Lucas Pérez, an 11th-grade student at Portland High School, was recently selected for the Hispanic Scholarship Fund's Youth Leadership Institute, to be held this summer at the University of Southern California. “This is a huge honor,” said PHS school counselor Marisa Emerson. “He was one of only around 400 applicants selected from a field of over 4,000.”

The Youth Leadership Institute is a free, college empowerment program for high-achieving Latinx high school juniors, held virtually and at two top universities across the U.S. This highly selective program is designed to give young leaders the practical tools they need to successfully apply to top universities, have full access to scholarship and financial aid opportunities, and set a course for academic and career success. Attendees will enhance their leadership abilities and expand their professional networks by participating in college and career workshops, and interacting with college students and professionals who serve as their mentors.