Latinos Educando Juntos, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering the Latino community through education, announced a $110,000 grant from the William Penn Foundation. This grant will enable LEJ to expand its early childhood mentorship program, LatinLift!, with support from Hope Partnership for Education, Learn, Empower, Grow Consulting Group and Esperanza College.
LatinLift! addresses the need for a culturally relevant pipeline of “Latinx” early childhood educators in Philadelphia. Through the program, established Latinx educators mentor aspiring teachers, providing guidance, support and professional development opportunities. This not only strengthens the teaching workforce but ensures that young learners have role models who reflect their own backgrounds and cultural experiences.
“We are incredibly grateful for the William Penn Foundation’s generous support,” said Damaris Alvarado-Rodriguez, president of LEJ, who is also the director of the Children’s Playhouse, with two locations in South Philly. “This grant will allow us to significantly expand LatinLift!, preparing more Latinx educators to inspire and nurture the next generation of learners.”
This strategic partnership harnesses the collective strengths of each organization to ensure LatinLift!’s impact and sustainability.
“By focusing on early childhood education, we are laying the foundation for a brighter future for Philadelphia’s Latino community,” Alvarado-Rodriguez said. “With LatinLift!, we are empowering not only future educators but also the children they will teach, fostering cultural pride and academic success for generations to come.”
