Al Exito

Calling all volunteers!

This July, Al Éxito University is bringing together Latinx youth from across Iowa for a powerful college and career readiness experience, and we need 60 volunteers to help students take an important step toward their futures.

Volunteers will work one-on-one with students to write, review, and strengthen the first drafts of their scholarship essays. You do not need to be a professional writer. We will provide training, guidance, and everything you need to support students with encouragement, thoughtful feedback, and confidence.

Iowa State University
July 28
3:00–7:00 PM
Training and food provided

Your time and insight could help a student tell their story, recognize their strengths, and feel more prepared to pursue scholarships and higher education.

Sign up by scanning the QR code or visiting alexitoiowa.org.

Please share this opportunity with educators, professionals, college students, writers, mentors, and community members who believe in investing in the next generation of Iowa leaders.

🎓 Join us as we celebrate the next generation of leaders!

On June 28, Al Éxito will recognize nine outstanding Mary E. Campos Scholarship Recipients who are preparing to take the next step in their educational journeys. You’ll hear directly from our scholars about their goals, dreams, and the impact scholarship support has on their futures.

Whether you’re a donor, supporter, family member, educator, or friend, we invite you to join us for this special virtual celebration.

Al Éxito Mary E. Campos Scholarship Virtual Awards Ceremony
📅 June 28, 2026
🕒 10- 11 a.m
💻 Virtual via Zoom
🔗 Register here: https://givebutter.com/MECAwards26

Help us celebrate these incredible students by liking, sharing, and joining us online!

🎓 ¡Acompáñanos a celebrar a la próxima generación de líderes!

El 28 de junio, Al Éxito reconocerá a nueve estudiantes destacados, beneficiarios de becas, que se preparan para dar el siguiente paso en su trayectoria educativa. Durante el evento, escucharás directamente a nuestros becarios hablar sobre sus metas, sueños y el impacto que el apoyo de las becas tiene en su futuro.

Ya seas donante, colaborador, familiar, educador o amigo, te invitamos a asistir a esta celebración virtual tan especial.

📅 28 de junio de 2026
🕒 10- 11 a.m
💻 Virtual a través de Zoom
🔗 Regístrate aquí: https://givebutter.com/MECAwards26

¡Ayúdanos a celebrar a estos estudiantes increíbles dándoles like, compartiendo la publicación y acompañándonos en línea!

Al Éxito University is seeking community members, professionals, educators, entrepreneurs, college students, and youth advocates interested in leading youth-centered speaking engagements or workshops for students ages 14–18 from across Iowa.

We are currently accepting Call for Proposal submissions and are looking for presenters who can make topics related to college readiness, career readiness, leadership, identity, financial literacy, goal-setting, networking, professional skills, and life after high school engaging, interactive, and relevant for high school students.

Our goal is to provide students with meaningful conversations, hands-on learning, relatable stories, and practical tools that help them see what is possible for their future.

Potential workshop topics may include:

College preparation and campus life
Career exploration and career pathways
Resume building and interview skills
Scholarships, financial aid, and money management
Leadership, confidence, and self-advocacy
Identity, culture, and belonging
Networking, mentorship, and professional communication
Turning lived experience into purpose

We welcome proposals from individuals who are passionate about supporting Latino, immigrant-connected, and first-generation students.

Please submit a proposal or share this opportunity with someone who would be a strong fit.

Proposal link: https://forms.gle/fLEJBemqaDn8Jjaw6
Deadline to submit: Sunday June 14th, 2026
Location: Al Exito University will be hosted at Iowa State University this summer!

Tag someone who would be excellent in front of students and help us create a meaningful experience for the next generation of leaders.

Thank you to Community Youth Concepts uVoice students for selecting Al Èxito for this grant! 🎉

Congratulations to Movimiento leaders Regina and Katherine on their graduation!

Al Éxito is thrilled to welcome Giselle Sancen Valero to the team as Program Manager.

Giselle Sancen Valero is a proud first-generation Latina, immigrant from Mexico, and community-centered leader.

She was raised in Iowa, and her lived experience navigating identity, language, and systemic barriers fuels her commitment to equity, education, and creating spaces where young people can thrive authentically.

She is a graduate of Grand View University and has built her career at the intersection of youth development, behavioral health, and community engagement. She values her work as a Behavioral Health Intervention Services (BHIS) provider, supporting youth and families in developing emotional regulation, communication skills, and confidence. Through individualized and family-centered work, she helps young people navigate complex environments while strengthening their sense of identity, belonging, and self-worth.

Giselle is passionate about expanding access to opportunity, amplifying youth voices, and building culturally responsive programs that reflect the lived experiences of the communities they serve. Al Éxito is thrilled to have her on the team!

We are so proud of Al Èxito student, William! Congratulations on this big accomplishment!

William Leiva-Mercado (Des Moines, Iowa) will be the student speaker at the Ivy Convocation Ceremony on May 15. William is graduating from Iowa State with a bachelor of science in management information systems and business analytics, magna cm laude. William has accepted a position with Land O'Lakes, Inc., as a data analyst in their IT talent acceleration program in Arden Hills, Minnesota.

William is wearing a shirt and stole from student organizations that have played important roles in his life. He’s been involved with Al Exito since 6th grade and served as president of the Multicultural Business Network at Iowa State.

Join us TOMORROW for Al Éxito Night with the Des Moines Menace on May 9! Free tickets!

Soccer is back, and we’re kicking off the season with an exciting opportunity for our Al Éxito community!

Join us on May 9 for a special night with the Des Moines Menace as we celebrate Latino Heritage Night. Al Éxito students, families, and friends receive FREE tickets!

This will be a high-energy, family-friendly event filled with culture and fun, including:

LED rally towel giveaway for the first 500 fans

Live appearances by luchador wrestlers Latin Thunder and Corn Boi

A vibrant celebration of Latino culture, community, and pride

We hope to see our Al Éxito families and friends show up strong, represent, and enjoy a night of connection and celebration together.

Follow this link to register for your free tickets:
https://www.gofevo.com/event/AlExitoMenaceMay9

Join us for Al Éxito Night with the Des Moines Menace on May 9! Free tickets!

Soccer is back, and we’re kicking off the season with an exciting opportunity for our Al Éxito community!

Join us on May 9 for a special night with the Des Moines Menace as we celebrate Latino Heritage Night. Al Éxito students, families, and friends receive FREE tickets!

This will be a high-energy, family-friendly event filled with culture and fun, including:

LED rally towel giveaway for the first 500 fans

Live appearances by luchador wrestlers Latin Thunder and Corn Boi

A vibrant celebration of Latino culture, community, and pride

We hope to see our Al Éxito families and friends show up strong, represent, and enjoy a night of connection and celebration together.

Follow this link to register for your free tickets:
https://www.gofevo.com/event/AlExitoMenaceMay9