STUDENT VOICES - Improving Latino students’ college level skills in math, reading, writing, and critical thinking while developing leadership skills Latin American Recruitment and Educational Services (LARES) Program, University of Illinois at Chicago The LARES (Latin American Recruitment and Educational Services) Program was founded in 1975 to improve Latino students’ college level skills in math, reading, writing, and critical thinking while developing leadership skills. The LARES program also collaborates with schools, community colleges, social services and community agencies to facilitate college access. In the past 10 years, Latino freshmen enrollment at UIC has increased by 80% and since the Fall of 1991, the six-year Latino graduation rate increased from 25% to 49%. During recruitment season, LARES assisted more than 10,000 prospective students.
