Enlace Chicago is dedicated to improving the quality of life in Little Village, a densely populated Latino neighborhood southwest of the Loop with a high percentage of young students. Only 26 percent of Little Village’s residents who are 25 years and older have high school diplomas. Enlace’s AVANZA program helps students finish high school and continue their education. “The AVANZA program is crucial for at-risk high school seniors,” says Fanny Diego-Alvarez, education director of Enlace. “While in high school, first-generation college-bound students need counseling specific to their needs.Students are making life-defining decisions as they transition out of high school. When schools and families are not able to provide the necessary support, many students fall through the cracks. AVANZA makes sure that they don’t.” AVANZA means push forward in Spanish.
Chicago Tribune Community Giving and Chicago Tribune Charities, a McCormick Foundation
Fund, are committed to providing resources nonprofit programs that strengthen communities and build better futures. The Chicago Tribune and the Robert R. McCormick Foundation direct part of their philanthropic support toward Little Village to build educational opportunities and family support programs.
support toward Little Village to build educational opportunities and family support programs.