An expanded group of donors, impressed by the success of the Subiendo Academy for Rising Leaders program at The University of Texas at Austin last summer, has provided $250,000 in funding to double the number of high school students who can participate during the summer of 2011. Enrollment for the June 12-16 session has been expanded to include 100 students from throughout Texas.
The “Friends of Subiendo” donors were recognized by the university’s president, William Powers Jr., during the 2011 Hispanic Leadership Summit Friday, April 1, at the university’s Etter-Harbin Alumni Center. The academy also honored Texas Sen. Judith Zaffirini, D-Laredo, as recipient of the Subiendo Leadership Award.
The philanthropists include David and Suzanne Booth of Austin, Gary and Sylvie Crum of Houston, Kenny and Susie Jastrow of Austin, Joe and Teresa Long of Austin, and others who prefer to remain anonymous. Support for Subiendo Academy also is provided by ATandT, Southwest Airlines and Target.
“The Friends of Subiendo exemplify the commitment we must make to the next generation of leaders,” said Veronica Vargas Stidvent, a lecturer in the McCombs School of Business and director of the Subiendo Academy. “Through their generosity, Subiendo is available to students throughout the state at no cost to their families.”
Stidvent said the academy is a joint project of the McCombs School of Business, the Texas Exes and the university. It is designed to teach students the skills to address the needs of the next generation, including a growing Hispanic population that has become the largest and youngest minority group in the United States.
“The leaders of tomorrow must be prepared to address the needs of this rising generation,” said Stidvent. “It is imperative that these emerging leaders receive the necessary education and training to realize their potential.”
The 2011 Subiendo Academy will be open to high school juniors from throughout Texas who will be seniors in fall 2011. Students can apply online. The application deadline is April 11.
Last summer, 50 students from Central Texas high schools participated in an intensive four-day leadership academy at The University of Texas at Austin. They met with prominent government and business leaders. Students stay on campus and participate in simulation exercises, classroom training, networking events and community-building activities.
