Verso L'Alto

A Catholic higher education program for Latino youth in the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis.

Reach Higher Heights

Going to college is about learning new skills, thinking big, and pursuing a career. It is also about developing your character, going deeper in your faith, and serving others. It's about reaching higher heights!

Verso L'Alto, which means "into the heights," is a pathway program for Latino high school students who are wondering, "What do I do next?"

It's a program where we help you prepare for college and your future while providing opportunities to discover higher heights along the way.

Join Us

To be considered for the Verso L'Alto program you must:

Be a high school junior or senior
Have a minimum 3.0 GPA
Have demonstrated leadership skills
Be interested in a college education and Catholic Studies at the University of St. Thomas
Receive approval from your parish pastor
Submit an application
Commit to monthly evening meetings during the academic year at the University of St. Thomas

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Deadlines reflect fall and spring program start dates.

Fall: September 1
Spring: January 31

Verso L'Alto Pillars

College Immersion

Get a taste of what it is like to live, work, and study at a private Catholic university by attending social and academic opportunities with your high school peers at the University of St. Thomas. Monthly gatherings may include small group discussions, financial aid night, mock classes, panels with current students, a talent show, or guest speakers, providing you with a window into campus life.

FAITH-FILLED COMMUNITY

In addition to on-campus social events with your friends and peer mentors, opportunities are available to Verso L'Alto participants to deepen your faith, including an annual retreat and evening prayer.

COLLEGE TUITION SCHOLARSHIP

Once you have successfully completed the Verso L'Alto program in high school and you are ready to apply to college, you may qualify for a four-year tuition scholarship. First, apply to the University of St. Thomas. Once you are accepted, complete your application to the Catholic Studies Guadalupe's Scholars Program. Awards are based on your overall financial aid package and need. Don't worry. We will help you and your family navigate the entire process!

PEER-TO-PEER MENTORSHIP

You are not alone! A key part of the Verso L'Alto program is one-on-one mentorship with a Latino college student who shares a similar background and life experience with you. They are pursuing a variety of professional and academic fields, and they are ready to help you get into college and show you how to flourish once you arrive.

Reaching Higher Heights

Seeing a growing need to help the local Archdiocese Latino youth aspire to higher education, in 2018 Father Joseph Williams, vicar for the Archdiocese’s Latino ministries, proposed expanding a partnership between Habiger Institute Latino Scholars and the Church of St. Stephen’s in south Minneapolis to support high schoolers in parishes who hope to pursue a four-year degree at a Catholic university, specifically with St. Thomas Catholic Studies.

Read all about it in Lumen

"The higher we go, the better we shall hear the voice of Christ."

- Blessed Giorgio Frassati