Historically, Wisconsin outranks other states in the achievement of its white students while ranking in the bottom third of states for Latinx students. During the 2014-15 school year, 78% of Latinx students in Wisconsin graduated on time, compared to 93% of white students. In the same year, only 19 percent of Latinx fourth graders were proficient in reading, compared to 44 percent of white fourth graders.

In response, Extension’s Juntos (“together” in Spanish) program engages Latinx youth and families in planning for academic success and post-secondary options. The success of students in pursuing higher education depends on engaging the entire family on academic success of children. The Juntos Family Workshop Series empowers each family member to communicate more effectively about their children’s academics. This project will create Latinx 4-H clubs, lead family educational workshops, and bring students to the UW–Madison campus to support student academic success and to make higher education a family goal.

Principal Investigator

Joselyn Diaz-Valdes, Fastrack and Banner Manager, Office of Student Financial Aid

Co-Principal Investigator

Adam Trunzo, Extension Outreach Specialist