Raíces (“roots”)

Purpose

To support the needs of low-income Latino youth and their families by providing a safe, culturally grounded, and educational space that fosters personal and professional development.

Mission

To educate Latino youth and their families by connecting them to their culture and community, empowering them to become leaders and agents of change.

Vision

To be a leading center for the holistic development of Latino youth and their families, supporting them in achieving their goals and positively impacting their learning and family dynamics.

Program Overview

Raíces is an after-school program serving Latino youth ages 12–18. The program integrates education and cultural identity, addressing topics such as leadership, mental health, sexual health, entrepreneurship, empowerment, healthy relationships, LGBTQ+ awareness, anti-discrimination, anti-bullying, anti-racism, assertive communication, financial literacy, career development, volunteerism, and college access.

During the academic year, Raíces operates:

• Tuesdays at Centro (Raíces main group)

• Thursdays at Centro or online (Colores subgroup)

Additionally, once a month on Saturdays, the program offers intergenerational activities in collaboration with the Adult & Aging Department.

Raíces and its subprogram Jóvenes Latinas al Poder (JLP) are also delivered in partner schools across Minneapolis Public Schools and private schools.

Summer Program

During July and August, Raíces runs a summer program three days per week (Wednesday–Friday), combining educational workshops with engaging field trips such as visits to lakes, parks, museums, colleges, universities, and health clinics.

Intergenerational activities are also incorporated during the summer program schedule.

Subprograms

Jóvenes Latinas al Poder (JLP)

A program designed for Latina youth who identify as female, focused on leadership development and collective power to advocate for justice, inclusion, and equity.

• Leadership and civic engagement workshops

• Opportunities to advocate for rights (including special activities during school hours, such as visits to the State Capitol)

Intergenerational Program

Held once per month during the academic year and multiple times during the summer, this program brings together Latino youth and older adults.

Participants engage in shared activities that promote:

• Knowledge exchange

• Relationship-building across generations

• Trust and mentorship

Topics include mental health, intergenerational trauma, entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and more.

Colores

A multi-component program focused on LGBTQ+ inclusion and awareness:

• Safe space for Latino LGBTQ+ youth to explore identity, access resources, and express themselves

• Educational sessions for all youth to promote awareness, allyship, and non-discrimination

• Workshops for Latino adults and older adults (in partnership with Adult & Aging) to build understanding and allyship

• LGBTQ+ training and capacity-building for Centro staff

Familias Saludables

(Offered twice per academic year on Saturdays)

A full-day program offering workshops for Latino adults on topics such as:

• Sexual health education

• Mental health

• Entrepreneurship

• Access to resources

• Communication with children and youth

Special Project

Great MN Schools Initiative

This project focuses on empowering Latino parents and caregivers through education about the Minneapolis public school system.

Participants learn:

• Their rights and their children’s rights within schools

• How to navigate educational processes

• How to identify barriers and advocate for better educational outcomes

• How to engage with Minneapolis Public Schools

Current School Partnerships (Feb–June 2026)

• Saint Louis Park Middle School (Mondays)

• Washburn High School (Wednesday mornings – middle and high school groups)

• Andersen United Middle School (Wednesday afternoons – JLP)

• Centro (Tuesdays – Raíces)

• Colores (Thursdays – at Centro or online)