This paper focuses on issues of providing access to higher education for the Latino community, especially in the state of Illinois. In Illinois, as in other states, Hispanic representation in higher education continues to lag, and Latinos are less likely than other minorities to attend or graduate from college. Northeastern Illinois University addressed this issue, as well as its commitment towards community development, by creating a graduate program with the aim of responding to leadership needs and administrative goals of Chicago's Latino teachers. While Latino graduate enrollment has increased slightly, Hispanics are still underrepresented among students who complete education at the graduate level. Subsequently, the university created an outreach program to serve the Latino community which surrounds the university campus. This program, now the Educational Resource Center, continues to grow and is attracting and recruiting neighborhood youth and non-traditional students for admission to classes at this site. Since academic year 1997-98 the Center has focused on a graduate education program for Latino teachers. (JM)