César E. Chávez Leadership Institute celebrates 30 years of increasing access to higher education

The César E. Chávez Leadership Institute (CCLI) is celebrating a big milestone in 2025 — 30 years of increasing access to higher education for Arizona high school students.

In addition to advocating for the completion of high school and attending college, CCLI follows a mission to expose Arizona high school students entering their junior and senior year to a variety of enriching experiences that emphasize leadership development and civic engagement.

“For 30 years, CCLI has prepared Arizona youth to become leaders and university students who then shape their communities in far-reaching ways,” Marcelino Quiñonez, executive director for Access ASU, said. “The impact of the program goes beyond the days our participants stay at ASU because it’s an experience, community and legacy that follows them throughout their personal and professional lives.”

Since 1995, more than 1,300 students have benefited from participating in the program. We invite current and past CCLI participants to gather for a special event as we honor the impact of 30 years within ASU and the broader community:

César E. Chávez Leadership Institute 30 Year Anniversary

• Date: Saturday, October 11, 2025
• Time: 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
• Location: Memorial Union at the Arizona State University Tempe Campus 
• Contact [email protected] for registration information and questions.
• Registration link: https://specialevents.asu.edu/ereg/newreg.php?eventid=854469&

“For me, supporting a transformational program like CCLI is an incredible privilege and honor,” Quiñonez said. “Coming together to celebrate CCLI's 30-year anniversary is yet another opportunity to build on that powerful legacy.”

By honoring the rich history of CCLI, the 30-year event will provide time to recognize the incredible achievements of both alumni and current participants, while uplifting the community supporters who have fueled the program’s success.

Rising senior Guadelupe Olivia Martinez, who attends Tucson High School, was astounded by the connections she made during her first and second years at CCLI.

“CCLI touched on the importance of having a strong sense of who you are and how it really builds your identity. You also learn about financial literacy and college applications,” Martinez said.

“It’s a very heartwarming experience to know that I'm not alone and we all have similar yet different paths that we want to take in life, but in the end, we're all a community,” she added.

By investing in the CCLI program, ASU has increased the number of Arizona youth attending institutions of higher learning and provides high school students the means to explore their educational potential and leadership development skills by:

• Encouraging the pursuit of higher education as a vehicle for self-improvement and future leadership roles.
• Educating each participant on their importance to the growth and development of Arizona.
• Growing participant’s respect for self and others.
• Identifying, developing, and strengthening leadership skills for Arizona youth.

If you have any questions or would like to learn more about CCLI, please contact [email protected]