Aguila Youth Leadership Institute

AGUILA Youth Leadership Institute provides a year round program serving 400 plus children in grades 8 through 12 in addition to serving an estimated 500 additional alumnae who are both in college and have graduated college with support services with on-going college and career counseling. The year round program provides thematic monthly seminars with a focus on college and career readiness in addition to related events and activities that provide a unique and holistic approach to the development of young leaders. Activities include, but are not limited to, the 3-night/4-day annual Summer Leadership Symposium specifically targeted to rising high school juniors and seniors as well as a specialized track for recent high school graduates in preparation for their journey to college in a university experience. The Symposium provides participants with workshops, presentations, a major, college and community/career fair as well as interaction with community leaders. Now in its 19th year, the Annual Honors Convocations held in June of each year serves to celebrate both high school and college admissions as well as parents who have returned to or started college and have graduated. The even provides information with regard to college admissions as well as the total award of scholarships which totaled nearly $10million beyond federal packages which brings the grand total over $135 million received in 19 years of operation. Students are also involved in various supplemental activities and events that contribute to their sense of well-being and belonging that contribute to their confidence and resiliency that has provided successful retention and graduation rates. Students are also separated by gender to participate in ALMA for the young women and Men of Honor for the young men where gender-specific programming has proven highly successful in creating awareness of issues, increasing self-esteem, confidence and resilience. Parents are required to attend sessions specifically addressing the college going process to ensure greater support of student success. The Counselor Institute is an exclusive component of the program and provides services to school guidance counselors in a partnership designed to increase the web of support for students.

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