Every year since 2018, LatinxEd launches North Carolina’s only competition focused on elevating Latinx youth leadership across the state.
Do the following criteria describe you or someone you know? We want to know how you or they are advocating for your community! Check out our application and/or nominate someone you know to be selected for our next cohort of 20 Under 20 Leaders.
We believe those closest to the problem are closest to the solution. A lack of representation of Latinx youth leadership has prevented strategic planning processes from being truly representative of the changing face of this state, especially when planning local and state investments and policy-making.
LatinxEd seeks to build a trusted network of Latinx youth leaders who are ready to take the next step in their leadership journey and join LatinxEd in advocating on behalf of the Latinx community. Our 2021 cohort will include a total of 20 Latinx youth leaders who are willing to tell their story and eager to develop their storytelling abilities. These students have likely navigated challenges within the education system and understand the various barriers faced by Latinx immigrant families. We are looking for students who are actively playing a role to advance their Latinx community via education.
During the 2022 Spring semester, students will receive:
+ Mentorship opportunities that strengthen their confidence and deepen their understanding of educational initiatives impacting the Latinx community
+ Workshops that build on their storytelling and leadership skills to refine their voice when advocating for Latinx education issues
+ A community and platform that uplifts their experiences and vision for their Latinx community across the state
During the 2022 Spring semester, students will:
+ Co-create a 2-3 minute storytelling piece regarding challenges and opportunities in advancing Latinx student success in North Carolina
+ Engage in virtual monthly workshops, bi-weekly mentorship calls, and four community events
+ Contribute to an education series, which will include participating in a tecito – Instagram Live event
+ Become active members in LatinxEd’s network of education leaders, a group of Latinx community members interested in participating in education efforts at the local and state level.
Our Ideal 20 Under 20 Leader is…
+ Committed to LatinxEd’s mission, vision, and values
+ Identifies as Latino/a/x or Hispanic
+ A current student or graduate of a school in North Carolina
+ Under the age of 20; born after December 31, 2001.
+ Resident of North Carolina*
*U.S. citizenship is not required.
What are we looking for?
We have 3 main criteria:
Vision
We’re looking for students who have navigated challenges within the education system and understand the various barriers faced by Latinx immigrant families.
Voice
20 Under 20 Leaders are also students who are willing to tell their story and eager to develop their storytelling abilities.
Valor
Ultimately, 20 Under 20 Leaders are students who are actively playing a role to advance their Latinx community via education.
Application Process:
Once applications are reviewed, a select group will be chosen as semi-finalists. Semi-finalists will then be invited to submit video submissions to select the top 20 Leaders.
These 20 Leaders will join our network of Latinx youth leaders throughout North Carolina who are ready to take the next step in their leadership journey and join LatinxEd in advocating on behalf of the Latinx community.
20 UNDER 20 TIMELINE
November 4th: Applications & Nominations Open
November 20th: Priority Application Deadline
November 29th: Final Application Deadline
December 10th: Semi-Finalist Video Submissions Due
December 17th: 20 Under 20 Leader Decisions
January 5th: All Candidates Notified
January 13th: 20 Under 20 Announcements
January 29th: 20 Under 20 Virtual Retreat
February 5th: Meet Your Mentor
February 12th: Monthly Workshop #1
March 5th: Monthly Workshop #2
April 2nd: Monthly Workshop #3
April 23rd: Virtual Open Mic
Post-April 23rd: Regional Open Mic
APPLICATION DETAILS
The priority application deadline is November 20th, 2021. The application consists of general applicant information, open-ended responses, and other documentation that best represents your qualifications.
FAQs
What is next after 20 Under 20?
LatinxEd recognizes that it takes a village to create sustainable change. The 2021 cohort is one of many, and they will be part of a network of youth Latinx leaders eager to impact Latinx education across the state.
Do I need to be able to speak Spanish?
Nope!
20 Under 20: Class of 2020
20 Under 20: Class of 2019
Emily Garcia-Perez
> Cape Fear Community College & Eugene Ashley High School
> Wilmington, NC
> Mexico
Juan Castro
> University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
> High Point, NC
> Guatemala, El Salvador
Kairy Bautista
> University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
> Charlotte, NC
> Honduras & El Salvador
20 Under 20: Class of 2018
Change does not come alone, it is the culmination of all of us.
Jesus Peralta Porras