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Latino Academy offers hope Craven photo Xochitl Torres, 14, of Grants Pass learns a few hip hop moves during the weeklong Academia Latina 2001 at Southern Oregon University that is designed to inspire students to stay in school. Hispanic students get first look at college life By DAMIAN MANN ASHLAND - For 21 wide-eyed and timid Hispanic middle school students, it was the first time they'd ever seen a university campus. And, if not for the newly created Latino Academy, they might never have set foot on one. But that's just the point of this weeklong pilot program at Southern Oregon University: to dangle a kind of educational carrot in front of these students to inspire them with the benefits of higher learning. "A lot of these kids stay in the barrio where it's safe," said senior counselor Jorge Padillo. "They grow up there. They never really leave. We are taking them out of their element to show them something different. Otherwise they may never see a college." Inspired by a Native American Academy that has run every summer at SOU for the past seven years, the "Academia Latina 2001" hopes it will provide motivation to keep the students in school. Statewide, 13.3 percent of Hispanics drop out of high school. That rate is higher in Medford: 16.9 percent at South Medford High School and 13.6 percent at North Medford High School. The most frequently cited reason for leaving is to support the family. The Academia Latina 2001 wants to reverse that trend by exposing the Rogue Valley students to full-blown campus life, including a night in the dorms. "All Americans should have a chance at the American dream," said senior counselor David Molina-Lopez. "It is sad to live in a country where they (Hispanics) carry all the low-income jobs." Academy coordinator Meredith Reynolds said many of the Hispanic students she has met are the first in their family to graduate from high school. If more Hispanics are inspired to continue with their education, Reynolds and others believe, peer pressure will eventually turn the tide on the dropout rate. Though organizers were hoping for 40 students, many Hispanic families were reluctant to let their children be gone for such a long time. Talent Middle School teacher Juanita Ephraim said it will take time and a little word of mouth to convince the Hispanic community of the value of this pilot project funded by a $40,000 grant. Because safety is such an issue, eight counselors are keeping an eye on the youngsters round the clock. But for 73-year-old Edward Alcantar, there is no question about the value of the academy A commissioner with Oregon Senior Services, he said, "This kind of summer camp would have been invaluable when I was a kid." Students, who had to pay $25 to attend, are not only getting to participate in fun classes like dancing, art and computers, but also mathematics, writing and social studies. Edwin Redondo, 14, wanted to try something different this summer. "I'm doing pretty bad in school, so this will help me," he said. "I'll be learning how to have fun while I'm working hard." A Talent Middle School student, Redondo has found the academy difficult and easy at the same time. His writing class, has been particularly difficult. "They wanted me to write from the heart and do stories from the past and stories from the present," said Redondo. On the second day of the academy, he has made up his mind to stick it out in school, so that he can go on to college. Redondo plans to be a professional soccer player, but if that doesn't work out he would like to become a doctor. Miguel Angel Martin, 12, enjoys the beginning Web creation computer class and is thinking about a career as an Internet Web designer, though he doesn't have access to the Internet at home. "But I also liked my science class," said this Talent Middle School student. "We made ice cream this morning with rock salt, milk, marshmallows and chocolate." A hip-hop dancing class was a hit with the girls who tried the latest steps to the strains of Jennifer Lopez and Rcky Martin. Zulma Nu�ez, 13, said it was her favorite class at the academy. The entire experience has left her more committed to continuing her education. "I'll be trying to get into college," she said. The $40,000 grant is underwritten by the university, the Jackson Education Service District, the Anna May Foundation, the Meyer Memorial Trust, KeyBank and College Dreams. Reach reporter Damian Mann at 776-4476, or e-mail [email protected] Mail Tribune Home | Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. | Dow Jones & Co., Inc. | Privacy | Contact Us Copyright � 2001 Mail Tribune, Inc.