Providing access to higher education for Hispanics in Colorado since 1949. For 71 years LAEF has remained committed since to serving Latino/Hispanic youth of Colorado, awarding nearly $7 million in scholarships to 7,000 students, and we look forward to continuing our success for years to come!
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Providing access to higher education for Hispanics in Colorado
LAEF has the proud distinction of being the oldest Hispanic non-profit organization in the state of Colorado. In the 1940's, a group of men and women from Colorado's Latino community, who had struggled for years as field and factory workers, came together to ensure that their children would get the education necessary to avoid the same struggles and to make a better life for themselves. Through these community organization efforts, LAEF was founded in 1949. Today, LAEF's mission remains the same: provide access to higher education for Hispanics in Colorado. Our vision is to advance the educational leadership and economic status of all Hispanics to improve the greater community. Our overarching goals are to increase the number of students from Colorado who attend and graduate from college through scholarships, community collaboration, and support programs and to reduce the financial barriers to accessing college.
Continuing a tradition of excellence since 1949, LAEF has established itself as Colorado's premier organization in providing for the educational needs of Hispanic students. During its 71-year history, the organization has grown from awarding 7 scholarships in 1949, to now, having served nearly 7,000 students with scholarships and support programs for their education needs.
"I cannot put into words just how much this scholarship has helped me. First of all this scholarship and the College Access and Success Program has given me multiple networking opportunities and chances to get involved in my community. It has also given me the opportunity to work less hours during the school year because tuition is no longer a financial burden. Because of this scholarship, I'm blessed with the opportunity to educate our youth and increase the diversity among teachers in the United States. Thank you for you continuous support!" -Cielo Ramos, Sophomore, University of Northern Colorado
"Your investment in me has represented more than monetary value and has allowed me to pursue my college success. Thank you for giving me the means to unleash my potential. As a computer science major at the University of Colorado Boulder, I want to thank you for believing in me when I most needed it. LAEF has provided me with support just like how a family would." -Paola Chavez-Arroyo, Junior, University of Colorado Boulder
