In today’s interconnected world, fostering global leaders is crucial for progress. This means valuing cultural wealth and creating equitable educational opportunities, especially for the growing young Hispanic population in the U.S. Empowering these young people through leadership isn’t just an aspiration; it’s a vital path to a more prosperous future.

Southeastern Louisiana University (Southeastern) has led this effort for over two decades. Since 1998, its Latin American Business and Development Initiative (LABDI) has broadened global perspectives and strengthened entrepreneurial and leadership capacities. This commitment to the Latin American community laid the groundwork for Southeastern’s transformative initiative: The Young Hispanic  Pre-College Preparation and Leadership Program (HPCL).

The Mission: Bridging the Gap for Hispanic Youth

The U.S. Hispanic population is growing rapidly, making up 19.5% of the total population as of July 2023. This demographic shift is mirrored in our schools, with Hispanic students accounting for 29% of K-12 enrollment and 20.3% of the total college student population.

Despite a strong desire for higher education, an educational attainment gap persists. Historically, Latino students have faced higher dropout rates and lower college completion rates. While these are improving, the gap highlights a critical need for targeted programs. The HPCL program directly addresses this by providing enhanced educational opportunities, reinforcing leadership skills, and preserving the cultural integrity of Hispanic students as they prepare for postsecondary institutions.

The core mission of HPCL is to identify Hispanic youth with postsecondary potential and cultivate their ability to become leaders, providing them with the necessary skills and motivation to succeed.

Program Structure: A Comprehensive Saturday Model

Modeled after Southeastern’s successful Upward Bound Program, HPCL is meticulously designed to meet the unique needs of Hispanic students. The program is delivered through a flexible four, six, or ten-month series of Saturday
workshops, held once a month for full-day sessions (8:30 AM to 3:00 PM). 

These sessions take place at Southeastern’s campus in Hammond, Louisiana, or other accessible locations. To ensure participation, transportation, lunch, snacks, and all necessary supplies are provided. Students also receive a stipend upon completing 95% of program requirements.

The HPCL program’s comprehensive strategy is built upon four interconnected core components:

1.Leadership Development & Cultural Identity

2.Entrepreneurial Mindset & Critical Thinking

3.STEM/Technology & Academic Preparedness

4.Workforce Readiness & Personal Financial Literacy

Nurturing Tomorrow’s Leaders: The Tangible Outcomes of HPCL

The HPCL program is already making a profound impact on 250 Hispanic high school students from Livingston, Tangipahoa, Washington, and Jefferson Parishes. It addresses their specific needs, including high dropout rates, limited economic resources, and lack of role models, successfully preparing them for high school completion and entry into higher education, all while preserving their cultural heritage. While specific quantified outcomes for HPCL are still being gathered, the program’s goal is to allow students to complete a college degree and achieve self-sustaining careers related to their majors.

The program’s structure and core components are designed to:

• Develop Critical Skills:
Students are actively developing critical thinking, effective communication, active listening, and leadership skills, along with an awareness of social responsibility.

• Foster an Entrepreneurial Mindset: Participants gain practical business and communication skills, cultivate investigative habits, and learn to formulate projects.

• Enhance Academic and STEM Preparedness: Through integrated STEM/AI instruction and dedicated ACT preparation, students are improving their problem-solving abilities and academic readiness.

• Boost Workforce and Life Competencies: Students are acquiring vital soft skills, exploring career paths through internships, and gaining crucial financial literacy.

Furthermore, HPCL staff, many of whom share similar backgrounds with the students, provide invaluable mentorship. The program actively promotes parental involvement through networking, supporting the children’s social, emotional, and academic growth. A key long-term strategy involves inviting HPCL graduates to volunteer as peer mentors in future sessions, creating a self-perpetuating support system and further expanding their own leadership opportunities. 

Through the “Young Hispanic Leadership Program,”
Southeastern Louisiana University isn’t just preparing students for college; it’s cultivating a new generation of Hispanic leaders ready to make significant contributions to their communities and the broader
global landscape.

About the author

Dr. Aristides “Ari” Baraya is the Director of the Latin American Business and Development Initiative and advisor of the Southeastern Association of Latin American Students, College of Business-Southeastern Louisiana University.