Our flagship initiative, Somos Carolina, creates inclusive learning experiences for Southern Latinx students to grow as scholars and leaders by encouraging them to embrace their cultural identity, become innovative problem-solvers, and thrive as critically-conscious civic leaders in their communities.
Our Programs
Interested in building a community of like-minded students ready to embrace their culture and think about their futures? Somos Carolina has two options that might be good fits for you. Our coaching program and high school chapters help you…
Learn about Latinx history and cultura,
Identify your core values and strengths, and
Unlock your storytelling skills!
Because culture heals.
Latinidad
Know history. Know self.
Students examine Latinx identity, culture, and history to deepen their understanding of self, community, and the world.
Learning
Protect your potential.
Students practice self-awareness and critical reflection to explore their values, mindsets, and choices.
Leadership
Cultivate thriving communities.
Students reflect on their journey and practice storytelling as a means of collective healing and transformation.
Semillas Summer Program
Semillas is our summer coaching program for rising Latinx 9th-12th graders hosted July 12-30, 2021 in Cary, NC. Students will receive education, high-touch support, and accountability to affirm and nurture their Latinx identities and leadership. The 2021 summer coaching program will be serving Latinx students from Orange and Lee County School Districts. Transportation and meals are provided at no cost to families.
High School Chapters
Somos Carolina Chapters are student-led chapters dedicated to uplifting Latinx leadership to cultivate thriving schools and communities. We currently have chapters in Orange & Lee County at the following high schools: Orange High School, Lee Early College, Lee County High School, and Southern Lee High School. We are also starting a chapter at Cedar Ridge High School in the Fall of 2021.
Somos Carolina
Eligibility
We are looking for students who identify as…
+ Rising 9th-12th graders
+ Latino/a/x or Hispanic
+ First- or second-generation immigrants
+ Future first-generation college students*
*Have parents who did not attend college or whose college degrees are from outside the U.S.
If you are…
+ Curious – Willing to learn and get out of your comfort zone
+ Dedicated – Interested in creating change in your community
+ Eager – Desiring growth and personal development
+ Friendly – Seeking a community of fellow Latinx students
… then you’re our kind of people!
Eligible Schools
Students from the following schools are eligible for Semillas 2021:
+ Cedar Ridge High School
+ Lee County High School
+ Lee Early College
+ Orange High School
+ Southern Lee High School
Are you an educator interested in working with Latinx youth?
We’re on the hunt for talented and motivated people who are interested in working with rising Latinx 9th-12th graders during the 2021 Semillas Summer Coaching Program in Cary, NC from July 12-30. Coaches will facilitate group and 1:1 sessions about culture, identity, and storytelling with Somos Scholars, and foster a positive learning environment to build an inclusive culture of support, accountability, and innovation.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to send me an email at jose@latinxed.org. I’d love to connect with any students, caregivers, or educators interested in investing in youth leadership in their community.
Somos Carolina made me appreciate my personal experience and the collective experience of Latinx students in education.
Gladys Alvarez