Access, Success, Community, Equity, Network-building, Support and Opportunity
In an effort to promote the growth of advocacy, support, and awareness of social justice
issues impacting Hispanic communities in Ventura County, the Collaborative for Hispanics
in Higher Education and Student Success (CHESS) Program established the ASCENSO Hispanic
Fellowship program through a grant funded by the Amgen Foundation.
Through this program, four Cal Lutheran students will serve as community leaders and
advocates for the Hispanic community. They will work alongside the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council of Ventura County and network with representatives from County agencies and departments to research
the services and policies that may be insufficiently serving or negatively impacting
Hispanic populations. Students will raise awareness of important issues and directly
influence systemic change.
Undergrad and graduate students who are currently studying psychology, education, sociology, environmental science,
political science, criminal justice or all majors engaged in healthcare/mental health
are encouraged to apply!
Come join us for the ASCENSO Hispanic Fellowship Presentations!
Mentorship from professionals, and Community Leaders of Hispanic serving agencies
Engagement with community organizations focused on advocacy for Hispanic communities
Recognition as an ASCENSO Scholar
Aid in the growth of awareness around persistent issues perpetuating inequities for
Hispanic students, families and communities.
Explore tangible solutions through research and communication with community, community
leaders, and mentors.
Increase student communication, advocacy, and leadership skills, while helping strengthen
the understanding and cooperation needed to build an equitable society for all, with
an emphasis on justice for Hispanic people.
Open to Cal Lutheran Freshman, Sophomore and Junior undergraduate students and all graduate students.
Must have a GPA of 2.8 or above.
Must show history of interest in diversity, equity, and inclusion: community service,
exploration of personal cultural identity, and/or involvement in organizations focused
on social, economic, and environmental justice for Hispanic, working class, or immigrant
communities.
ASCENSO Hispanic Scholars will be engaged in the following activities from May through
September:
Students will participate in an eight-week fellowship to develop research that bring
awareness toward the issues that perpetuate inequities in the Hispanic community of
Ventura County and propose potential solutions.
Topics tied to the Hispanic Community of Ventura County delivered in different platforms.
For example: educational disparities, mental health services, access to parks and
recreational areas, culturally sensitive healthcare, disparities in community representation.
Students will meet periodically with mentors and peers for guidance and reflection
on the topic of their project (Ventura County DEI Council, ASCENSO fellows, Latin
American Student Organization (LASO) club).
Students will participate in discussions and activities intended to increase their
understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts in community and educational
settings. (Aug-Sep)
Students will present oral reports of their intership outcomes at Cal Lutheran and/or
at least one community forum to promote advocacy and cooperative efforts to bring
justice for the Hispanic community in Ventura County. (Aug-Sep)
Write a single essay addressing the following prompts. Limit your statement to one to three double-spaced pages with 1-inch margins. Use Times New Roman or Arial, 12-point font.
Share your educational background, involvement in campus organizations and community
activities.
What motivated you to apply to the ASCENSO Hispanic Fellowship program? Discuss how
your participation in the program will help you achieve your goals.
Describe your preparation for participation in the ASCENSO Hispanic Fellowship program
as it relates to your education and experience.
Discuss how the purpose of the ASCENSO Hispanic Fellowship program resonates with
your own experiences or observations concerning root issues impacting inequities in
Hispanic communities.
The student’s motivation to become an ASCENSO Hispanic Scholar is in alignment with
the purpose of the program (statement of purpose).
Applicant expresses competence to carry out research (academic achievement, educational
background, experience).
Professional references strongly support the student’s capacity and interest to achieve
the goals of the ASCENSO Hispanic Fellowship Program.
