Latin American Educational Foundation

The Latin American Educational Foundation (LAEF) is a Denver, CO-based nonprofit organization dedicated to removing financial barriers to higher education for Latino students across Colorado. Since 1949, LAEF has developed comprehensive pathways to college access through its core services: scholarship funding, ongoing student support and advisement, and community collaboration initiatives. In 2025 alone, LAEF awarded 144 scholarships totaling $401,000 to deserving students, with over 7 million dollars distributed across more than 7,000 scholarships throughout its 76-year history.

LAEF's multi-faceted approach addresses the systemic barriers Latino students face in pursuing higher education. The organization provides direct financial support to mitigate tuition costs, delivers personalized guidance to students and families navigating the college process, and establishes strategic partnerships within Colorado communities to expand educational opportunities. With scholars representing every corner of Colorado—from the Denver Metro area to the Eastern Plains, Northern, Southern, and Western regions—LAEF demonstrates a statewide commitment to educational equity.

The foundation's work is grounded in core values of community engagement, equity, integrity, leadership development, and ganas—a deep commitment to actualizing the dreams of Colorado Latino students. LAEF focuses specifically on first-generation college students, with 78 percent of its 2025 scholars being the first in their families to attend college. By combining scholarship resources with wraparound support services, LAEF empowers Latino scholars to achieve their highest potential and contribute meaningfully to Colorado's future.