MiSendero
Empowerment
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The Challenge
English learner students represent a large and growing population in our public high schools. These students are bright and anxious to participate in extracurricular activities and develop broader friendships outside their group based on mutual interests. However, they often face language, cultural, social, economic, and academic barriers. They feel invisible to their classmates and precluded from being part of the wide range of activities offered at their schools.
The Solution
MiSendero brings together native Spanish-speaking students learning English and English-speaking students studying Spanish. Through MiSendero these students tutor and get to know each other. In addition to expanding student social networks and improving language fluency, each group gains mutual appreciation and respect. We also organize cultural exchanges and educational events focused on the immigrant experience. Building bridges between these groups has removed barriers and helped English learners integrate into the school community as active leaders. To date, we have been awarded $18,500 in grants from multiple sources and served over 1,000 students in chapters across high schools throughout California and Florida and continue to expand rapidly.
Video with more information
This video was produced by Franko Bernuy, the MiSendero Director of Media. Other MiSendero officers contributed to it and shared their stories and thoughts about the organization.