Irene Cruz, Summer Search

VPR Director of Operations Sean Bielawski speaks with Batten Latinx Network president Jasmine Rangel (MPP '21) and one of the Batten Latinx Network's founders Brian Zuluaga (BA '20) about the first generation college student experience (2:55). Then, Jasmine and Sean speak with Irene Cruz of Summer Search (25:43), a nationwide nonprofit that works with first-generation college students from low-income communities facing systemic barriers to earning a college degree. Related Reading Summer Search (link) 'Harry Potter of Batten' Has Left an Indelible Mark (link) Acknowledgments Music: Blue Dot Sessions Voiceover: Zach Mendez Editing: Sean Bielawski Disclaimer Although this organization has members who are University of Virginia students and may have University employees associated or engaged in its activities and affairs, the organization is not a part of or an agency of the University. It is a separate and independent organization which is responsible for and manages its own activities and affairs. The University does not direct, supervise, or control the organization and is not responsible for the organization's contracts, acts, or omissions.