Loyola Marymount University Newsroom
Loyola Marymount University will sponsor and host the annual Hispanic Scholarship Fund (HSF) Youth Leadership Institute (YLI) at the Westchester campus from June 25-29, 2025. This marks the second summer in a row, and the third summer overall, that LMU has been selected to host this impactful college empowerment program for high-achieving Latino high school students.
The highly selective program is designed to give young leaders the practical tools they need to successfully apply to top universities, have full access to scholarship and financial aid opportunities, and set a course for academic and career success. LMU was one of two prestigious universities chosen to host the program in 2024, marking the first time it returned to campus since 2014.
“HSF has enjoyed a long-standing partnership with LMU, which has generously hosted HSF programs that equip students and parents with essential knowledge on preparing, planning, and paying for college. We are proud and grateful for this collaboration,” said Fidel A. Vargas, president and CEO of HSF. “By hosting HSF’s 2024 YLI, a transformative, free, multi-day, immersive program for high-achieving, rising high school seniors — and planning to do so again — LMU has broadened and deepened our partnership to be bigger and better than ever in serving our like-minded communities through our shared values.”
In July 2024, over 200 high school students and over 60 undergraduate mentors joined the campus community for the five-day institute, traveling to LMU from 41 U.S. states; 100% of the high school participants ranked in the top 5% of their class with an average unweighted GPA of 3.94. Their undergraduate mentors were equally as impressive, with 40% attending a top 10 nationally ranked university, and all having taken part in past YLI cohorts.
“It is an incredible opportunity to work alongside HSF to provide impactful programming like the Youth Leadership Institute,” said Ashley Okimoto, LMU’s early outreach director. “From campus tours to networking dinners, their packed schedule is an impressive introduction to college and a unique chance to experience our campus firsthand.” In addition to a tour, YLI participants join in a panel discussion with staff experts from LMU’s undergraduate admission, graduate admission, financial aid, and career and professional development offices.
“Partnerships with organizations like the Hispanic Scholarship Fund are critical to our mission and commitment to access,” said Maureen Weatherall, Ed.D., LMU’s vice provost for enrollment management. “The students engaged in HSF programs like the Youth Leadership Institute demonstrate remarkable talent and unwavering dedication to their academic pursuits. They would make outstanding members of our campus community should they choose to attend.”
In addition to serving as the site for the Youth Leadership Institute, LMU has hosted several one-day college and career readiness events with HSF since 2014, including College Camp and Career Connections events. In 2021, LMU was recognized as HSF’s Educational Partner of the Year.
Founded in 1975, the Hispanic Scholarship Fund (HSF) empowers students and parents with the knowledge and resources to complete a higher education, while providing support services and scholarships to as many exceptional students as possible. As one of the nation’s leading nonprofit organizations, HSF has awarded over $730 million in scholarships and provides a broad range of programs and support services for students, parents, HSF Scholars, and HSF Alumni.
Additional information about 2025 YLI opportunities can be found on HSF’s website.
Category: Campus News
Kristin Agostoni
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