With the support and guidance of educators, practitioners, researchers, community activist, and CBO’s, the Chicago ENLACE Fellows Initiative is an investment in the preparation and representation of a new generation of Latino leadership in American education that will create transformative change responsive to the educational challenges of an increasing U.S. Latino community. Through their unique professional and practical preparation, the ENLACE Fellows will help bring about systemic change in the Latino educational pipeline.

The Fellows are enrolled in Northeastern Illinois University’s graduate program with a target completion date of Spring 2004. The Fellows are pursuing degrees in Educational Leadership (Higher Education Concentration or Human Resource Development) and Bilingual/Bicultural Studies. Their final semester will integrate an international learning experience. In addition to their courses, the Fellows attend monthly day-long professional development seminars that focus on collaboration and shared responsibility and policy process and change.

There are seven Fellows working at six higher educational partners of the Chicago ENLACE and eight representing the community-based organizations and alternative high schools associated with the Chicago ENLACE Partnership.

Higher Education Fellows’ Responsibilities Include:

Annual recruitment of new Latino students into college degree granting programs (Associate of Arts and Bachelors Degrees).

Support and facilitate the appropriate support services (within their college and the overall ENLACE initiative) for these new students

Assist these students in their adjustment to the campus environment that will enhance retention and graduation

Community Education Fellows Responsibilities Include:

Work with other Fellows in implementing community-based ENLACE initiatives and activities for their CBO or alternative high school

Identify and work with Latino students from their community to participate in the ENLACE Leadership Institute and prepare them for college

Contribute and help lead the activities designed for student development (at all levels) through the Student Leadership Team