The HSF Institute Student Chapters

Launched in the fall of 2003, in conjunction with the Latino Student Success Demonstration Project, the HSF Institute Student Chapters were designed to encourage and promote student participation in careers in the public sector. A commitment to public sector leadership is emphasized by outreach, mentoring, and educational activities, which include career support and development. The student chapters focus on student involvement in public sector leadership while supporting the academic and professional success of Latino students. Each of the chapters has capitalized on the diverse resources of their individual campuses and communities.

HSF Institute Student Chapters at a Glance:

University of Texas San Antonio organized the chapter launch activities around the Latino Heritage Week on campus and Sarita Brown was invited to speak about careers in the public sector. This chapter has focused on working collaboratively with other on-campus organizations as well as with external Latino groups including HACU to host events. Close to 100 students are involved with the group.

University of Texas El Paso chapter hosted a reception for the chapter launch where key faculty and administrators attended and President Dr. Natalicio addressed the group. The chapter is utilizing campuses resources, and is actively collaborating with a variety of University departments including Career Services and the Center for Civic Engagement to provide programming to students.

New York City College of Technology chapter developed as an organization focused primarily on student preparation and education to introduce careers in the public sector. The chapter plans to invite prominent political leaders throughout the state and community to address the student members. Working closely with the Lehman chapter, student coordinators have organized a joint trip to Washington, DC in the spring.

Lehman College invited Marta Pérez, Associate Director of the Office of Personnel Management to speak at the chapter launch. The chapter has capitalized on existing opportunities to encourage public sector leadership including participation in Somos Futuros a program where selected students train for three weeks and then participate in a mock New York State senate debate; internship opportunities sponsored by the New York State Black, Puerto Rican and Hispanic Legislative Caucus; and community service activities in the Bronx.

California Sate University Dominguez Hills Nuestro Futuro/Our Future hosted a campus reception for their launch where President Dr. Lyons spoke about the importance of public sector careers and community involvement encouraging student members to take advantage of the opportunities offered to them through the chapter. Student members are developing career portfolios specific to jobs in the public sector, organized a personal care drive for the community in December, and are planning a career fair for the spring.

California State University Los Angeles approached the creation of a student chapter in a distinct way by housing the chapter in the Chicana/o Latina/o Student Resource Center. The group is highlighting campus and community activities and opportunities associated with career development. Student advisement is a key component. Additionally, the group is placing an emphasis on programming efforts to increase student retention.

Hispanic Scholarship Fund Institute Student Chapters 2003-2004 Academic Year