Arizona Educators Work to Ease College Transition for Latino Students

ASU program helps high schoolers feel at home on campus before enrollment

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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Arizona State University's School of Transborder Studies is partnering with educators around the state to give Latino high school students the opportunity to visit the ASU Tempe campus, attend lectures, meet instructors, and tour the facilities. The goal is to help these students feel more relaxed and confident about the transition from high school to college, especially those who may be the first in their family to attend university.

Why it matters

Many Latino students, particularly those who are first-generation college-goers or predominantly Spanish-speaking, can find the prospect of attending a large university intimidating. This program aims to break down those barriers and create a sense of belonging so more Latino students feel empowered to pursue higher education.

The details

The program, run through the Mexican American Student Services Department at Tucson Unified School District, brings groups of high school students to the ASU Tempe campus. There, they attend sample lectures, meet with instructors, and tour the facilities to get a feel for what college life is like. College and career readiness specialist Mario Aguilar Buenrostro says this helps "desensitize the kids" and let them know what to expect when they arrive on campus.

  • The program has been running for several years, helping Latino high school students prepare for the transition to college.

The players

Arizona State University's School of Transborder Studies

An academic department at ASU focused on issues related to the U.S.-Mexico border region.

Mario Aguilar Buenrostro

A college and career readiness specialist and dual-enrollment instructor for the Mexican American Student Services Department at the Tucson Unified School District.

Tucson Unified School District

The school district serving the city of Tucson, Arizona.

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What they’re saying

“Create this sense of belonging for students, specifically because there is that historically systemic segregation that happens for Latino students in academic paths.”

— Mario Aguilar Buenrostro, College and career readiness specialist (Public News Service)

“A lot of these students are first generation. Some of these students are also predominantly Spanish speaking. So, that in itself deters students from potentially making that path to college.”

— Mario Aguilar Buenrostro, College and career readiness specialist (Public News Service)

The takeaway

By giving Latino high school students an up-close look at college life, this program aims to make the transition to higher education feel more accessible and welcoming. Helping these students, many of whom are first-generation college-goers, overcome the intimidation factor can open the door to greater educational opportunities and outcomes.