|
Message from the LEI Executive Director
Celebrating 25 incredible years of serving the Worcester community, we look ahead with excitement and determination!
As we honor our legacy of empowering Latine youth and families, we're equally inspired by the opportunities that the next 25 years promise. 2025 will be a transformative year as we diversify and expand our funding sources. With a dedicated 25th Anniversary Planning Committee—including prominent community leaders—we are ready to forge impactful partnerships and secure vital sponsorships.
We are thrilled to announce that our 2024 grant writing and networking efforts have delivered really positive results for the LEI, securing two new funders and renewed funding commitments:
We also celebrate the recent grant from the Ruth H. & Warren A. Ellsworth Foundation, which is providing renewed support for Club E, our adult ESL program. Additionally, through a revived and strengthened partnership with Worcester Public Schools (WPS), we have expanded our Club E model to serve WPS parents who are English Language Learners (ELLs).
| |
|
As we step into this bright and promising future, your unwavering support and collaboration remain the driving force behind our mission. Together, let's shape LEI's next chapter of growth, impact, and opportunity for the benefit of the Worcester community!
The LEI team wishes you and your loved ones a joyful holiday season filled with peace, gratitude, and success in 2025!
Maria A. Juncos-Gautier, PhD
| |
Recognition by Worcester business community | |
Photo left to right: Worcester State University President Barry Maloney, LEI Family and Community Engagement Liaison Carmen Rosado, and the President and CEO of the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce Timothy Murray. | |
|
The Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce recognized and celebrated the Worcester State University Latino Education Institute on its 25 years at their November 21st Breakfast Club event at Assumption University! They said, "As a valued member of the Chamber, we want to “salute” this monumental milestone."
| |
|
On November 18, 2024, Club Educación or Club E expanded its ESL teaching model to serve Worcester Public School (WPS) parents and caregivers who are English Language Learners (ELLs)!
WPS, in collaboration with LEI's Club E, wants to support their students' parents and caregivers as they seek to improve their English language skills, enhance their engagement with WPS, and gain opportunities for personal and professional advancement, as well as a deepened sense of pride and satisfaction.
Presently, the program is running day and evening class sessions. Eighty-seven parents enrolled and were placed into various English proficiency levels based on their performance on Club E's placement exam. Students will complete pre-and post-assessments, and records will be maintained to track student growth and development. Spring 2025 classes to be announced soon!
| |
In full swing for our youth! | |
|
Report from our Program Manager Kathleen Orengo
We are thrilled to share the progress and impact of our programs that empower Latine students and their families! This year, 153 participants enthusiastically joined our fall semester programs, bringing energy and engagement to every session. With a strong 70% average attendance rate, our programs continue to thrive. Our focus remains on creating environments where students feel seen, heard, and valued with relationship-building activities that help them form meaningful connections with peers and mentors, and foster a strong sense of belonging.
| |
|
The LASOS elementary school girls participated in workshops that explored identity, culture, and personal growth. They created self-portraits and discussed Latina stereotypes. In the Celebrando Nuestras Culturas module, they learned about music, dance, and traditions, created a cultural quilt, and reflected on their family backgrounds.
| |
|
The ENLACE middle school boys engaged in workshops on identity and personal growth. They explored topics such as race, ethnicity, masculinity, and intersectionality, while receiving mentoring and academic support. They also participated in health and wellness sessions, including a workshop on mental health and healthy eating, promoting a holistic understanding of self-care.
| |
|
One Circle middle school girls joined sessions focused on self-discovery, self-esteem, confidence and wellness. During the Identity: All About Me module, they reflected on their identities, envisioned a healthy lifestyle with healthy relationships, and built community through shared agreements. In the Health and Wellness module, they practiced yoga, and learned about communication skills and coping strategies for stress and unhappy feelings.
| |
|
LIDER high school students prepared for higher education through workshops on college opportunities, and the application process. They created personalized college lists, explored admissions requirements, and participated in activities like a mock admissions exercise. With our ongoing Pathways to Success mentoring, they also gained financial literacy skills by learning about FAFSA, financial aid, and budgeting for college.
| |
Families and community update! | |
|
Our Family and Community Engagement team this semester held several events and workshops that impacted over 230 parents and community members!
-
Back to School Family Academy in collaboration with WPS, where we provided parents with essential information and resources to navigate the school system.
-
Girls Symposium in collaboration with the Center for Women and Enterprise, where middle and high school female students were able to explore topics related to leadership, financial literacy, career interests, confidence and inspirations.
-
Cafecito y Salud community conversation with the City of Worcester’s Commissioner for Health, Dr. Matilde Castiel.
-
Three workshops on general wellness: Gratitude and Giving about positive feelings for mental health, The Power of your Name about individual identity and family connections, and a hands-on cultural cooking class in collaboration with Casita Cultura Latina focused on nutrition security for families.
| |
|
We are CHW certified!
Kudos and a well-deserved shout-out to the LEI Promotoras de Salud: Sonia Jimenez De Chavez, Arianny Gonzales De Ulloa and Paola Uribe, and also to LEI’s Carmen Rosado, Catherine Goodwin and Ariadna Alston on completing the Community Health Worker (CHW) Core Competency Course given by the Center for Health Impact. These 12 weeks (80 hours total) of training covered such topics as: Public Health Concepts and Social Determinants of Health, Effective Communication, Care Coordination and Systems Navigation, and Outreach Methods and Safety. Each week, the Promotoras de Salud reviewed key concepts and important health information and strategies with ESL instructor Catherine Goodwin as support. They are now in the process of applying to be certified as Community Health Workers by the State of Massachusetts!
| |
|
-
Three Kings Traditional Cultural Celebration! - January 4th, 2025
-
ISLA English literacy and math tutoring grades 3-6 - starts Tuesday, January 14, 2025
-
YCU civic engagement program for high school students - starts Wednesday, January 15, 2025
Registration flyers will be available soon—stay tuned!
For more information or to register your student, please contact Kathy Orengo at korengo@worcester.edu or 508-929-2460.
| |
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
| |
|
Make a $25 holiday gift to the LEI
for our 25 years of service!
| |
|
We appreciate the commitment of our donors whose generous financial support in 2024-2025 is making it possible for us to carry out our mission!
City of Worcester * Barr Foundation * Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) * Fred Harris Daniels Foundation * Greater Worcester Community Foundation * Hanover Insurance Group Foundation * Massachusetts Biomedical Initiative (BMI) * Massachusetts Department of Public Health * Office of District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr. * Ruth H. & Warren A. Ellsworth Foundation * Springfield Empowerment Zone * UMASS Memorial Health * UniBank * United Way of Central Massachusetts * Women’s Initiative of the United Way of Central Massachusetts * Worcester Public Schools (WPS)
| | |
|
Latino Education Institute at Worcester State University
Visit our website at worcester.edu/LEI
Contact us at 508-798-6507 or at LEI@worcester.edu
| |
| | | |
