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Latino Education Institute Programs for all Ages

The LEI of Worcester State University provides a range of programs dedicated to supporting Worcester’s Latinx youth and their families, ensuring their success in both school and the broader community. Research has consistently shown that when parents and families actively engage in their children’s education, there are significant positive benefits for student learning outcomes.

For young Latinx children, many of whom have parents with limited English language proficiency and lower levels of education, effective parent/caregivers engagement strategies can play a vital role in enhancing their children’s academic achievements and career success.

Annually, we serve over 2,500 families through various initiatives covering education, literacy, leadership, civic engagement, health, and socio-emotional learning and growth. Research studies clearly indicate that engaging activities for parents/caregivers in early learning programs can equip them with essential tools to support their children’s learning in school and overall educational journey. 

 

Elementary School

A child with glasses writes on a colorful paper in a classroom, surrounded by cut-out shapes and other students.

ISLA

INNOVATIVE SERVICES FOR LATINO ACHIEVERS

Innovative Services for Latino Achievers (ISLA)  is an after-school program for grades 1-6 that focuses on literacy and math tutoring.

 

LASOS

LATINA ACHIEVERS IN SEARCH OF SUCCESS

Latina Achievers in Search of Success (LASOS) engages 6th grade Latina girls and their mothers in a resiliency-building program focusing on self-exploration, personal development, cultural enrichment, early college awareness, and career exploration.

> LEARN MORE about LEI Elementary School Programs

Middle School

Three students sit at a table drawing on white paper with pencils, surrounded by school supplies, near a window with a view outside.

ENLACE

ENCOURAGING LATINOS TO ACHIEVE EXCELLENCE

Encouraging Latinos to Achieve Excellence (ENLACE) inspires and transforms boys into scholars through life skills, personal development, educational and cultural enrichment, career exploration, early college awareness, and sports.

Aspire Summer Academy

ASPIRE is dedicated to engaging middle school students in positive youth development & enrichment opportunities during the summer, while assisting their families in their children’s academic success. Participants collaborate on community projects by addressing real-world challenges, and the program provides exposure to diverse careers and activities in STEM, arts, and advocacy.

> LEARN MORE about LEI Middle School Programs

High School

A group of young adults stand together outside a building with large windows and columns on a snowy day, posing for a group photo.

LIDER+

LATINOS INVOLVED IN DISCOVERING EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES+

Latinos Involved in Discovering Educational Resources + (LIDER+) is an inspiring after-school initiative that empowers Latino high school students and their families through a dual focus on college access and civic leadership.

 

> LEARN MORE about our LEI High School Program

 

Post-Secondary

Adults sit at desks in a classroom, writing on papers and listening to someone outside the frame. A blue wall is visible to the right, and a clock hangs above a door at the back.

 

CLUB E

CLUB EDUCACIóN

Club Educación (Club E) is an adult English as a second language (ESL) program that strives to increase the English proficiency and educational levels of parents and adults in order to fully realize the overall academic goals of the entire family. Adults also participate in a series of computer and financial literacy workshops, and job and career opportunities events.

Early College

Early College courses increase access to college and empower students that are traditionally underrepresented in higher education. The courses blend elements of high school and college in a clearly articulated pathway so participants have the opportunity to experience and complete college level academic coursework.  In this way, they simultaneously gain exposure and access to college and a variety of career opportunities. Early College courses also reduce the time and expense of earning college credentials. 

> LEARN MORE about LEI Post-Secondary Programs

Family and Community Engagement

A person in casual clothing poses with outstretched arms in a gymnasium, while seated people at round tables in the background watch and smile. A group of eight people, including children and adults, pose and smile in front of a festive, holiday-themed backdrop with lights and wreaths.

 

 

Parent Engagement Navigation Services

Through one of LEI’s signature programs,  Cafecito y Cultura, our parent engagement navigators/facilitators equip parents/caregivers with the knowledge, skills, and tools to collaborate with the schools and community. The aim is to ensure that their children achieve full potential. Cafecito y Cultural involves group sessions and special workshops on a wide variety of topics for family wellbeing.

Community Health Education

This program helps to improve health and well-being in the Latinx community through culturally sensitive health education and links to local healthcare services with the support of Promotoras de Salud (Health Promoters).

Special Programs

  • Avanza! STEM Expo
  • Seal of Biliteracy
  • Hispanic Heritage Month
  • Three King’s Cultural Celebration

(This section is under construction.)

> LEARN MORE about LEI Family and Community Engagement Programs
Follow the Latino Education Institute
LEI Contact and Quick Links
lei@worcester.edu | phone: 508-798-6507 | fax: 508-798-6508 | 486 Chandler Street, Worcester, MA 01602