'Nuestra Familia, Nuestra Universidad' takes UNL west May 7-10

University of Nebraska-Lincoln vice chancellor Juan Franco and a contingent of UNL faculty and staff invite the public to "Nuestra Familia, Nuestra Universidad," a new program to help communities with growing Latino populations learn more about higher education. UNL will host events May 7-8 in Scottsbluff, May 8-10 in Grand Island and May 10 in Lexington.

Students of all ages -- from elementary school through community college -- are invited to share in the experience, including Latin fiestas, bilingual UNL information sessions, public school visits and question-answer sessions with UNL senior administrators. Parents of students of all ages, educators and others interested in higher education are welcome. "Nuestra Familia, Nuestra Universidad" translates to "Our Family, Our University."

Amber Hunter, assistant director for admissions, said in addition to sharing information, the program will focus on forging community relationships. About 30 admissions staffers and students will take part in the program. Others planning to attend are Chancellor Harvey Perlman; John Owens, vice chancellor for the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources; Colleen Jones, assistant to the chancellor; Alan Cerveny, dean of admissions Alan Cerveny; Jamar Banks, director of the Office of Academic Support and Intercultural Services: and Rita Kean, dean of undergraduate studies.

According to information from Nebraska's Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education, the high school dropout rates for Latino and Native American students in Nebraska are 36.4 and 44.9 percent. The Latino percentage accounts for 16.8 percent of all high school dropouts in the state.

"Poverty does play a factor, but it's also about the choices these students make," said Jackie Cervantes-Guzman, an associate extension educator in the Panhandle Research and Extension Center in Scottsbluff. "A lot of them are discouraged. We have excellent teachers in Nebraska, but not enough people of color in the system. It is important to have role models in the system to help these kids stay in school."

Hunter said opening a dialogue and listening to the communities' needs is important.

"We are going to work with young students. Administrators will meet with people in the community, including teachers and superintendents," she said. "We are going to find out what we can do to help educate these students, and we're going to show them that college is attainable no matter what your situation is."

The program is sponsored by the University of Nebraska system, UNL, UNL Research and Extension Center, and Health and Human Services Systems of Minority Health.

The following events are open to the public (all times local):

May 7 - Scottsbluff, East Overland Park

6:30-7:30 p.m. Parent session: Preparing your child for college

6-9 p.m. Latin Fiesta (food, music, door prizes)

May 8, El Diamante Night Club, Grand Island

6-8:30 p.m. Latin Fiesta (food, music, door prizes)

May 9, Grand Island

Parent sessions: Preparing your child for college

Howard Elementary -- 9:45-10:45 a.m.

Dodge Elementary -- 9:30-10:30 a.m.

St. Mary's Cathedral Parish Hall -- 6:15-7:30 p.m. (after mass)

May 9, Grand Island

Grand Island Senior High School, 6-7 p.m. (meet and greet UNL administrators)

May 10, Lexington, Lexington Middle School

5:30-6:30 p.m., meet and greet UNL administrators

6:30-7:30 p.m. Parent session: Preparing your child for college

CONTACT: Amber Hunter, Office of Admissions, (402) 472-2023