Nuestra Juventud: Creating Communities of Hope – Inaugural Cohort 2024

Empowering Youth Leaders,

Strengthening Communities

The Nuestra Juventud Initiative was uniquely designed to foster a spirit of giving, leadership, and community care among youth from historically marginalized communities. This program aimed to engage young people in charitable activities while promoting a culture of abundant giving across various spheres of society. Through this initiative, participants developed leadership skills, empathy, and an authentic sense of social responsibility.

This initiative was made possible through the generous support of the Covarrubias-Aprendamos Foundation, in partnership with Aprendamos Intervention Team & Ivy Child International. The program provided youth with the knowledge, resources, and hands-on experiences necessary to care for their communities. The primary goal was to empower them to make a positive impact while developing essential skills to fulfill their hopes and dreams.

Open to youth aged 14-18 in Southern New Mexico, with a particular focus on BIPOC and historically marginalized communities, the six-month program offered a holistic approach to nurturing compassionate leaders, active community participants, and advocates for social change.

In 2024, we launched our inaugural cohort of 13 dynamic youth fellows.

  • Abbigale Nicole Sierra Yeager Martinez
  • Alexa Covarrubias
  • Alex Nelson
  • Anelise Elmquist
  • Anthony Gutierrez
  • Atticus Morrow
  • Avery Covarrubias
  • Carmen Resendez
  • Desirae Evaro
  • Gianni Adames
  • Lily Louick
  • Emmanuel Moreno
  • Sophia Cabrera

Program Successes and Goals

1. Leadership Development

  • Skill Building: Participants gained essential leadership skills, including communication, teamwork, and project management. They identified specific challenges in their communities and developed SMART goals to address them, applying their learning in real-world contexts.
  • Empowerment: Fellows were empowered to take on leadership roles within their communities, fostering a sense of responsibility and initiative. The program provided youth with skills, knowledge, and networks that they may not have otherwise had access to, allowing them to feel like true leaders with a powerful voice in their communities.

2. Community Engagement

  • Hands-On Experience: Participants engaged in real-world community projects, making immediate and visible impacts by awarding mini-grants to non-profits. This practical experience allowed fellows to contribute directly to their communities while building leadership skills.
  • Social Responsibility: The program emphasized the importance of giving back to the community, instilling a lifelong commitment to social justice and equity. Fellows expressed a strong desire to continue giving back to their communities and to stay engaged as an alumni group.

3. Personal Growth

  • Confidence: Through various activities and mentorship, participants built self-confidence and self-efficacy. They learned to navigate challenges, develop their ideas, and make meaningful contributions to their communities.
  • Empathy: The program fostered empathy by encouraging participants to understand and address the needs of their communities. Bringing together youth from different backgrounds created a sense of unity and collaboration, with fellows supporting each other through their journeys.

4. Academic and Career Preparation

  • Mentorship: Each fellow was paired with a mentor from previous cohorts, who provided guidance and support throughout the program. This mentorship helped fellows navigate academic and career pathways while fostering personal and professional growth.
  • Networking: The program offered networking opportunities with community leaders and professionals, expanding participants’ future prospects. Fellows were also highlighted in public forums, such as the Tri-Unity Conference, showcasing their leadership and attracting interest from schools and community partners.

Program Structure and Implementation

Conducted in a hybrid format, the program incorporated both in-person and virtual sessions to ensure broad accessibility and accommodate participants’ needs.

Trust-Based Philanthropy (Non-Profit Selection & Stipend Awards)

A critical component of the program was the introduction of mentors to guide and support the participants. In addition, fellows selected non-profits of their choice to receive a $250 stipend award. This process allowed participants to apply their learning in trust-based philanthropy and make a direct impact on organizations they felt passionate about supporting.

Logo Creation & Development

Our fellows collaboratively created and designed the program’s permanent logo. The process included brainstorming sessions, design iterations, and finalizing a logo that represents their collective vision and mission. This logo will serve as a lasting emblem of the program’s impact for future cohorts.

Looking Ahead

The success of our inaugural cohort has set a strong foundation for the future of Nuestra Juventud. As we continue to refine and grow the program, we are excited to deepen our impact, expand our reach, and nurture even more youth leaders who are committed to creating communities of hope.

Stay connected with us to follow the journey of our youth fellows and learn more about how you can support Nuestra Juventud in building a brighter future for all.

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