Esperanza Youth Leadership Program

The Esperanza Youth Leadership Program (ELYP) empowers students through engaging after-school programing focused on self-expression, reflective leadership, community service, life and career skills, academic support, career exploration, enriching field trips, and pathways to post-secondary education.

During programming, students engage in interactive discussions guided by ASPIRA, PWC, UnidosUS, and One Circle Foundation curricula, featuring guest speakers who address topics relevant to youth experiences and the social determinants of health. Additionally, students receive homework assistance and one-on-one support to foster academic success, persistence, graduation, and social-emotional growth.

Our youth organization offers group mentoring twice a month, after school, directly within each participating school. These two-hour sessions incorporate the evidence-based curriculum from the One Circle Foundation, blended with UnidosUS materials to ensure culturally responsive engagement. For students seeking individual mentorship, Esperanza provides carefully vetted and background-checked mentors who offer personalized support for academic achievement and social-emotional growth.

Program locations include:

– Denison PreK-8 School

– Buhrer Dual Language Academy

– Natividad Pagan International Newcomers Academy

– Rhodes School of Environmental Studies

– Lincoln-West School of Global Studies

– Lincoln-West School of Science and Health

Students in our programs:

98% Graduate or get promoted from grade to grade

90% Increase Social-Emotional Skills

100% HS students complete a Post-Secondary Plan

Get introduced to Community Resources

Get introduced to our Adult Learner Program

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The Importance of Youth Learning About Leadership Skills

Young people are the future of Cleveland. They represent the next generation of thinkers, creators, and community builders, and their contributions will shape the strength and success of our region. This is why it is important for all students to have access to opportunities to learn and grow as leaders.

Leadership skills give students confidence, direction, and the tools to navigate school, work, and community involvement. These skills help them achieve their goals, overcome challenges, and build a positive impact wherever they go.

Young Leaders: The Future of Cleveland

Cleveland is a city defined by resilience, and opportunity. Our students play a vital role in the life of our community, and their leadership is essential to our shared future. By investing in their development and ensuring they have meaningful opportunities to succeed, we help them grow into strong leaders who will guide and improve our city for years to come. Let’s support them and help them to reach their full potential. Let’s continue to support them and help them reach their full potential.