Latino Youth Leadership Academy
Succeeds in Making Vital Connections, Empowering Ambition and Cultivating Tomorrow’s Trailblazers in the Cross Keys Community
When he was in middle school, Brian Rosas-Lopez’s mother signed him up for a summer program—the Latino Youth Leadership Academy at Cross Keys High School. Initially, Rosas-Lopez was not thrilled about spending part of his summer break in a school setting.
“I told my mom I wanted to stay home and sleep,” Rosas-Lopez said.
However, his tone quickly changed.
“After that first summer, my mom didn’t have to tell me to go to the camp,” he said. “I was looking forward to it. I was looking forward to it during the school year. All of the resources and knowledge that I gained was super helpful.”
The Latino Youth Leadership Academy is a four-week summer enrichment program for middle and high school students in the Cross Keys High cluster. The Latin American Association (LAA) established the program ten years ago in collaboration with Cross Keys High. Every June, the program provides academic enrichment with content-certified teachers in science, math, and English and language arts; career-related classes based on interest such as psychology, cosmetology, and criminal justice; and increase awareness of college, career, and leadership opportunities.
The summer program, with nearly 100 students participating, featured guest speakers, promoted physical health through its partnership with Soccer in the Streets and introduced students to playwriting and acting through a collaboration with The Alliance Theater. They also engaged with the parents and the community—teaching them “soft” skills and the college application process, according to Mr. Jacob Eismeier, a Cross Keys High School teacher.
As the Latino Youth Leadership Academy Site Coordinator, Mr. Eismeier said there were specific needs in the Cross Keys area to bring more engaging enrichment programs to the school community.
“Most kids were at home, caring for their families and helping out there. So, we did see some lack of engagement during the summer, so that was the motivation for this program,” Mr. Eismeier said. “Every year, we provide these opportunities for students to connect and have a more productive summer.”
The Latino Youth Leadership Academy is unique in that it intentionally hires former students to be summer interns. Rosas-Lopez, who graduated from Cross Keys High in May, is one of those former students giving back and making a difference. Some of his many duties included leading basketball sessions and assisting in the film class offered by the camp, which focuses on exposing students to movies that highlight the accomplishments of Latinos.
“I want them to see that although we may not have all of the resources that others have, we can still make it,” he said.
Rosas-Lopez begins his studies at Oglethorpe University in the fall and plans to study sociology. He said the leaders in the program and LAA helped him become a better, more confident student, and he hopes to be a role model to the current Latino Youth Leadership Academy summer camp participants.
“If it weren’t for LAA, I would be working in some restaurant and doing that for the rest of my life instead of going to college. They opened my eyes with their encouragement and advice,” Rosas-Lopez said. “I know there are kids out there in the same situation I was in. I want to help guide and inspire them like others did for me.”
Mr. Eismeier said interns like Rosas-Lopez are vital to the Academy’s success every summer.
“These interns, who grew up in the same community as our students, provide crucial mentoring and serve as role models,” Mr. Eismeier said.
Just ask rising Sequoyah Middle School seventh-grader Julian Segura.
“The teachers are the best part of the camp,” said Julian. “The camp is fun and a distraction from all my problems.”
Julian initially had the same sentiment about the program as Rosas-Lopez did and wanted to spend his summer at home. However, after a couple of days of fun activities, learning about the history of Latin Americans, and connecting with camp interns, he quickly changed his opinion. In fact, he already has his sights set on extending what he experienced this year.
“I definitely want to come back next summer,” Julian said.