Program areas at Centro Hispano of Dane County
General support - the program supports immigrants through advocacy and language assistance to overcome cultural and linguistic barriers.
Escalera - the escalera program is based on a national model from unidosus and operates in four area high schools. The program focuses on the transition from 8th to 9th grade, and then also prepares students for college and careers through a robust curriculum that extends through the 12th grade, targeting issues of culture, identity, and school engagement.
The juventud program provides academic support, parent engagement, and leadership development to middle school aged latino youth and their families. Currently juventud programs are operated in five madison middle schools. With the help of volunteer mentors, juventud serves approximately 100 latino youth annually, providing quality, consistent, intensive support throughout middle school to youth so that they are academically engaged and prepared for high school.
Caminosthe program helps job seekers to find and retain employment through assistance withresume writing, job searches, and support in communicating with employers, in particularemployers in the finance and health sectors.
New routes adolescents - the program helps at-risk youth avoid gangs and make positive choices through an innovative, court-mandated leadership development curriculum called comvida. The program also provides outreach to area middle schools through a youth-led gang prevention task force and positive alternatives for youth such as the latina poetry group and the youth drumming ensemble.
Wellness initiative - the program was developed in response to the community's interest in learning about nutrition, food preservation, health, and wellbeing. The initiative provides a space for discussions about food equity, farming, health and nutrition, and opportunities for recreation and personal growth.
New routes adults - the program provides support for individuals in the criminal justice system. The program participants receive guidance in obtaining representation and support to avoid reoffending. Centro Hispano does not provide legal advice or representation.