5 Ways to Set the Stage for Success by Latino Youth

Share On Social!

You’ve probably heard stories of how a Latino youth achieved success and overcame poverty, unsafe neighborhoods, discrimination, and other barriers.

But how can more youth find such success?

A new report by the National Council of La Raza (NCLR) examines the personal, environmental, and cultural factors that help resilient youth to learn from adversity and excel.

The report mines several success stories and suggests these five steps:

Tap into the natural resiliency of Latino youth. These qualities include optimism, perseverance, social skills, empathy, a strong willingness to give back to their communities and family and cultural traits such as responsibility and family solidarity.

Help their families escape poverty through living wages and affordable housing. One-third of Latino children are in poverty today, which extends for generations and is the basis of many other problems.

Implement policies. Policies like the “REDEEM Act,” reauthorize the Elementary and Secondary Education Act and support Common Core State Standards so schools will better meet the needs of Latino students and improve their graduation rate.

Fund culturally appropriate, holistic programs that support youth development, mental health and academic and workforce skills, and introduce students to new interests and technologies. For youth and families living in poor immigrant neighborhoods, community-based interventions such as the NCLR Escalera Program provide important support including career exploration, skills and leadership development, personal development, academic support and overall well-being.

Provide mentors who can help youth become ready for a successful future. Community-based organizations provide critical supports to help youth overcome adversity usually rooted in poverty, discrimination, inadequate education and violent neighborhoods.

“The guidance and support that adults can provide to young people at risk is literally lifesaving in helping them overcome challenges,” said report author Dr. Patricia Foxen of NCLR. “We must make sure that youth today have an after-school program or mentor looking out for them.”