The Virginia Latino Higher Education Network (VALHEN) is the only all-volunteer, 501c3 state-wide organization which serves as a networking structure for Latino and non-Latino individuals in colleges, universities, and the community-at-large. VALHEN’s purpose is to communicate, advocate, organize, research, and identify resources which support and work towards the success of Latinos in higher education in the Commonwealth of Virginia for the benefit of the Commonwealth.

VALHEN’s journey is a classic study of collaboration, determination, and vision, made possible by the work of its volunteer members and the generous in-kind contributions of numerous institutions such as James Madison University (JMU), Northern Virginia Community College, Old Dominion University (ODU), Regent University, State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV), Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), Virginia State University (VSU), Virginia Tech (VT), and the University of Richmond (UR).

Other generous sponsors to date include (in alpha order): Altria, Bank of America, Diverse Issues in Higher Education, Dominion, GEICO, Hispanic Outlook in Higher Education, Latinos in Higher Education, Liberty Tax’s Una Familia Sin Fronteras Program, NVCC Foundation, The College Board, Verizon, the Social Security Administration, the Virginia Community College System, Virginia Credit Union, Virginia 529 Program, and Wells Fargo. In addition, support and encouragement has also come from Governor Bob McDonnell, Senators Mark Warner and Jim Webb, and former Governor Tim Kaine.

VALHEN has been able to attract high ranking members of academia and the community-at-large who, as volunteers, are driven by their passionate belief that our Latino children and communities must have access to education in order to become full and contributing members of our Commonwealth. The ultimate beneficiary of VALHEN’s programs is Virginia’s emerging Latino community. One of VALHEN’s greatest strengths is its inclusivity at all levels: Latinos and non-Latinos who work side by side with public and private, two- and four-year institutions as represented on the Board of Directors and its membership.

VALHEN addresses a need for Virginians to have a strong voice and a medium through which they can advocate for the success of the Latino community. As this population continues to grow, VALHEN’s unique role becomes increasingly important, already quickly turning into the “go to” organization regarding educational access and opportunities, and the inherent socioeconomic contributions connected with educational achievements. VALHEN and its members are changing the face of the Commonwealth by ensuring that Latinos are visible, are supported, and are on their way to higher education.

Our principal programs include:

• Lecture Series designed to highlight the work of our members (www.valhen.org/lectureseries)
• Scholarship Program (www.valhen.org/scholarship)
• Hispanic College Institute (www.valhen.org/hci),at Virginia State University (VSU), July 19-21, 2012
• Membership Benefits (www.valhen.org/membership)

For more information:

Please contact us at encuentro@valhen.org or call 571-449-1953. Check back on this site for additional information, call for presentations, and registration.