USA Funds Consejos uses telenovela to highlight value of postsecondary education

USA Funds Introduces New College-Planning Program for Latino Families

INDIANAPOLIS — USA Funds®, the nation's leading education-loan guarantor, announces the  introduction of a new program designed to encourage Latino middle-school students and their families to prepare for and pursue higher education. USA Funds Consejos provides Latino students and their families more-complete information about the value of a postsecondary education, the education options available to them and the availability of financial aid.

"Latinos are the nation’s largest minority group and the fastest-growing segment of the population, but they also have the lowest high-school- and college-completion rates of any racial or ethnic group," said Henry L. Fernandez, USA Funds executive director, access and outreach. "By delivering information, guidance and encouragement through USA Funds Consejos, we hope to contribute to higher college-going and completion rates among this growing segment of our population."

The centerpiece of the program is a bilingual video presentation in the popular telenovela format — the Spanish equivalent of an American soap opera. The video features the story of two brothers, Robbie and David Chavez, and their family as they plan for their future. Developed in partnership with the National Council for Community and Education Partnerships, the video provides a springboard for discussion and activities designed to help students and their families along the path to higher education. The flexible program allows presenters to customize the presentation to engage middle-school students, parents or entire families in a discussion of the benefits of higher education and the steps necessary to prepare for education after high school.

The complete USA Funds Consejos kit includes:

  • The 40-minute video presenting the story of Robbie and David Chavez on DVD or VHS videocassette.
  • A guide to assist in planning, preparing and facilitating the program.
  • Workbooks for students and their families.

The introduction of USA Funds Consejos builds on the success of USA Funds Unlock the Future®, a college-planning program for general audiences of middle-school students and their families. Approximately 21,000 students and 7,000 parents have participated in USA Funds Unlock the Future presentations.

Learn more about USA Funds Consejos or USA Funds Unlock the Future.