Resources for Students

Students at two and four year colleges and universities are encouraged to attend Latino Unity Day! It’s a powerful opportunity to meet and get to know other advocates and lawmakers, learn about the issues impacting Latinos in Illinois, and together build political power and momentum for the changes we want to see in our state. 

Civic engagement has never been more important for Latinos and our allies. Read on for advice on how to get support from your school to attend Latino Unity Day. 

To apply for a waiver for the cost of registration, go HERE.

Know exactly how much you need:

• Registration is $125 per person
  College students can apply to waive the cost of registration by filling out this form. If approved, you will receive a discount code to register. 
• Transportation
  A free bus will be available on Day 2, May 6. You will have the opportunity to sign up when you register. 
• Lodging (if you are staying overnight)
• Meals

Start with these campus resources:

• Cultural Centers (Latino/Latinx Student Center)
• Latino Studies / Ethnic Studies Departments
• Student Government / Student Activities Office
• Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI) Offices
• Civic Engagement or Leadership Programs
• Academic advisors or supportive faculty

How to Increase Your Chances:

• Ask multiple offices (funding can be combined!)
• Partner with student organizations:
  • Latino student orgs
  • Pre-law / political groups
  • Social justice clubs
• Apply as a group → stronger case for impact
• Emphasize:
  • Campus representation
  • Leadership development
  • Bringing knowledge back to campus

Funding Request Template

Use the following template to formally ask for support.

Dear [Office/Department Name],

My name is [Your Name], and I am a student at [School Name]. I am writing to request financial support to attend Latino Unity Day on May 5-6 in Springfield, IL.

Latino Unity Day is a day and a half of community, advocacy, and leadership development. It brings together students, advocates, government leaders, and community members to learn about the issues impacting Latino communities in Illinois and to build the skills needed to advocate for meaningful policy change.

Attending this event would allow me to:

• Engage in civic leadership and advocacy
• Learn about policies impacting Latino communities
• Represent our campus and bring back knowledge to share with peers

This experience is especially important as civic engagement continues to shape our communities. Supporting students like me ensures that Latino voices are represented and empowered.

I am requesting $[TOTAL AMOUNT], which includes:

• Registration, $125 per person (Unless you applied for and received a waiver) 
• Transportation, $[Enter Amount] 
• Lodging, $[Enter Amount]
• Meals, $[Enter Amount]

Thank you for considering my request. I would be happy to share more information or discuss this opportunity further.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

[Your Contact Info]

If Funding is Limited
If you don’t get full funding:

• Ask for partial support from multiple sources
• Fundraise with student organizations (events, donations, etc.)
• Turn it into a one day trip, instead of two, and remove the cost of lodging. 

Other ideas:

• Share costs with a group (carpool, shared hotel)
• Ask departments to sponsor specific parts (ex: one covers travel, another covers lodging)

Remember:

Advocating for yourself is part of civic engagement. Your voice and your presence matters.