News, Culture and NPR for Central & Northern Michigan
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
91.7FM Alpena and WCML-TV Channel 6 Alpena are off the air. Click here to learn more.

West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce earns award for helping Latinx students

Ryan Johnson for NPR

A higher education program powered by the West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce has earned national recognition for its mission, arming Latinx students with the connections and skills they need to succeed in the workforce.

The Building Bridges Through Education Program, fueled by the West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce has been selected as a finalist for Excelencia in Education’s national search for what works in Latinx Student Success.

“As a Latina born and raised in Michigan knowing that there’s been a struggle for me to find a place and belonging, this recognition really makes me proud and being able to essentially lead this work and create a place of belonging.” BBTE program manager Jessica Ledesma said

Building Bridges Through Education aims to advance Michigan Latinx college talent by bridging school and career through connections and development, with a goal of growing a dynamic and inclusive workforce in the state. With the introduction of it’s fellowship program partnering with local businesses, its placement rate for students earning jobs from 12 – 72%.

Building Bridges Through Education joins 21 finalists out of 145 entries for the Examples of Excelencia Award Recognition. Four programs will be chosen as winners in October.