From Mentors to Friends: Latinos in Action program enriches the educational experience of all participants

 

Students read together

  

Students in South Cache Middle School's "Latinos in Action" (LIA) program are stepping into leadership roles while enriching the educational experience of younger students. The LIA Club visits nearby Lincoln and Canyon Elementary Schools weekly to read with third-grade students—improving reading comprehension and creating bonds as mentors and friends. “We love having the South Cache LIA here,” Lincoln principal Audrey McKell said. “They develop really sweet mentor relationships with the children. Our students are always so excited to see them!” 

 

South Cache Spanish teacher and LIA coordinator Agustin Rodriguez-Acosta expressed great pride and admiration for his students. “They are good kids,” he said. “It is so special to bring them here each week. It’s good for them to work with the children, and it helps them become leaders.”

 

Students read together    Students read together

 

The older students step into their leadership roles with excitement and enthusiasm. During their most recent visit to the elementary schools, they giggled with the third-grade students during silly segments in the stories, helped the younger children sound out difficult words, and encouraged those who were discouraged. There were many high-fives and fist-bumps, followed by hugs when it was time for the LIA Club to go.

 

The “Latinos in Action” (LIA) program was developed in 2001 to empower Latino youth and their communities. More than 10,000 schools across the country have their own LIA chapters. CCSD is proud to host the program in four of our secondary schools. Students in the LIA program find opportunities to serve others, become leaders, strive for academic excellence, and develop confidence in their personal and cultural identities. 

 

Students interested in joining similar programs have opportunities in each of our secondary schools. North Cache Middle School, South Cache Middle School, Green Canyon High School, and Sky View High School all host LIA chapters. Within these chapters, 20% of students can be of a race other than Hispanic/Latino. Visitors are welcome. Those at Spring Creek Middle School, Mountain Crest High School, and Ridgeline High School can participate in Multicultural Clubs with a similar focus.