Latinos In Action (LIA) offers an asset-based approach to bridging the graduation and opportunity gap for Latino students, working from within the educational system to create positive change. Our program operates as a year-long elective course taught by a highly qualified teacher at the middle school, junior high, and high school level with the goal of empowering Latino youth to lead and strengthen their communities through college and career readiness. We accomplish this by focusing on four pillars: leveraging personal and cultural assets, excelling in education, serving the community, and developing leadership skills. Because of this unique combination, the LIA model has proven effective throughout the United States.
Latinos In Action
Personal Assets
All LIA students identify and leverage their cultural, social, and personal assets.
Excellence in Education
All LIA students graduate high school, college and career ready.
Pillars of
LIA
Service
All LIA students participate in weekly literacy tutoring to young students.
Leadership
All LIA students take on leadership positions in LIA committees. All LIA students perceive themselves as leaders.
All LIA's Participating Schools
By design, LIA students engage in three evidenced-based, core components during class time:
College and Career Ready Curriculum
Our culturally relevant, college and career readiness curriculum bolsters students’ current academic performance while preparing them for their futures as college-bound students and contributing members of society. The curriculum offers high-quality instruction on post-secondary education options and readiness, personal development, professionalism, and an exploration of one’s cultural heritage through literary and performing arts.
Literacy Tutoring
From approximately October to April, LIA students serve as role models, mentors, and literacy tutors for neighboring elementary school students. This partnership helps both parties develop linguistic proficiency, refine social skills, and deepen their understanding of the value of being bilingual, biliterate, and bicultural.
Leadership Development
Each LIA student gains real-life leadership experience by participating in student-lead service, social, and professional committees. We are scaffolding their leadership skills and then infusing the students back into the school community, better prepared to lead and serve.