The document provides information about the #LAtinas Public Service Academy program offered by the Hispanic Heritage Foundation. It outlines the eligibility requirements to apply, which include being a high school junior or senior with at least one Latino parent and a minimum 2.0 GPA. The application is a six step process that involves providing personal information, activities, an essay, grades, a recommendation letter, and a photo. The curriculum includes an introduction to public office, leadership development workshops, visits to local public offices, a mentorship program, and internship matching. It also lists the mandatory program dates in April and May.
2. “Tell me what you pay attention to, and I’ll
tell you who you are” – Jose Ortega
3. #LAtinas Overview
• Eligibility Requirements:
– Enrolled in H.S. 11th or 12th grade
– At least 1 parent of Latino descent
– Minimum 2.0 GPA (some exceptions made)
– Submit complete application by Feb. 15th
4. #LAtinas Application
• Six Easy Steps:
Step One – Personal Information
Step Two – Activities
Step Three – Essay
Step Four – Grades
Step Five – Recommendation Letter
Step Six – Semi-professional Photo
7. #LAtinas Curriculum
1. Introduction to public and federal office
through informative and interactive sessions
2. Leadership development through skill
development workshops
3. Visits to local public offices
4. Mentorship Program
5. Internship matching
8. 1. Introduction to Politics
• Interactive presentation/speakers
• Unveiling politics in the U.S.
• College-type setting
• Q & A
9. 2. Leadership Development
• Fundraising experience
• Branding/Image
• Self-promotion
• Career and skills training
10. 3. Public Office Visitations
• Exclusive visits to municipal government
chambers to see public officials in action
– Los Angeles City Hall
– Access to executive tour of the facilities
– Introduction to government officials
13. #Latina Commitments
• Mandatory program dates:
– Saturday, April 4th 9 am – 6 pm Workshop
– Tuesday, April 14th 9 am – 6 pm Field Trip
– Saturday, May 2nd 9 am – 6 pm Workshop
14. “Only those who will risk going too far can
possibly find out how far one can go.”
- T.S. Eliot
Step 1: Very basic and general demographic information will be asked.
Step 2: we want to know what you do with your free time outside of class (i.e., volunteerism, clubs, organizations, sports, hobbies, work, anything). Don’t be afraid to get creative, and talk about any fun activities you do that are uplifting/empowering or help others; for example Spanish-English interpreter for family members; tutor for younger siblings, organizing big family functions like parties, get-togethers, etc.
Step 3 - Be authentic, be yourself. We want to know who you are, and get a better sense of what you want to do or how this is going to help you. You don’t have to know EXACTLY what you want to do with your life, the point is to know that no matter what you choose to do that you believe in yourself and are willing to identify ways/resources to getting there. Always ask yourself WHY?
Step four – grades, unofficial or official transcript
Step five – get someone who knows your goals and aspirations very WELL to be your recommender, it can be anyone except for a close family member. If you have a mentor, teacher, counselor, or community leader that you know well and has seen you grow then I would ask them first.
Step six: PLEASE NO SEXY or inappropriate FB or IG pics, be aware of your dress attire in the picture, your facial expression, and even the background where you’re taking the picture at. All of those things matter in creating a good first impression!
2nd woman shown in this picture series is Nury Martinez, and she’s a Los Angeles City Council District Member (6th district) born and raised in San Fernando Valley
She’s been in office since 2013, and is Currently the only female in office in LA.
The first part of the curriculum includes an overall introduction to politics, and informing young Latina students about the way that government works at the federal, state, and local levels.
There’s a greater emphasis on learning about the importance and involvement in local government (i.e., the roles and responsibilities of the LA City Mayor, City Attorney, City controller, City council, Board of supervisors, Board of education, etc.)
In a sense we demystify this big idea of what politics really is, and we do it in a way that’s interactive and allows for the scholars to ask questions and participate in the discussion.
The second part of the curriculum is learning valuable tools on how to be a leader in your community. We hope to help build your inner confidence so that you can effectively/successfully fill these leadership roles
These skills are transferable into any field
This is perhaps the MOST important part of the program:
A mentor is a more experienced (typically older) professional in your field who offers you career guidance, advice and assistance from a real world point-of-view.
A good mentor is wise and willing to share his or her knowledge and experiences in order to help you succeed. It’s like having a wonderful trusted ally to go to whenever you’re feeling unsure or in need of support.
One things mentors are NOT are problem-solvers of the universe or GODS. They are people who aren’t always going to know the right answer, but will guide you to the best of their ability to finding truth and answers within yourself. They will help you find your own voice, but they cannot give you your own voice.
A small stipend at the conclusion of the program will be provided if all of the following commitments are met!
Scholars MUST attend all three program dates, absence will only be excused in case of emergency’s
Two things to consider when applying is transportation, and other calendar commitments. A problem some of our scholars faced in attending all three of the sessions were related to AP examinations, try to find out in advance if any other commitments such as tests will interfere with your attendance to the workshops.