A legacy of learning: The Hispanic Mother-Daughter Program makes an impact on student success

It’s Hispanic Heritage Month, the time of year when we celebrate the culture and contributions of Hispanic and Latinx communities. This month, to highlight the accomplishments of Latinx students on campus, Arizona State University’s Educational Outreach and Student Services is spotlighting an incredible program originally started to serve Hispanic mothers and daughters in Arizona: the Hispanic Mother-Daughter Program. 

The Hispanic Mother-Daughter Program, affectionately known as HMDP, is “an early-outreach middle and high school program designed to increase the number of first-generation Arizona students who are qualified and prepared to enroll at ASU.” By encouraging academic excellence and family involvement, HMDP sets future Sun Devils up for success. 

Leslie Linarte Luna, a second-year student studying public service and public policy through the Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions, first heard about the Hispanic Mother-Daughter Program in seventh grade. 

“I was in my physical education class one day, and they pulled a group of us, sat us down, and explained to us what the program was,” Luna said. “I went home and told my mom about it. We applied, went through the interview process, and were eventually admitted to the program.” 

Counselors and teachers across Arizona schools are encouraged to inform 7th to 12th-grade students about HDMP and serve as a resource for those who apply. Students eventually accepted into the program attend workshops and events that promote college readiness. 

At the center of the program is a focus on the mother-daughter relationship, fostering a lasting sense of unity while pursuing higher education. Luna noted the ways HDMP impacted her connection with her mother. 

“Coming from an immigrant family, there are a lot of disconnects between how things are in the United States and how they are back in Mexico,”  Luna said. “The program helped strengthen the relationship I had with my mom, especially as I was trying to communicate what was happening with school and why I was stressed.” 

Outreach initiatives offered through EOSS are important because they work to improve education outcomes across the state. The Hispanic Mother-Daughter Program is no different. 

“Latinos are a growing population in the United States,” Luna said. “Having educational programs, especially for parents who are unfamiliar with the college process, is so important so they can be active participants in their students’ education.” 

Outside of establishing connections with parents, HMDP also provides the students with the support they need to successfully navigate university life. 

“I also think having a program that supports students who might not know what they’re doing, especially when they’re first-generation college students, is extremely helpful,” Luna said. “That way, they have a support system to guide them through the college process, even if they can’t rely on their family.” 

After going through the HMDP, Luna started studying at ASU, looking to continue her dedicated mission toward spreading education and awareness. 

“What it came down to for me was wanting to create some sort of change through legal systems,” Luna said. “Advocacy and empowerment plays a big part in that. There are a lot of young people that don’t know how to have their voice heard, and that’s something I really want to help with.” 

One day, Luna hopes to work in the public sector, fulfilling her interest in educational policy. 

While the program helped Luna grow closer to her mother, she was also able to establish connections with peers and eventually went on to work for the Hispanic Mother-Daughter Program. 

When asked to comment on the shift from program participant to program worker, Luna expressed an appreciation for both opportunities. 

“It’s interesting to see what goes on behind the scenes,” Luna said. “There’s a lot of office administrative work, but I also get to help support students. I have nothing but good things to say about it.” 

To help incoming students prepare for their time in the Hispanic Mother-Daughter Program, Luna offered some advice she learned through her own experiences. 

“It’s all about having a good balance between wanting to set yourself up from success while at the same time taking care of yourself,” Luna said. “Enjoy your high school experience while still working toward your collegiate future.” 

While the program was initially designed for Hispanic mothers and daughters, it has since expanded, incorporating students of all genders and ethnicities. To be involved in HMDP, participants must make a five-year commitment to the program. Once accepted, parents and their students will attend in-person and digital workshops from “the student’s 8th grade year through to the completion of 12th grade.”

To learn more or apply to the Hispanic Mother-Daughter Program, visit the program’s informational website.