United Way funding supports students’ social, emotional and academic growth at El Concilio

The first time 13-year-old Itzel walked into El Concilio (Hispanic American Council) with her family, she had no idea how much was about to change.

She was hesitant, unsure and not initially interested in an invitation to join La Academia Azteca, a variety of programs designed for youth by Latinx professionals. Itzel agreed, however, to try the tutoring program for just one day.

Now she can’t imagine spending her after-school hours and summer free time anywhere else.

La Academia Azteca is funded in part by United Way and aligns with our community goal of improving graduation rates by supporting the social and emotional well-being of students. The program utilizes Latinx volunteers from Western Michigan University and provides a safe space for students to explore their social, emotional and academic development in a culturally competent environment. The youth choose how they want to spend their time, which can include mentoring, tutoring, traditional dance, soccer and conversation focus groups.

“Itzel, as well as the other youth that participate in La Academia Azteca programs, are able to interact with mentors who look like them and can understand their parents,” Academia Azteca Coordinator Juliana Hafner said. “They also have the opportunity to do different activities that help them discover their skills and interests.”

It didn’t take long for Itzel to recognize the impact the program could have on her life.

“I fell in love with tutoring,” she said. “I liked the tutors – how nice they were, how they helped a lot and how I had so much fun with them. They helped me understand my homework in math and science, and helped me get better at those things.”

The benefits have been more than solely academic. She participates in just about everything the program has to offer during the school year and the summer, gaining confidence through that exploration.

“I made a lot of new friends, and I’m a shy person,” Itzel said. “It made me communicate with other people that I don’t know, and I started talking way more.”

Her mother agrees that Itzel is more open and less scared of speaking. That confidence has led to more opportunities, such as her leadership role this summer as a counselor in training at the Kalamazoo Parks and Recreation day camp that was held at the Hispanic American Council.

“Itzel’s story shows how important it is for a child to have a safe place besides home to go after school or during the summer, to spend time having fun and learning, surrounded by positive role models,” Hafner said.

“I really want to go every day,” Itzel said. “That’s how much I love this place.”