Designed to enhance the students’ capacity to lead people, the Leadership & College Access Program is the core of ASPIRA of New York. Dr. Antonia Pantoja’s vision was to give young people the tools they needed to become future leaders of their communities. ASPIRA continues to support Dr. Pantoja’s vision with the implementation of the Leadership & College Access Program which exposes students to college access and career awareness through ASPIRA Clubs, SYEP, College Advisement, Community Service Learning, PRHYLI, and Education Enrichment. 100 percent of ASPIRAntes go on to graduate from high school, with several each year receiving full scholarships to top-tier college/universities.

Clubs are the epicenter of the work we do with students. ASPIRAntes experience cultural insight through activities and curriculum which will offer them a sense of belonging and familiarity. Within our Leadership Clubs is where our young people experience all aspects of ASPIRA and the opportunities we offer. After-School Leadership Clubs • ACF Bi-Monthly Meetings • College Access Workshops & Trips • Circle of Achievers Scholarship Opportunity • SAT Prep • Career-Focused Trainings • Cultural Opportunities • City Youth ConferenceService Learning Opportunities • Annual Leadership Retreat • PR/Hispanic Youth Leadership Institute • Safe Space to Experience Social Aspects

It's important for students to experience leadership opportunities during their schooling, to learn the art of building relationships within teams, defining identities, and achieving tasks effectively. It also provides an opportunity to learn to identify and display effective communication and interpersonal skills. Our ASPIRAntes learn basic concepts of leadership development and also learn the concept of leadership and understand what it means to be a leader. We also integrate basic concepts of community and community history. This will also help them to examine the influence of culture on community and ASPIRAntes will have an opportunity to develop and implement a service learning project. They decide on service learning projects that will allow them to give back to their neighborhoods.

ASPIRAntes will have the ability to leave high school with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes that are transferable to any postsecondary setting. At ASPIRA, we coordinate several college and career pathway experiences so that our students leave high school prepared for opportunities that match their needs and interests with those of the workplace and further education. ASPIRA’s Leadership Development Program College Access offers Free SAT Prep to high school students that are enrolled in the ASPIRA Leadership clubs. Every year our Seniors can also apply for ASPIRA Scholarship.

Participants will develop knowledge and awareness about the Latino culture. They will be able to define culture and race. Participants will also develop a consciousness of issues related to diversity, such as inclusion, cultural appreciation, prejudice, racism and stereotyping. The ASPIRA Citywide Youth Conference, is organized primarily by the youth in our Leadership Development Program. It provides a forum for young people to learn how to come agents of social change who can address their concerns about issues facing their school and communities in a proactive manner. The Angelo Del Toro Puerto Rican/Hispanic Youth Leadership Delegates Institute (PR/HYLI). Over 200 students delegates from across NYS came Albany to participate in leadership and team building activities and take part in mock Assembly session at the state Capitol.

If you're looking to form a Leadership Club at your school, please contact LCAP@nyaspira.org.

Be on the lookout for the 2023 registration from coming soon!