Latine College & Career Access (LaCCA)
Awarded National Grant for Profiles in Collective Leadership
LaCCA Empowers Latine Youth for College and Career Success
The Latine College and Career Access Network (LaCCA) is a collaborative effort initiated by the Greater Boston Latino Network (GBLN) member organizations including Inquilinos Boricuas en Acción (IBA), Hyde Square Task Force, Boston HERC, Sociedad Latina, and EBCC. LaCCA's mission is to empower Latine youth in Boston by providing them with the resources and opportunities they need to succeed in education and their careers.
Latine students are the largest demographic in Boston Public Schools, making up 42% of the student population. However, they are also among the least likely to graduate high school and enroll in college. This achievement gap has only been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, with college enrollment rates for Latine students experiencing a steeper decline than other demographics.
LaCCA's Solution: The College & Career Pathways Initiative
LaCCA's College & Career Pathways Initiative offers a comprehensive suite of programs designed to empower Latine youth on their journeys to academic and professional success. Here's an overview of our core programs:
Mentoring
We match youth with mentors who share similar interests and career aspirations. Mentors provide social-emotional support, and guidance, and help youth prepare for college applications and career exploration.
Skill Building & Exploration
Through our Work Readiness & Life Skills Curriculum, tailored specifically for Latine and Spanish-speaking youth, participants gain valuable skills in areas like financial literacy, career planning, and communication. We also offer a variety of career exploration activities like career panels and job shadows to help youth discover their passions and interests.
Sector-Specific Training
LaCCA offers sector-specific training programs that equip youth with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in their chosen career fields. These programs involve hands-on projects implemented within the community, allowing participants to gain practical experience while giving back.
Internship Placements
As a culminating experience, LaCCA participants are placed in internships with cross-sector partners across Boston. These internships provide valuable on-the-job experience and allow youth to build their professional networks. Additionally, participants create a portfolio showcasing their skills and accomplishments, which they can utilize for college applications or future job applications.
Academic Case Management
LaCCA recognizes the importance of academic success for achieving college and career goals. Through academic case management, participants receive ongoing academic support, help with college access and application processes, and guidance on postsecondary success programs. We also offer comprehensive wrap-around support services to ensure participants have the resources they need to thrive.
Family Engagement
LaCCA understands the crucial role families play in supporting their children's education. We offer workshops and resources specifically designed for parents and caregivers, equipping them with the tools and knowledge they need to advocate for their children's educational success.
We are thrilled to announce that LaCCA has been selected by Carnegie and its nonprofit partner, Transcend, through a competitive review process, for a national grant award for Profiles in Collective Leadership. This recognition is a testament to the effectiveness of LaCCA's model and its potential to make a significant impact on the lives of Latine youth in Boston.
"The LaCCA Network has impacted me in so many ways. Academic support has helped me stay on track in school. The support of our coordinators gives me a great support system to check in with me about my grades, process what I’m feeling about school, get help with the college admissions process and prepare for my career path,” said Emily Rivera, a participant in IBA’s Youth Development Program (YDP), which is funded by LaCCA. “Through YDP’s partnerships and workshops, I've learned a lot about working with others. One of our community agreements is ‘take space, make space.’ It reminds me to participate and contribute to the conversation but also make sure I include everyone else, too. I take that lesson to school and everyday life.”