For 75 years, the Latin American Education Foundation (LAEF) has been vital to Colorado's Latinx students and the Latinx community.
Founded by a group of men and women seeking to increase access to higher education for Colorado's Latinos, LAEF has grown to be a leader in meeting the higher education needs of Colorado's Latino students. This organization he founded in 1949 is the oldest Latino scholarship foundation in Colorado.
LAEF has now grown to provide ongoing support and advice to students and their families. The organization has awarded more than 7,000 scholarships to Colorado Latinos and focuses on community, equity, integrity, and leadership. We are also committed to realizing the dreams of our ancestors through innovation and building capacity in the Colorado Latinx community.
This Saturday, March 16th, LAEF will celebrate its 75th anniversary at its annual gala. The gala, held at Glendale's Infinity Park Event Center, will feature dinner, programming, dancing, a silent auction and more.
Food will be prepared by Chef Dana Rodriguez of Cantina Loca, and entertainment will include music by DJ Chonz and Mariachi Los Correcaminos de MSU Denver. Items up for auction include an autographed Nuggets basketball, travel opportunities and tickets to local events such as Meow His Wolf and other Denver museums. Proceeds from the event will be donated to LAEF.
Information about the gala and a link to the auction page where you can bid on items can be found at: https://laefcolorado.org/events.
“After 75 years, (LAEF’s) mission remains the same: We provide scholarships, educational opportunities, and community support to help Colorado’s Latino students reach their full potential. We invest in their promise through partnership with society.'' This distinctive 75th anniversary commemorates all Latinos and allies who have helped make higher education possible for more than 7,000 Colorado Latino students. ,” said Sarah Alarcón, LAEF Development Director. We are honored to have Dana Rodriguez, one of Colorado's great culinary treasures, curate a culturally rich and delicious menu for our guests and honorees. At this event, she will host a gala with her diamond sponsor, the University of Colorado. Thanks to our higher education partners, we can multiply our impact on students. ”
Last year, LAEF awarded $270,000 in scholarships to 128 Latino scholars across the state, including the Denver metropolitan area, Northern Colorado, the Western Slope, Southern Colorado and the Eastern Plains. Approximately 85 percent of the organization's scholars are the first in their families to attend college.
The organization will also recognize long-time community partner U.S. Bank, which Alarcón said is a company that believes education is the key to unlocking individual and collective power in the Latino community. He praised it.
“This celebration is themed around connection, recognizing the impact that our small but powerful Latino group has on our community, and aiming to ensure that higher education is a reality for Latino students.” ,” Alarcón said.