The Michigan Hispanic Collaborative

The Michigan Hispanic Collaborative (MiHC) is a Hispanic-led organization that supports Hispanic students and families in Michigan, bringing coherence to the chaos of college access and persistence to Hispanic high school students, college students, and their families through 1:1 coaching, our online portal (La Puerta), and experiences. Our La Próxima Generación program, a culturally relevant, two-generation program, provides Michigan Hispanic students and families with support over 10 years (ages 16-26). We provide in-school seminars and virtual support that focuses on life skills, college access, college success, career readiness, and mentorship. For parents, we host discussion circles (Cafecitos). We ensure that Hispanic students are graduating with bachelor’s degrees, with the right majors, filling a growing gap in the professional labor force. Michigan needs educated workers to stay in-state to improve the labor force and our state’s economic sustainability. Because of the Hispanic “familismo” culture of strong connected families, we know that most Hispanic students will remain in Michigan, near family, even after the completion of their degrees. By guiding and empowering these Hispanic students and their families from Michigan’s most vulnerable socioeconomic class, MiHC is breaking the cycle of generational poverty through education, cultural relevancy, and leadership.