Three years ago, an in-depth investigation to find out what after-school programs and services were offered to youth in Lafayette revealed a handful of barriers keeping teens from participating. Transportation, cost, language and cultural accessibility, as well as trust were at the top of the list. Espacios para Jóvenes was created to build a safe, welcoming, and affordable space for Latino youth in Lafayette. The program helps ensure low-income youth and people of color in sixth through tenth grade have the opportunity to participate in after-school activities, building community with one another, and exploring new skills along the way.
“Espacios para Jóvenes does whatever it takes to support youth,” said Program Director Veronica Sangabriel. “Since COVID, we feel the responsibility now more than ever to provide safe and welcoming spaces that support them. Students were at home during part of the pandemic, many are still struggling to return to their school and many have lost the connection to socialize.” Sangabriel says a focus of the program is to recruit teens to help them connect, learn leadership skills, and build good character and integrity along the way. “Our highest vision is to provide experiences that help youth access opportunities to ensure success and help them to feel part of the community. It’s vital that teens feel a sense of belonging.”
The program not only keeps youth engaged after school also provides opportunities to use self-expression through art and music to identify and communicate their emotions. “Our youth have been struggling,” says Sangabriel. “The struggle to have hope is heightened in recent times. I had youths in the summer program where they all share with us how scared they are by local and national happenings with immigrants. They say involvement in Espacios para Jóvenes makes them feel safe and secure.”
Sangabriel says our youth need us more than ever, and that supporting and investing in their education has to be a priority. “We have to think about how they are the future leaders in our community, we have to help them as much as we can.”
In the three years since the program started, 166 students have participated, with some even coming back as young adults to help facilitate after-school sessions, gain valuable job experience, and give back to their community.
We’re proud to support Espacios para Jóvenes and their work to create safe spaces and increased opportunities for youth in our community.
Espacios para Jóvenes was awarded a 15 Forever grant and a Community Trust grant in 2025.
Learn more about 15 Forever Fund.
Learn more about Community Trust.
