Youth Empowerment & Education

Sin Fronteras Youth Group is a group of local high schoolers held every Wednesday afternoon during the school year. Our goal is to cultivate leadership skills and characteristics to engage in advocacy and activism. Fueling curiosity, creating connections, and learning by service creating personal and societal transformations. ​

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The Sin Fronteras Youth Group gives teenagers a variety of opportunities to gain experience about self and others, make meaningful connections, and become leaders in the community. They serve as participants in our many events throughout the year such as Toy Sale, Peace Camp, Kids Camp and many more. 

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The youth of Sin Fronteras also serve as a source of inspiration to everyone here at Hope. Mostly first-generation students, who come from hardworking families. These young people show such heart and determination as they find their way in a culture that is not always welcoming.

Art-ivist is composed of local middle school students who meet every Thursday after school. During these sessions, students explore connections, service, and transformation through creative expression.

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Our goal is to empower middle school students to find their voice through art by studying artists who use their work as a form of advocacy and activism. Over the course of 13 weeks, students create original pieces that reflect their personal stories while developing leadership skills throughout the program.

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We offer two sessions each school year, one during the Fall semester and one during the Spring semester. This program is provided at no cost through a collaboration with ArtReach Orlando.

Hope CommUnity Center believes that access to careers and postsecondary education are important parts of individual and community empowerment!

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Here at Hope we offer students the following assistance:

• Personal and education growth

• Seeking information about colleges and universities

• College exposure through college fairs and tours

• Exploring career interests and finding the best professional setting that matches a person’s passions and skills

• Understanding rights for DACA and undocumented students

• College preparation and applications

• Scholarship research and applications

• Applying for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

• Writing and editing a professional resume

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Hope CommUnity Center also offers scholarship funds annually, primarily for students and other individuals involved as a participant or volunteer in center programming. These funds can be applied to costs associated with studying at any technical school, or 2 or 4 year college or university.

The Adelante Caminantes Program is designed for youth ages 13–18. The program provides the opportunity to learn English in a fun, supportive, and interactive environment.

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At Hope CommUnity Center, the Adelante Caminantes Program offers a safe and welcoming space where students can express themselves, build friendships, learn English, and adapt to American culture.

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In addition to English instruction, the program provides a warm welcome and basic life-skills support. Classes are held on Monday evenings online and Wednesday evenings in person.

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Description of the services our students receive in the Adelante Caminantes Program.

• ESOL classes

• Mental Health support

• Provide a space to make new friends of their age.

• Referrals to receive basic medical services. We also partner with different hospitals to sponsor free clinics.

Requirements

• Students must be 13 – 18 years old.

• Must be in enrolled in school

Registration

• In person by appointment only.

• Both the student and a parent/guardian must be present at registration

• Students will complete an English placement test

HCC ESOL classes give adults the opportunity to learn English in a fun, supportive, and interactive environment.

We offer Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced levels. Students are placed based on a placement test.

Schedule

• Mondays (In-Person): Hope South

• Wednesdays (Virtual): Online

• Time: 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM

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Attendance is required for both Monday and Wednesday sessions.

The Empowered Women’s Group is a space where women can discover and share their stories, similarities, and differences to develop their talents and skills to act changes in their own lives. Empower them and invite them to be a part of activism in response to the changes that we want in our community and have a special commitment where they can raise their own voices.
This program will be held every Tuesday in the morning.

Kids Camp is a six-week summer program for local elementary school children in grades K–5. Hosted by Hope CommUnity Center, the program offers age-appropriate enrichment activities at a significantly low cost to ensure accessibility for families. Programming includes social-emotional learning, creativity, and positive youth development, as well as art classes led by a professional art teacher through Art Reach Orlando.

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We intentionally prioritize outreach to first-generation students from low-income families to ensure equitable access, creating an inclusive and supportive environment where all participants can learn, grow, and thrive. In partnership with Second Harvest’s Summer BreakSpot program, Kids Camp also provides free meals to all participants, helping to reduce food insecurity during the summer months.

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The camp further supports youth development by offering leadership opportunities for high school students, who serve as counselors and mentors, building leadership skills while forming meaningful connections with elementary students.