A small team of parents will offer college and career support tailored to Indiana’s Hispanic communities. It’s a new outreach initiative announced Wednesday from the state’s GEAR UP program and the Commission for Higher Education.

The five Padres Estrellas – or “Star Parents” – are spread out across the state with a goal of helping middle school students apply for the 21st Century Scholars program. It provides up to four years of tuition for low-income students. They will also help families and local organizations access training funds through the Next Level Jobs Workforce Ready grant.

Alfonso Vidal serves on the Commission for Higher Education. He says it’ll be an especially great resource for second-generation immigrant families who might not have the necessary support.

“[The key is] bridging that gap and making sure that the parents understand how they can help the kids and the kids of course have the ability to go and reach to the higher level,” he says.

A report from the Commission for Higher Education shows an increasing number of high school graduates are Hispanic. However, many come from low-income households and don’t attend college.

Contact Justin at jhicks@wvpe.org or follow him on Twitter at @Hicks_JustinM.