FALL 2024

LEI celebrates 25th Anniversary honoring the past and building for tomorrow

Historic moment for the Latino Education Institute (LEI) during our 25th Anniversary kickoff event on Monday, September 30th

Twenty-five years of success helping Latine youth and families, and we're getting ready for the next 25 years! A new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed with Worcester Public Schools (WPS) and Worcester State University. In the photo, WPS Superintendent Dr. Rachel Monárrez, Worcester State University President Barry Maloney, and LEI Executive Director Dr. Maria Juncos-Gautier are shown after signing the renewed MOU to continue this important partnership. In the background witnessing the event are distinguished LEI founders who were present when it all began 25 years ago.

LEI remains committed to improving the academic achievement and well-being of Latino students (grades K-16) and their families in the City of Worcester. This mission is more important than ever, considering that nearly 50% of WPS students are Latino and 30% are English learners.

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We are humbled and encouraged to receive recognition from state and local leaders

The guest speaker, Congressman Jim McGovern, helped institutionalize LEI in 2000 with the Worcester Working Coalition for Latino Students and in partnership with Worcester Public Schools and Worcester State University (then Worcester State College). He highlighted  the critical need for continued support and funding for the LEI to meet the growing aspirations of Latine students and families in Worcester.

Worcester City Mayor Joseph M. Petty recognized LEI's 25 years of outstanding service to the community, and read a Proclamation declaring September 30th, 2024 as Latino Education Institute Day in the City of Worcester.

We were blown away by the Emmy-nominated composer Fabiola Mendez

"We Are the World" bilingual performance by the Chandler-La Familia Elementary School Chorus, brought the audience to its feet

Thank you to all our attendees for making this event a huge success

Photos from top left to right:

Row 1: Special thank-you to Gladys Rodriguez Parker for her invaluable support and assistance, pictured here with Congressman McGovern.

Special thank you to Sarai Rivera Sandoz for her invaluable support and assistance, pictured here with Worcester County District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr., United Way of Central MA President Tim Garvin, WSU President Maloney, and State Representative John Mahoney.

Row 2: Master of Ceremony Julio Ricardo Varela and WSU President Barry Maloney.

Meena Mehta, Dr. Maria Juncos Gautier, Mary Jo Marion and Dr. Mariana Calle.

WPS Deborah Gonzalez, James Caradonio and Kathy Orengo.

Row 3: Yetzi Villegas Bautista, Josephine Falero, Walter Ordonez, Kathy Orengo, Jacob Hainsworth, Jaycie Jauregui, Isalby Martinez, Sofia Silva-Rosa, and Cathy Goodwin.

Row 4: Debbie Mallinson, Miguelina Peralta-Bobrik, Mari Gonzalez, Suzanne Graham Anderson, Carmen Rosado, and Elizabeth Cruz. 

Iris Delgado, Yolanda Villamil, Rosa Maria Torres-Salas, Paola Uribe, Leopoldo Negron Cruz, Lisbey Villamil, George Cortez, and Hermila Cortez.

Moving forward stronger and more committed than ever

Looking ahead to FY25, we’ll be expanding our parent workshops to include topics such as advocacy, educational equity, and student leadership. Additionally, our collaboration with WSU’s college access initiatives will further guide our students on their path to higher education. Together, we’re building a brighter future—empowering Latine students, their families, and the entire community to thrive!

For times, locations, and more information, contact Program Manager Katheen Orengo at korengo@worcester.edu

What our youth and their families are saying about the LEI impact

Let's all rise together for the students we serve

We are committed to continually enhancing our services for the Worcester community. To achieve this, we rely on your ongoing sponsorship, collaboration, and commitment to help us excel.

The LEI Team

We appreciate the commitment of our donors whose generous financial support in 2023-2024 has made it possible for us to carry out our mission!

Department of Elementary & Secondary Education (DESE) * Department of Higher Education (DHE)* Fred Harris Daniels Foundation * Greater Worcester Community Foundation * Massachusetts Biomedical Initiatives (MBI) * MA Department of Public Health Office of Problem Gambling Services * Springfield Empowerment Zone* UMASS Memorial Health * UniBank * United Way of Central Massachusetts * Women’s Initiative of United Way of Central MA * Worcester Public Schools