For over 20 years Prospanica Chicago has offered our signature program known as the Summer Enrichment Program (SEP) to promote business education among Hispanic students. SEP is a four-week program in July targeting high-performing, first-generation Latino students who show commitment to learning about college and career success. SEP focuses on inspiring our youth to matriculate into college and to provide them access to working professionals they may not otherwise have access to. SEP is 100 percent subsidized for every student. Over 20 high schools were contacted both in the city of Chicago and neighboring suburbs, and a total of 100 applications were received. Prospanica’s Education Committee and board members reviewed and interviewed students for this year’s program. In all, 30 super-star students were selected from various Chicago public schools and neighboring suburbs.

Students received lessons in the basics of business, financial aid/awareness, personal branding, and personal budgeting in partnership with Junior Achievement. Students were taken on corporate tours and spent the day touring facilities and meeting Latino professionals who discussed their career paths. Angelica Alvarado, age 17 from Morton West High School, stated “SEP has opened so many doors for me, I am now in contact with some of the most amazing and influential people.” Students also visited local university campuses every Friday to learn about dorm life, financial aid, the admissions application process and scholarships. Students were able to visit our University Chapter at NEIU on Chicago’s Northside state-of-the-art campus El Centro. During the tour, students were able to work hands-on during a hacking simulation given by the computer science department. “On behalf of Northeastern Illinois University El Centro, I would like to note that it was an honor to partner with the Prospanica Summer Enrichment Program. Programs like this are much needed to serve the needs of underserved and under-resourced students,” said María Elena Luna-Duarte, M.A. Interim Director of Northeastern Illinois University.

In a culminating ceremony, students heard speaker panelists from BMO, Deloitte, JLL and Cigna who represent their respective Latino Employee Resource Groups. Each panelist expressed their enthusiasm and support for SEP and have hinted to provide future support. The program functions thanks to the support of our corporate sponsors, education partners: Junior Achievement, Sprouting Leaders, and Chicago Scholars, board members and volunteers.

To learn more on how you can volunteer or support our program, please contact us at chicago.education@prospanica.org.