1,300 Latino high school students gather to discuss college, careers, culture

On March 6, Western hosted the César Chávez Leadership Institute. It was the 18th time the one-day event occurred. Western invited approximately 1,300 Latino student leaders from 65 high schools in Oregon to participate in 55-minute workshops and meet with university representatives. Admissions Counselor Andrea Arce said, "All workshops have a focus on issues facing Latino students and the Latino community. We have three different main topics that the workshops cover: College and Careers, Culture, Identity and Arts and The Legacy of César E. Chávez." Associate Provost David Mc Donald said, "Hosting the César Chávez Leadership Institute is important to the community and the university and is another way for us to support outstanding students and their families." Carlos Ojeda Jr. was the main speaker this year and spoke about personal progress and how his experiences can help encourage others to further their education. "Carlos Ojeda Jr. was astonishing! Never have I seen such a large crowd with full attention," said Arce. "He did an amazing job in making a connection…to show examples of how life happens to all of us, yet we can still be successful in whatever we want." The Cesar Chavez Leadership Institute is made possible by a $25,000-grant awarded by the ECMC Foundation. This has been the third year that Western has been awarded the grant, which covers lunch costs and helps with other expenses during the program. The ECMC Foundation works to encourage and promote further education for low-income students. Executive Director of ECMC Foundation March Kessler said, "We are honored to continue to partner with Western Oregon University and the many community leaders who organize this important event that… strengthens Oregon's Latino student leaders."