built through consistent interactions with the program participants through program workshops and personalized individual case management. The program curriculum will be delivered in two-hour sessions, and case management will be delivered via individual monthly check-ins with program participants. Upon completion of each semester in the program, students become eligible for a stipend to be used toward their education expenses and other incentives.

Program Eligibility

Avanzando Through College is open to any first-year, second-year, transfer and/or community college Latinx student in the Greater Pittsburgh Area. The participant must be able to attend the in-person workshops.

In order to be eligible for stipends and incentives students must actively participate in the program and fulfill the 80% attendance requirement. (Full program requirements and rules will be explained at the orientation).

Program Structure

There will be a total of 13 in-person workshops throughout the academic year. Workshop topics will include financial aid, scholarships, studying, connections and networking, internships, jobs, resume building etc. Monthly check-ins will be conducted virtually through Google Meet and participants are expected to attend all meetings.

There will be a mandatory orientation meeting held prior to the start of the program. Participants will be given the syllabus and contracts. More information will be provided during this orientation and rules/requirements will be discussed.

Nuestro Futuro

Nuestro Futuro (Our Future) serves as a career navigator for Latino youth, giving them the opportunity to earn income, gain work experience, and develop soft and hard skills that prepare them for college and professional careers.

In collaboration with Partner4Work, we are a provider for the Learn & Earn program, which employs and connects young people with a 6-week meaningful summer job based on their interests.

Program Eligibility

Learn & Earn participants must be between the ages of 14 - 21, live in Allegheny County, be authorized to work in the U.S., and meet program income requirements. (Full program requirements will be explained at information sessions).

Program Structure

We guide participants and their parents through the application process until they receive an acceptance notification from the Learn and Earn program.

After that, we will provide our participants with at least 12 hours of work-readiness training before their first day. They will be matched with our creative, innovative, and insightful employer partners. As part of their work experience, we will conduct regular one-on-one meetings and visits to their workplace to ensure they are learning the skills to secure stable and rewarding careers.