CPLC Youth Programs

Youth Drop-In Center
(Centro Juvenile)

The Youth Center is a resource facility for inner-city youth. Computers are available on site for the youth to assist them in completing school class work and projects. The computer lab is also provided with internet services to further help youth with their studies. In addition, the Youth Drop-In Center provides activities that emphasize cultural and community awareness.

Leadership & Prevention

This is an effective and comprehensive culturally based leadership development and Substance Abuse and HIV/AIDS prevention program. The objective of Corazón de Aztlan is to develop young leaders in the essence of the four movements (Nahui Ollin) by stressing the need for optimal health of mind, body, spirit, and community. The curriculum also addresses history, self-empowerment, family dynamics, communication, and leadership development. This program is provided to local high school youth as part of their regularly scheduled classroom.

An additional component of the curriculum is the Annual Summer Youth Leadership Retreat. Thirty-five high school youth from around Tucson are selected to participate in the 3 1/2 day retreat. The retreat assists youth to successfully launch their leadership careers.

This annual one-day conference offers leadership development and training activities on topics that further develop the goal of Corazón de Aztlan. The conference frames all workshops and activities within a total cultural context. Topics include La Cultura Cura (Culture Cures), Mi Futuro (My Future), Mi Salud (My Health, Mi Comunidad (My Community), and In Lakech (Tu Eres Mi Otro Yo). Students learn to apply these culturally appropriate tools towards achieving educational success.

Scholarship Programs

The QEP Annual Scholarship Program targets students who are currently attending local middle schools that feed into the high schools known for their high drop-out rate. After being nominated by their teachers, students submit an essay on the selected theme. A group of community leader's review and score the essays. Winners receive a $1,000 scholarship award that is placed in an endowment fund until the student enrolls into an institution of higher learning.