We welcome you to the Winter 2026 edition of The LatinEd Connection!

As winter settles in, we’re reminded that growth doesn’t stop just because the temperatures drop. Across the country, our LNESC education centers are buzzing with activity. From college tours and academic competitions to students wrapping up their FAFSA applications, we are all setting exciting goals in time for the spring thaw and the year ahead!

We hope the updates, stories, and resources in this edition keep you inspired and connected to the incredible work happening in our communities.

LULAC National Scholarship Fund (LNSF)

LNESC is pleased to announce that the LULAC National Scholarship Fund (LNSF) online application is now open to qualified students.

The application deadline is March 31, 2026

Students interested in applying are encouraged to visit the LULAC National Scholarship Fund webpage on the LNESC website for complete eligibility requirements, scholarship guidelines, and application details. We encourage all eligible students to apply and take advantage of this opportunity to receive financial support for their educational goals.

In 1975, LNESC and LULAC established the LULAC National Scholarship Fund to help students turn the dream of college enrollment into reality. The LNSF program is a unique collaboration between grassroots advocates and corporate partners, working together to fund educational opportunities for deserving youth across the U.S. and expand access to higher education nationwide.

For 2025–2026, 59 LULAC Councils awarded more than $776,000 in scholarships to over 1,000 students, demonstrating the strength and success of this collaborative model.

Since its inception, the LNSF program has awarded over $22 million in scholarships to over 40,000 students — helping make higher education more accessible for thousands of families.

Macy's Emergency Scholarship Program

Are you a full-time undergrad or grad student facing financial hardship? LNESC, in partnership with Macy’s, is here to help through the Macy’s Emergency Scholarship Fund.

This joint partnership provides emergency financial resources to full-time undergraduate and graduate students in California, Florida, Missouri, New York, Ohio, Puerto Rico, or Texas who are experiencing economic hardship and immediate monetary need.

Through the support of Macy’s, LNESC will award $31,500 in emergency funds to 63 students for the 2025–2026 academic year.

Students interested in applying are encouraged to visit the Macy’s Emergency Scholarship webpage on the LNESC website for complete eligibility requirements and application details.

For additional non-LNESC scholarship resources, click here.

LNESC Kansas City

Over at LNESC Kansas City, the team has been keeping students connected to what’s possible after high school. This winter, staff took 16 students on a walking tour of the University of Kansas (KU) in Lawrence. The visit made an impression: one student was so inspired that they spoke with admissions afterward and shared plans to attend KU.

These kinds of moments remind us why college tours matter, especially for students who may be the first in their families to consider a four-year university.

The center also received an incredible act of generosity from Kansas City Councilman Crispin Rea, who was a former Upward Bound student.

After meeting with the center's Interim Director, Sharon Ko and learning that students walking to school needed winter gear, Councilman Rea purchased 14 winter coats and gloves for our students. It’s a powerful reminder that the impact of the center’s programs extends well past graduation!

🔍 Student Spotlight: Alfonzo is active in everything Upward Bound has to offer, from tutoring and college tours to cultural events. Alfonzo is a straight-A student with a 4.12 GPA and comes from a long line of former Upward Bound participants in his family. He hopes to earn a full ride to college, just like his siblings did. In fact, Alfonzo’s passion for education captures the dedication that LNESC KC fosters every day. Keep it up, Alfonzo!

LNESC Corpus Christi

In Corpus Christi, students across both Talent Search and Upward Bound have been making waves this semester.

On the Talent Search side, 12th-grade students Kayla and Camila competed alongside their school teammates at the King Invitational UIL Academic Decathlon.

They both entered the Essay Writing competition and ultimately placed in the top three. Their hard work earned them medals and motivated them to make the dream of college a reality. They reflected this commitment by attending the center’s College Awareness and Financial Aid workshops, which was led by Karla Olvera and other staff at LNESC Corpus Christi.

Meanwhile, Talent Search students Abby, Johanna, Mia, and Julie competed at SkillsUSA and are now State Bound! The team placed in the top two for Knowledge and Design and even earned blue ribbons for Job Exhibits.

This also allowed them to receive awards in Display and Medical Assisting in Health Sciences. Their success has inspired them to continue professional development for their future careers.

Upward Bound students were given the opportunity to tour Baylor University, a campus many of them hope to attend. The center is proud to share that all of its seniors have already completed their FAFSA and have been accepted to at least one school.

In this edition, we’re excited to spotlight two staff members of the LNESC community

who bring creativity, passion and dedication to educationally enrich students everyday!

Kirstin Lent was born and raised on the Oregon Coast, where she spent her free time on the beach or in the forest with her two older sisters and parents.

She comes from a long line of educators. She elaborated further by noting that “education was always very important in my family. Growing up, I used to spend a lot of time at my mom’s school, where I’d help with various tasks around the school.”

Kirstin graduated from Arizona State University in 2023 with a degree in Anthropology and a minor in Spanish. During college, she had the privilege of studying abroad in Uruguay, Chile, and Turkey. These experiences enriched her passion for travel. Outside of work, she’s an avid traveler, hiker, and coffee lover who’s always looking for the next adventure outdoors!

As we begin a new year, Kirstin is especially excited about upcoming summer programming. “We have a few traveling opportunities for the students,” she shared, “and I am so grateful to get to expose them to experiences they might not otherwise have.”

Her most memorable moment so far came just recently, when she took students to the Washington State Capitol for Latino Legislative Day. “It was amazing to see the kids be so engaged during our time there, and to have the opportunity to meet and interact with people in positions of power,” she said. “Seeing the Capitol steps covered in Latino youth and adults who are fighting for change was very impactful.”

We also asked Kirstin what education means to her:

As an avid reader, she found it hard to singularly pick a ‘favorite book.’ Perhaps most bookworms can endearingly relate to this sentiment!

However, she did proclaim that one of the most impactful books she read would be “Educated” by Tara Westover.

We are excited to see how Kirstin’s rich experiences and ethos will inspire generations of lifelong learners at LNESC Vancouver!

Janelle Ann Casarez grew up in a family of educators.

Her mother teaches first and second grade, and her grandmother teaches ninth through twelfth graders in special education. The family legacy inspired Janelle to pursue a career in education!

Janelle attended Texas A&M University-San Antonio and UTSA, and found that she thrives in academic support roles, especially during her time working in the writing center at TAMU-SA.

Outside of work, Janelle enjoys iced coffee and quiet spaces to practice sewing and watercolor painting.

As we head into the new year, Janelle is looking forward to celebrating her students’ success in graduating high school and preparing for college. Though she’s only been with LNESC a short time, one moment has stuck with her.

During a class presentation to recruit students for Upward Bound, Janelle spoke with a small group of ninth graders alongside a current Upward Bound student.

“The student we spoke to seemed quiet and shy at first, so I wasn’t sure if I had made an impact. But a few weeks later, those very same students were the ones who enrolled in the program!" It reminded her of the quiet power of small moments.

For Janelle, education is all about opening doors:

Her favorite book is The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros. “I was introduced to the novel in high school as part of a book club reading. I fell in love with the storytelling and writing style of the author,” she said.

Janelle’s journey with the LNESC San Antonio team has just started and we’re looking forward to all that she will accomplish at LNESC and beyond!

February brings with it a reminder that we have just stepped foot into a new year. Springtime is just around the corner and brings with it even more possibilities for new beginnings. As such, it’s an ideal time for students to plant goals that can blossom throughout the year.

Below, you will find a few goal-setting tips and tricks to get you started!

Take Time to Reflect Before You Set Goals

A fresh start allows us to take time to reflect on what we’ve accomplished, and what still has a ways to go.

Setting goals can easily become overwhelming, but grounding yourself at the beginning of the year helps you identify priorities and turn ambition into action!

According to the American Psychological Association, research shows that the more often you monitor your progress, the greater the likelihood that you will succeed.Winter also means that spring is just around the corner. February is still the beginning of the new year, so it’s an excellent opportunity for students and learners of all ages to set clear goals for the year ahead.

Of course, it is an opportunity for families to get involved, too. When parents take an active role in the goal-setting process, it sends a clear message: what matters to your child matters to you.

Below you can find tips on how parental involvement can transform a goal-setting gap into a launchpad.

Guiding the Reflection Process

Before your child jumps into making a list of resolutions, encourage them to slow down and reflect.

Help them think through what went well, what felt hard, and what they’d like to change. This kind of reflective thinking is a skill — and one that will serve them well beyond school!

You can find printable reflection and journaling prompts here, designed for families to work through together.

Your contributions are what help us continue with our educational and leadership programs. Together we can continue making an impact in our communities.

Support LNESC today by making a donation.

Established in 1973, LULAC National Educational Service Centers (LNESC) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit that provides scholarships, educational programming, resources, and leadership empowerment to students across the United States and Puerto Rico.

The mission of LNESC is to advance educational excellence and leadership development programs to create lifelong learners and leaders in communities with limited opportunities.We build our community's strength by empowering students to reach their highest potential.

For more information, visit the LNESC website.