Latino youth making strides in academics and technology

BOSTON -- Several trends have emerged within the Latino student community that demand additional support for youth. Significantly lower MCAS scores, poor high school student retention rates and language barriers have positioned Latino students at an educational disadvantage to their peers.

In response to the disproportionate amount of academic challenges facing Greater Boston’s Latino youth, United Way of Massachusetts Bay (UWMB) partnered with the Child Care Resource Center tocreate the Latino After-School Initiative (LASI) and establish a network of strong, supportive after-school programs that serve Latino children ages 7-14 years old. Since its inception three years ago, LASI has grown to a network of seven sites serving 215 Latino youth in Boston, Cambridge, Chelsea and Lynn.

On Saturday, May 22, United Way’s Latino After-School Initiative hosted a panel discussion about the opportunities and challenges facing Latino youth. Following the panel discussion, a special celebration recognized more than 200 Latino students who have shown improvement in academic subjects and skill-building projects like science and mathematics, robotics and technology, digital and multi-media projects, art, and computer-based research and games. The event took place at the Museum of Science, a key sponsor of the celebration. Other sponsors include Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, Child Care Resource Center, Inc., Citizens Bank, Mellon New England and Wells Fargo Home Mortgage.

The morning panel featured Massachusetts State Senator Jarrett T. Barrios and Mary Jo Marión, Associate Director of the Mauricio Gastón Institute at the University of Massachusetts Boston. The discussion, moderated by JAM’N 94.5 radio personality Ramiro Torres, also featured young people participating in LASI and Jesus Gerena, a youth community organizer at Hyde Square Task Force.

LASI aims to build on the intelligence and skills found within the Latino youth community so that students have both the academic and character competencies to succeed in high school and beyond. LASI site coordinators and teachers are trained to embrace and nurture individual learning styles and abilities. Students work on projects that encourage problem-solving skills and focus their unique talents and cultural contributions through specific activities and curricula.