It takes a village to raise a child; and, unfortunately, it takes even more effort to help underprivileged children get a college education. One of Austin's nonprofits focused on helping to empower young Latina women, Con Mi MADRE, has taken up this challenge, working with this group of girls over the span of several years to prepare them for college and help them reach their educational goals.
Turning Statistics Into Opportunities for Young Latinas
No small feat, Con Mi MADRE's efforts help to elevate the lives of Latina women in one of the most forgotten underprivileged groups in America today. At this intersection of racial and economic inequality, it was found that a Latina baby girl had less than a 1% chance of going to college. A grim statistic found by a state demographer in 1992, these issues are still very much alive today, making the road to educational success difficult, if not impossible, for many women.
Instead of accepting this reality, founding members of the group challenged it, and in 2008, started CMM as a product of the Junior League of Austin's Hispanic Mother-Daughter Program. The group has grown in many ways over the years, assisting countless people in Austin and Central Texas thrive in their educational journeys. Their unique combination of family, education, and community all come together to help young women, with the help of their mothers, reach the goals.
In the words of Karen Gonzalez, Chief Program Officer,
"Con Mi MADRE is a two-generation organization that empowers young Latinas and their mothers through education and support services that increase preparedness, participation, and success in post-secondary education. Con Mi MADRE translates to "with my mother,” which exemplifies the unique element of our programming that intentionally engages mothers in their daughter’s educational journey from 6th grade through college graduation."
The Four Pillars
The backbone of the program consists of four concepts; when followed, these steps increase the girls' chances of getting into college (100% of their seniors graduate from high school and 77% go on to attend post-secondary school).
Held up by these high standards, the four pillars include:
Starting Early - Recruitment starts in 5th grade, giving students enough time to complete tasks and get prepared for college.
Parental Engagement - Both mother and daughter commit to the goals of the group, ensuring the familial bond is strong and secure, and allowing daughters to benefit from wisdom and experience that can't be learned in the classroom.
Cultural Relevancy - Bilingual and created with the Latino community in mind, the course load at Con Mi MADRE teaches lessons that are relate-able and relevant to the members of this unique group.
A Holistic Approach - It's a complete approach to bettering oneself with this Austin nonprofit, that's why they don't just focus on schooling, but all of the areas that contribute to higher education: relationships, academics, social, and emotional assistance.
Helping Students Stay Healthy While They Help Themselves - The UPLIFT Way
Our team was more than excited to help the women behind Con Mi MADRE work better while they work toward their goals. Our donation of Dark Brown Rubberwood Solid Wood Sit-Stand Desks, a Douglas Fir Reclaimed Wood Stand Up Desk, a Bamboo Stand Up Desk, and a Walnut GREENGUARD Gold Laminate Standing Desk are tools to be used as they study and complete their curriculum more comfortably than ever before.
Get to Know Past Charities and Learn About the Desk Donation Program
We need you to help us choose our next charity for our Desk Donation monthly spotlight! Head on over to the Desk Donation Program page to read more about the past charities we've donated to and to share a local Austin nonprofit you think deserves a whole new team of desks!