Check Out Activities for ESOL Youth

Sociedad Latina:

Through Pathways to Success, Sociedad Latina provides youth with nine years of comprehensive, free year-round programming that utilizes culturally and linguistically responsive practices to leverage their strengths and assets, such as bilingualism, high aspirations, resilience, and strong family and community connections. Their approach collaborates with families and a broad network of cross-sector partnerships to enhance young people’s skills and knowledge in the following areas:

Education: Supports youth and their families from middle school through high school and into college, with a focus on assisting English learners.

Civic Engagement: Amplifies grassroots Latine leadership on issues that impact youth lives and opportunities, including education reform, health equity, and community development.

Workforce Development: Equips youth for careers in fields where Latines are underrepresented, such as healthcare, public service, the arts, STEM, and entrepreneurship.

Arts & Culture: Provides high-quality opportunities to create and engage with art across various disciplines, emphasizing Latine cultural traditions.

This year-round afterschool and summer program involves young people aged 14-18 as Youth Community Organizers (YCOs). These YCOs lead and execute bilingual, culturally relevant grassroots campaigns that engage, inform, and mobilize hundreds of community members and youth of color. Campaign topics include education reform, youth mental health, social media, and more.

YCOs undergo rigorous community organizing training and participate in bi-monthly activities focused on work readiness, academic skills development and cultural exploration.

To Learn More About Youth Community Organizing, Click Here.

Year-round, afterschool and summer programs for middle school students combines education and enrichment to enhance academic performance, foster engagement in science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM), develop social-emotional skills, and explore STEM careers. Students receive homework assistance from college tutors and use STEAM to tackle community challenges through service-learning projects. They also have opportunities to celebrate their cultures and build positive relationships with adults. Many middle school participants move on to the Youth Leader Program when they enter high school.

To Learn More About STEAM Team, Click Here.

This year-round afterschool program focuses on academic support and postsecondary success to encourage on-time graduation and facilitate access to higher education. They provide tutoring, homework assistance, mentoring, and support throughout the college application process, along with workshops on essential skills for long-term academic achievement, such as time management, communication, and effective study techniques. Each student works one-on-one with an academic case manager to create personalized plans for staying on track in school and achieving their educational goals.

To Learn More About Mission Possible, Click Here.

This year-round and summer program immerses young people ages 14-18 in a journey towards music mastery, fostering both academic and personal development. Participants receive intensive instruction in guitar, bass, drums, keyboard, and vocals, alongside lessons in music theory. They practice their instrument skills, compose original music, perform in ensembles, record a full-length album, and showcase their talents across the City. Additionally, Youth Artists organize monthly open mic events for the community. Through the BPS Art Expansion Initiative, youth also earn high school credit.

To Learn More About Youth Artists Mastery, Click Here.

This year-round afterschool and summer program involves young people aged 14-18 in delivering bilingual, culturally relevant health education activities and peer-to-peer workshops on sexual health, mental health, and physical wellness.

In collaboration with local hospitals, health centers, and community-based organizations, participants receive comprehensive training on health disparities and evidence-based interventions.

Equipped with this knowledge, they lead awareness campaigns, health and wellness activities, and sexual health workshops to help Latine families embrace healthier lifestyles.

To Learn More About Health Educators en Acción, Click Here.

This year-round afterschool and summer program involves young people aged 14-18 in executing bilingual, culturally relevant activities centered on environmental sustainability and food access. Using this expertise, they manage hydroponic systems within the building and the Tobin Community Center’s community garden, creating sustainable products from recycled textiles, conduct nutrition education workshops, and more.

To Learn More About Environmental and Food Justice, Click Here.

This Saturday Music Class involves community youth aged 8-18 in small group instruction for various instruments and dance, held in school settings. The classes are led by Sociedad Latina staff, former Youth Artists, and college work-study students from Berklee College of Music.

To Learn More About Community Classes, Click Here.

Sociedad Latina organizes year-round arts and cultural events for our community, offering opportunities to explore and celebrate diverse Latine traditions. These include free and open-to-the-public open mic nights and ensemble performances. Annual events, such as “Viva Nuestra Cultura” and “Viva! Summer Nights” at One Brigham Circle, are supported through collaborations with Massachusetts College of Art and Design and Berklee College of Music, along with the Museum of Fine Arts.

To Learn More About Viva La Cultural, Click Here.

Bilingual College & Career Access

Inquilinos Boricuas en Acción (IBA):

IBA is a non-profit organization and vibrant community development corporation that began in the South End neighborhood of Boston to combat the displacement of low-income families caused by urban development. IBA provides affordable housing and supportive programs aimed at enhancing social and economic mobility for the families they serve.

IBA’s Mission:

IBA empowers individuals and families to improve their lives and achieve socio-economic mobility through high-quality affordable housing, education, financial empowerment, resident support, and arts programs.

IBA’s Vision:

IBA envisions an affordable housing community that is inclusive and welcoming, providing safe and healthy homes for low- and moderate-income individuals and families in Boston. Founded in 1968 by Puerto Rican activists, IBA today embraces and celebrates its culturally diverse community while preserving and promoting Latino culture and heritage. This mission is made possible by the leadership and commitment of IBA’s staff and residents, who share a strong sense of ownership in the organization and the community’s growth.

With housing at its core, IBA also helps individuals and families escape the cycle of poverty and attain socio-economic mobility through high-quality, evidence-based education, arts, and financial empowerment programs. By integrating real estate projects with education and the arts, IBA serves as a national model of excellence for merging affordable housing with comprehensive community programming.

Values & Guiding Principles:

IBA’s core values define what is important to them as an organization and form the foundation of IBA’s beliefs and culture:

  • IBA advocates for justice, equity, and inclusion, practicing these values in their relationships with staff, residents, and partners.
  • IBA believes that safe and sustainable affordable housing is essential for a healthy community.
  • IBA asserts that equitable access to education and socio-economic resources is fundamental for individual and community empowerment.
  • IBA promotes the arts to celebrate and honor their Latino identity, history, and impact, as well as the cultural identities and histories of their globally diverse community.
  • IBA is committed to developing leaders within their organization and community.
  • IBA amplifies their efforts and impact through partnerships aligned with their mission.

How IBA Impacts Lives:

IBA believes that education and living in a healthy, safe, and culturally vibrant environment is crucial for individual and community empowerment. This belief drives their team, along with neighbors, donors, funders, lenders, friends, and volunteers, to collaborate in providing multicultural housing, education, and arts programs to all who need and qualify for their services. Their primary focus is the people in their community, and they strive to deliver evidence-based programs for children, youth, adults, and seniors to enhance their quality of life and create opportunities for social and economic mobility.


LaCCA Empowers Latine Youth for College and Career Success

The Latine College and Career Access Network (LaCCA) is a collaborative initiative led by member organizations of the Greater Boston Latino Network (GBLN), including Inquilinos Boricuas en Acción (IBA), Hyde Square Task Force, Boston HERC, Sociedad Latina, and EBCC. LaCCA’s mission is to empower Latine youth in Boston by providing them with the resources and opportunities essential for success in education and careers. Latine students represent the largest demographic in Boston Public Schools, comprising 42% of the student body. However, they also face significant challenges, with lower graduation rates and college enrollment compared to their peers. This achievement gap has been further widened by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has seen a sharper decline in college enrollment rates among Latine students than other groups.

LaCCA’s Solutions: The College & Career Pathways Initiative

LaCCA’s College & Career Pathways Initiative offers a comprehensive ranger of programs aimed at empowering Latine youth as they pursue academic and professional success.

Family Engagement: LaCCA recognizes the essential role families play in supporting their children’s education. They provide workshops and resources tailored for parents and caregivers, equipping them with the tools and knowledge necessary to advocate for their children’s educational success.

Mentoring: They connect youth with mentors who share similar interests and career aspirations. Mentors provide social-emotional support and guidance, assisting youth in preparing for college applications and exploring career options.

Skill Building & Exploration: Through their Work Readiness & Life Skills curriculum, designed specifically for Latine and Spanish-speaking youth, participants develop essential skills in areas such as financial literacy, career planning, and communication. They also offer various career exploration activities, including career panels and job shadowing, to help youth discover their various passions and interests.

Sector-Specific Training: LaCCA provides sector-specific training programs that equip youth with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in their chosen career fields. These programs feature hands-on projects implemented within the community, allowing participants to gain practical experience while contributing positively.

Internship Placements: As a key component of the program, LaCCA participants are placed in internships with cross-sector partners throughout Boston. These internships offer valuable on-the-job experience and help youth expand their professional networks. Participants also create a portfolio that highlights their skills and accomplishments, which can be used for college applications.

Academic Case Management: LaCCA understands the importance of academic success in achieving college and career aspirations. Through academic case management, participants receive continuous academic support, assistance with college access and applications processes, and guidance on postsecondary success programs. They also provide comprehensive wraparound support services to ensure participants have the resources they need to thrive.

To Learn More About LaCCA, Click Here.

IBA’s Creative Youth Development Program:

Promotes socio-emotional intellectual, and artistic growth in young people aged 14 to 18 while equipping them with essential 21st-century skills for success. In fact, the program received national recognition in 2016 from former First Lady Michelle Obama with a National Arts and Humanities Youth Program Award.

Program Schedule:
IBA’s Creative Youth Development Program employs youth as peer leaders, hiring 40 during the school year and 30 in the summer.

School Cycle Description: October to May (28 weeks), Monday through Friday

Daily Workshops: Their art workshops include poetry and spoken word, photography and videography, visual arts, movement, and entrepreneurship, all tailored to the interests and needs of youth. They also offer Life Skills workshops, academic support, and community service opportunities. Every aspect of their programming emphasizes social justice and civic engagement, encouraging participants to organize, advocate, and use the arts to raise awareness about issues affecting them and the community.

Summer Program Description:

July and August, Monday through Friday

If you’re looking for a summer job apply to IBA’s Creative Youth Development Program (YDP), an exciting opportunity for high school teens to join a community of young leaders working together to foster positive change. Participants will engage in workshops on community building, art, and leadership, and take part in community action projects and impactful seminars that empower them to become agents of change.

The program offers academic support, job readiness, arts education, leadership training, and opportunities for civic engagement and advocacy. In a safe environment, youth are encouraged to make decisions, plan and develop programs and events, facilitate discussions, and create art portfolios. They build on their resilience and strengths to help youth improve their grades, complete high school, and pursue post-secondary education.

For more information, please contact Alyssa Perea, Youth Development Programs Manager, at (617) 535-1774 or alyssa@ibaboston.org

To Learn More About IBA’s Creative Youth Development Program, Click Here.