AGUILA Youth Leadership Institute (AGUILA) is a unique college access program for Latino/a youth that helps to build a web of support through consistency and powerful messaging. Students begin AGUILA as Juniors in a cohort attending monthly seminars focusing on personal growth, leadership and college preparation for continuation into AGUILA’s intense Senior Program.
Seniors continue to meet once a month focusing on college admissions and funding as well as participation in activities that promote cultural heritage, academic success, civic engagement, leadership, positive self-esteem and healthy relationships. Seniors are honored at a special celebration in May of each year, marking their rite of passage from high school to college in the AGUILA Honors Convocation. AGUILA then provides follow-up and continued support for students through our Alumni Association.
The goal of AGUILA is to create on-going programming for all levels in high school in the near future. However due to an increasing demand to participate AGUILA currently offers Sophomores and Freshman an opportunity to participate in our Summer Symposium, “Planting Seeds for Success”, an intensive orientation to the AGUILA program and college preparation. At each level, AGUILA participants are exposed to many Latino Leaders, Educators resources, programs and organizations that provide the web of support required to ensure their success.
Mission StatementTo empower and prepare Latino/Latina youth for college admissions and graduation through a unique approach based upon a greater cultural understanding as a guide to personal, academic and professional excellence as future Latino/a Leaders.
Program Goals
- Increase Latino/Latina admission and graduation rates in post secondary education.
- Provide experiences that contribute to a strong sense of self; a strong connection to cultural heritage; and a commitment to positive and ethical leadership.
