Aimed at engaging young scholars in the possibilities of higher education, the Latino Business Student Association (LBSA) led several high school outreach initiatives in the Riverside area. Ernesto Sanchez ’22, the organization’s community service director, initiated this opportunity for LBSA members and emphasized its importance as part of the group’s mission to inspire future generations of students to pursue higher education.
“Community service means much more than a simple beach cleanup day. That’s not what is most impactful,” he says. “I organized these events to spread our knowledge to high school students open to our guidance.” His words reflected the organization’s deeper philosophy that mentorship and direct interaction can help break down barriers many young people face when considering college. By visiting schools, LBSA members were able to make higher education feel more accessible and relatable.
Throughout the spring quarter, LBSA members dedicated their time to visiting AVID classes at Ramona High School. AVID programs are designed to prepare students for college, and the LBSA presentations fit seamlessly into that mission. Rather than focusing solely on academic requirements, the LBSA members approached the seminars with an emphasis on personal storytelling. They shared their unique paths to UCR, including the struggles they faced and the lessons they learned along the way. This approach helped students connect with the presenters on a human level, showing them that higher education is attainable despite challenges.
“I was born in Peru and immigrated with my family to Riverside in 2007 when I was seven,” says Maricielo Lozada Maguina ’22. “I transferred to UCR from Riverside Community College in 2020. What stood out to me about the School of Business is that we all come from different backgrounds, yet each of us have arrived here.” Lozada’s story demonstrated the diversity of experiences within the School of Business and served as an example for students who might be navigating similar transitions.
Acting as the Finance Director for LBSA, Lozada also played a crucial role in ensuring the success of the outreach initiative. She was responsible for gathering the funds necessary to make their project possible. With support from directors at the School of Business, UCR’s LGBT Resource Center, and Chicano Student Programs, LBSA was able to secure donations of items that were raffled during the college presentations. These contributions not only added excitement to the events but also reinforced the sense of community that exists within UCR.
“We had School of Business branded pins, pens, and shirts to distribute to students who participated,” Lozada says. “They had so many questions and encouraged their classmates to express their concerns [about college] as well.” These interactions created a safe and engaging environment where high school students could voice their thoughts and gain confidence about taking the next step in their education.
In addition to outreach and presentations, LBSA members took further action to support local students financially. Through their own fundraising efforts, the organization awarded scholarships to two graduating seniors from Ramona High School. These scholarships represented LBSA’s commitment not only to encouraging students but also to providing tangible resources to help them succeed.
“We dedicated a Tuesday office hour to sit one-on-one with prospective scholarship recipients and discuss their college plans,” Sanchez says. “Most of them anticipate being first-generation college students. It was important to go out and show the youth in our community that they can do it.” By taking the time to meet individually with students, LBSA provided personalized guidance and reinforced the idea that college is a realistic and achievable goal.
The Latino Business Student Association continues to expand its presence both on campus and in the surrounding community. By blending mentorship, financial support, and authentic storytelling, the organization demonstrates the impact student-led groups can have when they dedicate themselves to service. Their efforts at Ramona High School are just one example of the powerful influence that LBSA has in shaping the future of local students.
For more information on Latino Business Student Association membership, visit @lbsariverside on Instagram or email executivead.lbsa.ucr@gmail.com.
