Purpose
The
Youth Development Program, the core program of ASPIRA,
has been designed to promote the participation of
youth in developmental and motivational activities
and to provide supportive services necessary for academic
success and successful career achievement.
Objectives
The ASPIRA Youth Development Program activities that
are geared at fulfilling the following goals and objectives:
- To
construct an organizational structure of Puerto
Rican/ Latino youth composed of groups in high schools
and in neighborhoods of Puerto Rican and Latino
concentration, federated for the purpose of pooling
resources and strength, through which the youth
can learn effective problem-solving methods by learning
about and solving problems which affect them.
- To
advocate for the improvement of the education offered
Puerto Ricans and other Latino youth.
- To
help youth acquire leadership skills and self-identity.
- To
instill in Puerto Rican/Latino and minority youth
a stronger sense of responsibility and commitment
to they're own community, as well as, the community
at large.
- To
develop student leadership that will serve as an
example of responsible and productive citizens.
- To
maintain (12) High Schools and (9) Middle School
ASPIRA Leadership Clubs.
Services
To teach youths problem-solving techniques and its
relevance to self-development and to organizational
development effects on the student population.
- To
provide concrete career and vocational counseling
in determining their future goals.
- To
institute a series of workshops, lectures and conferences
that addresses their Bilingual/bicultural needs.
- To
create and promote cultural awareness that instills
a sense of pride and dignity in youngsters that
are ashamed or have rejected their native heritage.
- To
assist youth in attaining placement in vocational
or career oriented employment opportunities and
institutions of higher education.
Program
made possible by
Government and private funding at $350.00 per student
Program
Contacts
Miguel Meléndez, Director
of Leadership & After-School Programs
Priscilla
Torres, Youth Development Coordinator
Jonathan Centeno, Youth Development Facilitator
Dashia Del Rosario, Youth Development Facilitator
