Verizon Stories: Mario Acosta-Velez & The Latino Student Fund

Feeling isolated in the midst of the pandemic, graduating senior Stephanie Duque turned to the Latino Student Fund (LSF) for out of school enrichment, professional opportunities, and assistance through the college application process.

LSF is a Washington, DC based organization that is committed to providing year-round, out-of-school-time programs for low-income, at-risk students and their families with the goal of increasing levels of educational attainment in the community.

Stephanie remarked “Living through a very isolating pandemic, this program was able to help me feel connected to my peers and provided opportunities we don’t always have as students of color. As a graduating senior I’m grateful to have had the LSF guide me with the next steps for my education with the support of Verizon.”

Verizon is proud to partner with LSF in pursuit of more robust educational opportunities for students. As LSF President and CEO Maria Fernanda Borja remarked, “the LSF has always known that moving a community forward shouldn’t just be on the shoulders of our future generation of leaders, but should be accomplished when children and adults can come together to improve their environment.”