Kentucky State University and UnidosUS announced on May 4 the completion of the second year of the Escalera: Steps to Success program in Kentucky. The initiative, which lasts 12 months, aims to help high school students with career exploration, leadership development, college preparation, financial aid guidance, and family engagement.
The program is important because it supports Latino high school students as they prepare for life after graduation. It offers guidance on academic and professional planning during a key period in their education.
Dr. Paloma Pinillos, international and community partnerships administrator at Kentucky State University, led this year’s cohorts at Bryan Station High School in Lexington and Seneca High School in Louisville. “The students brought remarkable focus, curiosity and determination to this work,” Dr. Pinillos said. “Escalera gives students space to think seriously about their futures, ask questions, explore career pathways and understand that college and professional success are within reach.”
UnidosUS is one of the nation’s largest Hispanic civil rights organizations. Its Escalera initiative partners with schools like Kentucky State University to support Latino youth in building pathways toward college and career success.
This year’s participants included students from families with roots in Cuba, Mexico, Panama, the Dominican Republic, Colombia and Puerto Rico. Students met weekly throughout the academic year for workshops on leadership skills and professional readiness while also receiving individual help with applications for college admission and scholarships.
In addition to classroom activities, participants took part in job shadowing opportunities as well as visits to colleges or trade schools. Family involvement was encouraged so parents could support their children through the process.
To recognize student achievement under its postsecondary access goals, Kentucky State awarded two MacBook laptops and four iPads through a technology raffle for participants who completed the program.
Looking ahead, university officials say that continued collaboration with UnidosUS will further strengthen educational access across Kentucky.
