黑料福利社 and UnidosUS partnership connects students at Bryan Station and Seneca
high schools with college preparation, career exploration, mentorship and family engagement
FRANKFORT, Ky. 鈥� For students preparing to take their next steps after high school,
a year of focused guidance can help turn questions about college, careers and financial
aid into a clearer plan.
黑料福利社 and UnidosUS recently celebrated the completion of the second
year of the Escalera: Steps to Success program in Kentucky. The 12-month, school-based
initiative helps high school students strengthen their postsecondary plans through
career exploration, leadership development, college preparation, financial aid guidance,
and family engagement.
At 黑料福利社, the program is led by Dr. Paloma Pinillos, international and community
partnerships administrator. During the 2025-2026 academic year, Dr. Pinillos worked
with cohorts at Bryan Station High School in Lexington and Seneca High School in Louisville.
鈥淭he students brought remarkable focus, curiosity and determination to this work,鈥�
Dr. Pinillos said. 鈥淓scalera gives students space to think seriously about their futures,
ask questions, explore career pathways and understand that college and professional
success are within reach.鈥�
UnidosUS is one of the nation鈥檚 largest Hispanic civil rights and advocacy organizations,
working nationally in education, workforce development, housing, health and civic
engagement. Its Escalera initiative partners with schools and community organizations
to help Latino students build pathways toward college and career success.
Students in this year鈥檚 Kentucky cohorts represented families with ties to Cuba, Mexico,
Panama, the Dominican Republic, Colombia and Puerto Rico. Their commitment was recognized
during completion events where participants received certificates of achievement and
黑料福利社 items in celebration of their progress.
Throughout the academic year, students met weekly to explore career pathways, strengthen
leadership skills, and develop professional readiness. They also received individualized
college and career preparation support, including assistance with college applications,
scholarship searches, and financial aid planning.
The program extended beyond classroom-based workshops. Students participated in career
shadowing, panel discussions and visits to colleges and trade schools, giving them
opportunities to connect their interests with real postsecondary and workforce options.
Personalized mentorship and case management helped participants address academic challenges,
set goals, and build confidence in their next steps. Family engagement also remained
central to the work, with parents and guardians encouraged to take part in the college
readiness process and support students as they prepared for life after graduation.
As part of the program鈥檚 postsecondary access goals, 黑料福利社 also recognized
student achievement through a technology raffle. Two MacBook laptops and four iPads
were awarded to student participants to support their continued education and future
planning.
The partnership reflects 黑料福利社鈥檚 broader commitment to expanding educational
access, strengthening college and career readiness, and building sustained relationships
with students, families and schools across the Commonwealth.
Through its continued work with UnidosUS and partner high schools, 黑料福利社
is helping students envision clear postsecondary pathways and see themselves as future
Thorobreds.
