Why it Matters

Across the country, Latino students are rising, but so are the barriers.

When Latino Youth Rise, Communities Thrive

These are not just data points, they are young lives shaped by structural inequality. Students who are often:

  • Underestimated by schools
  • Underserved by systems
  • Overburdened with adult responsibilities
  • And still—fighting to lead, to learn, to belong

But here’s what’s also true: Latino youth are resilient. They are brilliant. They are essential to America’s future.

0%
of Latino adults have a high school diploma or less
0%
Only this percent hold an advanced degree
0%
of Latino college students are first-generation.
“In the end, this isn’t just about education. It’s about equity. It’s about belonging, and it’s about building a country where every student, no matter their zip code, accent, or ancestry, has the chance to rise.”
John Villamil-Casanova, President and CEO of ASPIRA Association

Why It Truly Matters

  • This work matters because every young person deserves to see themselves as powerful

  • Because no student should have to choose between their heritage and their opportunity

  • Because a diploma is not just a piece of paper, it’s a door

  • Because leadership is not just about getting ahead, it’s about bringing others with you

Because when we invest in Latino youth, we invest in:

  • More college graduates
  • Stronger families
  • Healthier communities
  • A workforce that reflects the full potential of this country

Legacy in Motion

When we invest in one Aspirante, we’re not just shaping one future, we’re shaping many.

  • We’re raising first-generation college students who come back to teach.

  • We’re empowering daughters who become entrepreneurs, and sons who mentor others.

  • We’re building communities where leadership is not the exception, it’s the norm.

Shared Struggles, Shared Futures

ASPIRA’s mission is deeply rooted in the Latino experience –

but our eyes are wide open

We recognize the shared challenges that Black and Brown students face:

  • Fewer teachers who look like them
  • Higher disciplinary rates
  • Lower access to AP courses and advanced STEM pathways
  • Historic underfunding of schools in communities of color

That’s why we believe in solidarity, not separation.

We build leaders who not only advocate for themselves, but stand beside others.

We don’t just create better students, we grow better neighbors, better citizens, and better allies.

Your Support Makes it possible

Give today.

Become a monthly sponsor.

Invest in the next generation of Latino leaders.

Because this isn’t just ASPIRA’s story, it’s yours, too.