Our History
It all started in 2010…
Founded in 2010 to provide formal, organized representation for the growing, but underrepresented, Latino community in Sarasota and Manatee counties, UnidosNow has evolved from an all-volunteer group to a private nonprofit, 501(c)3, empowering hundreds of families, annually, on the path to achieving their American Dream.
With a mission to elevate the quality of life of the Hispanic/Latino community in the region through education, integration and civic engagement, UnidosNow has established itself as a leader in the field of post-secondary education attainment, creating a pipeline from elementary to high school, and through college, for first generation, low-income students. With a dedication to cultural competence, a multigenerational approach that engages the whole family, and community collaboration, UnidosNow has achieved significant impact in its short history.
Since 2010, through direct service programs, advocacy, and coalition-building, we have:
Served over 2,000 low-income Latino students and their parents through our elementary, middle, and high school-based programs.
Empowered over 95% of our Leadership Academy students to enroll in post-secondary education and coached students to enter selective colleges such as, Cornell, Princeton, University of Pennsylvania, Vassar, Oberlin, UF, FSW, and USF, among others.
Assisted our college-prep track Leadership Academy students in accessing over $6 million in scholarships and grants.
UnidosNow has also played a leadership role in the development of Local College Access Networks (LCANs), REACH Manatee and the Sarasota LCAN. As part of these networks, UnidosNow has also led efforts to boost FAFSA completion rates over the last several years, resulting in an estimated, combined Pell Grant Award amount of $4,404,581 for students in both counties in 2017-18.
Key to the success of our work with students is the multigenerational approach we implement, engaging the entire family in building a culture of post-secondary education and beyond. This includes strong leadership, community service, and mentorship components in both student and parent initiatives.
As UnidosNow enters its second decade of existence, we are privileged to serve as partners with families on their journeys to achieving their American Dream. We are also fortunate to count on critical collaborations – like those with the local school districts and colleges - that act as a “village” for the young people we are dedicated to empowering as our next generation of leaders.
