Latin Americans Working for Achievement

Latin Americans Working for Achievement (LAWA) delivers comprehensive scholarship and college readiness programs designed to support Latino youth in Charlotte, NC. As Charlotte's first organization dedicated specifically to Latino student success, LAWA provides direct financial support through scholarships while equipping students with the knowledge and mentorship needed to navigate higher education pathways. The organization collaborates with high schools, colleges, universities, and corporate partners to offer workshops that introduce students to diverse educational options including trade programs, vocational training, associate degree pathways, and four-year university programs. LAWA's structured approach includes family mentoring throughout the college application process, ensuring both students and their families receive comprehensive guidance. The scholarship program emphasizes undergraduate completion through intentional application and renewal processes that encourage persistence. By combining financial assistance with career exploration workshops and personalized mentoring, LAWA addresses critical gaps in post-secondary preparation for Latino communities in the Charlotte region. The organization's evidence-based programs focus on measurable outcomes: closing academic achievement gaps, improving high school graduation rates, and increasing post-secondary enrollment and completion. Whether students are exploring vocational opportunities or preparing for university admission, LAWA provides the integrated support system necessary for educational advancement and workforce readiness in Charlotte, NC.