New 9^th Grade Academy eases high school transition

High school freshmen Victor Lugo and Jaselin Morales attend the 9th Grade Academy at Sociedad Latina's new 21st Century Learning Center two days per week.

 

 The transition from middle school to high school can be tricky for many youth. The courses are harder, the workloads are heavier, and students are given more responsibility in addition to dealing with the pressures of new schools, teachers, and friends. Through our experiences working with middle and high school students over the long-term, we've identified this transition year as critical to promoting lifelong academic and social success among youth; that's why this year we've rolled out the new 9^th Grade Academy, designed to address the unique challenges that come with freshman year.

 

This fall, 15 high school freshmen have enrolled in the 9^th Grade Academy, which meets Tuesdays and Thursdays after school. Sociedad staff and college students from our nearby partner colleges help participants with homework and studying. They also lead workshops designed to build 21^st century skills such as time management, effective communication, and self-advocacy. There's also literacy help for English Language Learners, and Sociedad staff are in constant contact with teachers and guidance counselors at the students' schools.

"I'm nervous about Physics and the MCAS," says participant Jaselin Morales. "But they're tutoring us and this can help out. And I'm excited to get involved. I like doing things in the community and meeting new people."

Once a month, participants will volunteer in our Youth Leader employment programs for older youth. If they meet attendance requirements for the program, 9^th Grade Academy youth receive a monthly stipend.

Before the 9^th Grade Academy, high school freshman could apply for employment through one of our Youth Leader programs, which also requires daily participation in the Mission Possible! College Access Program. "We were finding that we were losing many youth in 9^th grade," says Program Coordinator Jennifer Reyes. "With all that was going on in their lives, coming here four days a week was tough. Now, they'll start out two days a week and transition into full-time Youth Leader positions when they're ready."

After an evaluation in January, some Academy youth will move into our Youth Community Organizing and Health Educators programs. Others could move on to full youth employment (10-20 hours/week) in the summer. The goal is to prepare 9^th graders for future employment with Sociedad Latina and keep youth engaged in our Leadership Pipeline throughout middle and high school.

   

On Sept. 23, 150 Tobin School students in grades 4-8 attended our Educación en Acción: Educational & Cultural Showcase. The Showcase was led by Paola Gonzalez, a Berklee College of Music student, who created hands-on opportunities for youth to learn about Latino musical traditions.  After an introduction to Latin American percussion instruments, youth recreated traditional rhythms, such as the clave, using instruments or their hands. This was followed by a brief lesson in geography and history of Latin America, which concluded in a trivia game.  Students who answered trivia questions correctly were awarded free trial music lessons at Sociedad Latina's Music Clubhouse.

Health Educators continued the month's events with Cocina Conmigo: Cooking Lessons, held on Oct. 7.  Health Educators worked with a nutritionist to choose traditional Latin American dishes and explore ways to maximize their nutritional benefit.  The recipes, which substituted baking for frying, were compiled and distributed to youth and community members.  Attendees were also treated to a smoothie-making demonstration and invited to try the Health Educators' papaya and strawberry smoothies, made with fresh fruit and low fat ice cream.

Our culminating event, Yo Soy Latino, took place Oct. 14 and featured live music at the Tobin Community Center.  Music Clubhouse youth musicians performed Latin music, including salsa, before friends, neighbors and peers.

All of these events were designed and hosted by Youth Leaders, as they work to bring together our community and celebrate the rich, diverse Latin American heritages represented in our organization and beyond. Thank you to all who attended and supported another successful Hispanic Heritage Month with Sociedad Latina!

 

Visit our Facebook page for more photos of the events!