The Ohio State LASER High School Mentoring Program prepares Latino students in Columbus-area high schools for successful admission to Ohio State and elsewhere, integrating students and their families into a supportive network of college students, professionals and information resources to help them successfully navigate college application and financial aid.

LASER (Latino & Latin American Space for Enrichment and Research) is a multi-pronged initiative of the Office of Diversity and Inclusion that provides a forum for faculty, students, and staff to build a scholarly community on campus for preparing, recruiting, and retaining Latino scholars.

One component, the High School Mentoring Program, matches undergraduate mentors with high school mentees for regular, ongoing academic coaching and college readiness activities. Special workshops are organized for students and parents on topics such as college admissions, financial aid, resources for undocumented students, and cultural topics. Mentors are trained, use established curricular materials, and receive compensation for their commitment. LASER currently works with 20 high schools in the Columbus public school system and has recently added the Arts and College Preparatory Academy and Hayes High School, Delaware. Our partnerships have led to the building of bridges between principles, counselors, and teachers at these high schools and OSU's Office of Diversity and Inclusion and other units on campus, including the Fisher College of Business.

Ohio State Colleges/Units Involved: Office of Diversity and Inclusion

Community Partners Involved: Cardinal Health; National Society of Hispanic MBAs; Ohio Wesleyan University; Columbus State Community College; Arts and College Preparatory Academy; Dublin High School, PricewaterhouseCoopers

For more information on LASER contact Frederick Aldama.