“I'm really trying to focus a hundred percent in school and make something of myself,” says Robert Rosas, who was awarded a scholarship at a recent event in Newark. The Newark resident attended Ohlone College a few years ago but had to drop out because his father abandoned the family. “I was left as the man in the family so I stepped up and tried to help my family however possible,” he says.

Rosas, 29, was among numerous students and educators recognized at the event, which was organized and hosted by Avanzando (formerly Enlaces), a volunteer organization of engaged and committed individuals interested in advancing and empowering Latino youth, families and community. The event was designed to recognize outstanding educators and students who have contributed to the success and advancement of Latino youth in the Newark Unified School district and the Ohlone Community College district.

“Avanzando means to advance, to make progress,” says Vivien Angélica Larsen, president of Avanzando. “We’re honoring outstanding Latino students who have an understanding that hard work is necessary and  who are willing to give solid effort towards becoming successful,” she adds.

According to Avanzando, more than forty percent of students in the Newark Unified School District are Latino and it’s more than fifty percent at Newark Memorial High School. At the MacGregor Alternative school, it’s more than 85 percent Latino students.  Students at Newark Memorial High School and MacGregor Alternative Education Center were also recognized at the Avanzando event.

“The event was a tremendous success,” says Avanzando member Terry Roderick-Alderete. “We filled the entire Newark Pavilion Hall with parents, city and school officials – more than 200 people.” She points out that among the educator awardees was Ricardo Arellano, Professor, Computer Applications and Occupational Technology at Ohlone Community College. “He has helped Latino students advance in math and computers and has contributed for a long time, going back to Centro Infantil and Oakland Tech. Also recognized was Dr. Ronald Quinta, Dean of Science and Technology, Biosciences at Ohlone.

As a returning student who has already spent time in the workforce, Robert Rosas is a role model for anyone who has given up on education. “I'm back because I see first hand how important a education can be - I want to show other people that’s it's not too late for school.”

In a letter thanking Guadalupe Lopez, one of the scholarship benefactors, Rosas writes, “This scholarship is going to help me so much - I'm a full time student and any little money I get it goes to my mom and brother. I was thinking I might not going to be able to attend school this summer and fall but this money is going to help me and keep me in school. I promise you that it won’t be a waste.”

The Avanzando organization is developing a strong and broad network of dedicated partners and members who support the mission. For more information, contact avanzando.newark@gmail.com.