Latin American Educational Foundation

Historic moments are never created alone.

As we look to the next school year, LAEF is proud to award 184 scholarships totaling $650,000 to Colorado students pursuing higher education. With matching support through LAEF’s Colorado Higher Education Partnership, our total scholarship impact for 2026 will exceed $1 million.

To our students, families, alumni, donors, university partners, staff, and supporters: thank you. Because of this community, 184 students will move forward with greater opportunity, support, and hope for the future.

Grateful for partners who invest not only in students, but in the future of entire communities. 🦷💙

LAEF’s partnership with Delta Dental of Colorado is helping create pathways for students pursuing careers in dental healthcare while addressing a critical need for providers in the San Luis Valley.

Together, we are building a stronger pipeline of future dental professionals who understand the communities they serve and are committed to giving back through culturally responsive care and leadership.

This partnership is about more than scholarships. It’s about creating long-term impact for students, families, and communities across Colorado.

In 2025 LAEF supported 144 scholars, 71% of them are first-generation college students, with a 79% graduation rate.

Numbers matter. But what they represent matters more.

Grateful for partners who help our students dream bigger and go farther. ✈️💙

Through LAEF’s partnership with Southwest Airlines, scholars are gaining access to opportunities and experiences that extend far beyond campus. From attending leadership conferences in Washington, D.C. through Southwest flight vouchers to unforgettable moments at the Court of Dreams experience, these opportunities create memories, connections, and confidence that stay with students long after the journey ends.

What makes this partnership so meaningful is the belief behind it: that LAEF scholars deserve access to spaces, experiences, and opportunities where they can grow, lead, and thrive.

Together, we’re helping students see that their future has no limits.

Caps. Gowns. Degrees earned. Sueños unfolding. 🎓✨

Today we’re honoring the incredible LAEF scholars graduating this year and the journeys that brought them here. Each photo tells a story of dedication, sacrifice, community, and perseverance.

To our graduating scholars: your comunidad is proud of you!

As you cross this milestone and step into new careers, graduate programs, and opportunities, know this is only the beginning. Your stories inspire the next generation of students who will see themselves in you.

Felicidades, Class of 2026! 💙 We can’t wait to see all the places your dreams will take you!

Because talent lives everywhere.

Opportunity should too.

LAEF’s impact reaches far beyond any one city. In fact, 1 in 3 of our scholars come from rural communities across Colorado—a reflection of our commitment to showing up where opportunity hasn’t always reached.

Our scholars come from every corner of the state: 46% from the Denver Metro area, 23% from Southern Colorado, 15% from Northern Colorado, 9% from the Western Slope, and 7% from the Eastern Plains.

This statewide reach is made possible through strong partnerships and a shared commitment to expanding access. Check out our full impact report through the link in bio.

LAEF’s 2025 Impact Report is here.

This past year, we supported 144 scholars across Colorado, with 71% identifying as first-generation college students and a 79% graduation rate—proof of what’s possible when opportunity meets community.

With $401K in scholarships awarded and a total impact of $702K, we continue to invest in pathways that help Latino students persist, graduate, and lead.

This work is powered by partnership—including a transformational $1M investment advancing student success statewide.

Read the full report and see the impact we’re building together:

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