Chicas Families Explore the Road to College

For many young people, the idea of college can feel distant or unattainable. That’s why Adelante Mujeres created the Chicas Road to College/Camino a la universidad event. Planned and facilitated by Youth Advocate Facilitators—Karla Vazquez, Alejandra Villanueva Alfaro, Maria Aguilar, Vanessa Garcia Vazquez, and Jennifer Mendez—the event invited Chicas and their parents to step onto the Pacific University campus to learn about higher education, and begin imagining the path ahead. 

A Critical Moment for Young Leaders

“This event with families, especially our middle school Chicas, was very meaningful to me,” Alejandra shared. “After working with middle school students for the past four years, I’ve learned that this is a critical age when girls begin exploring their interests, trying new things, and gaining experiences that can shape their future. Creating this event with parents alongside the Chicas was powerful because it allowed our Latino families to actively support their daughters at a young age.” 

Seeing families engaged throughout the day left a lasting impression. “It was heartwarming to see families interested in helping their daughters see higher education not just as a dream, but as a real and achievable possibility.” 

When Families Walk the Path Together

One of the most powerful aspects of the event was the intentional inclusion of parents and caregivers. For many families, this was their first time setting foot on a college campus. 

“As a former Chicas participant myself, I witnessed firsthand how important parental involvement can be,” Alejandra said. “My mother was always present and supportive, even though she faced many barriers, including not knowing how to read, write, or speak English. Despite those challenges, she attended events with me because she knew they were important for my future.” Watching parents learn alongside their daughters brought those memories full circle. “Seeing Latino and Mexican parents learning alongside their daughters is truly inspiring. It allows families to better understand the opportunities available and helps them see the possibilities the next generation can pursue.” 

Jennifer emphasized how community support can transform the college journey. “This event is important because it highlights an often-missed aspect of the road to college, which is the inclusion of your community,” Jennifer shared. “Including loved ones in the Chicas’s road to college creates a stronger sense of support and pride that can make the road to college far less isolating. For a lot of Chicas, they are the first to ever have access to information like this. Not only is it opening doors for them, but having their parents with them can make those doors less scary to walk through.” 

Moments of Inspiration

Throughout the day, families attended presentations, connected with community partners, and explored what college life can look like. 

One moment stood out especially for Alejandra. “My favorite part of the day was seeing parents—mothers and fathers—sitting next to their daughters while learning about educational opportunities and ways to build their future,” she said. “Watching families engage in these conversations together was very inspiring.” 

Jennifer found inspiration in conversations with parents. “All of the parents I spoke with said that they had never been on a college campus before,” she shared. “They felt inspired. Many of them expressed feeling particularly moved to chase their dreams because they shared the day with their Chicas.” 

“The doors aren’t just for the Chicas,” Jennifer explained. “It can be for the parents, too.” 

Feeling Welcome in New Spaces

Even small details helped families feel welcomed and comfortable in an unfamiliar environment. “Every family expressed how much they loved the food,” Jennifer said. “Food is so central to our culture, and it served as a familiar bridge for the families to walk on as they entered a space that was otherwise very unfamiliar to them.” 

The day also featured a diverse group of presenters who shared insights and opportunities with families. “One of the most impactful parts of the program was the array of presenters the families were able to learn from,” Jennifer explained. “It showed them that there are so many different spaces they can form part of.” 

Looking Toward the Future

By the end of the day, the feedback from families was overwhelmingly positive. “Many parents thanked us for creating an event that was both informative and welcoming, where they felt comfortable asking questions and learning,” Alejandra said. “Several parents shared that they learned new information they had never heard before and that they planned to share it with their other children as well.” 

Moments like these remind us why programs like Chicas matter. “Despite the obstacles that many Latino families face, parents continue to show up, support their daughters, and seek opportunities to help them succeed,” Alejandra reflected. “Being part of a program that helps empower families and support the next generation of young women is incredibly meaningful.” 

Jennifer echoed the importance of early exposure. “An event like this would have shown me that college was very possible,” she said. “To have shared it with my parents would have made the decision to go to college far less lonely and daunting. Exposure and representation are key components of the road to college.” 

Moving Forward Together

At Adelante Mujeres, we know that when young people are supported by their families and community, their dreams grow stronger and more possible. 

Events like the Chicas’ Journey to College remind us that the road to higher education is not walked alone. It is built through shared learning, encouragement, and the courage of families who show up for one another.