With overwhelming support from philanthropists and other supporters, Washington DC-based Latin American Youth Center (LAYC), one of the nation’s leading youth development agencies, unveiled its anticipated Promotores initiative as part of a new multi-year strategic plan.

This new promotores model for youth development is LAYC’s ground-breaking and bold plan to help re-connect youth disconnected from the mainstream world. Youth who are homeless, in foster care, involved in the juvenile justice system, or in gangs require holistic support and extensive services over several years.

LAYC’s Learning and Evaluation Division estimates that 5,000 to 8,000 youth between the ages of 14 and 24 in D.C. are at risk of becoming “disconnected” from society.

Overlooking this growing crisis could result in substantial financial cost to our society.

“LAYC believes the Promotores model is a critical element for successful youth development in the 21st century,” said Lori Kaplan, LAYC’s executive director. “Not only does the model enable and high-risk youth to become successful and happy adults, but the cost savings to area governments will be enormous,” added Kaplan.

Using available economic data, LAYC has conservatively estimated that each promotor will save the D.C. metropolitan area an average of $1.7 million. For a full complement of 25 promotores, the economic benefit realized by local governments would likely be in excess of $42 million.

The promotor model is an intentional and deliberate effort to build a relationship designed to transform a young person’s life. Although this model will be officially implemented during the spring, 2008, the premise has been proven effective through LAYC’s work over the past 35 years.

“I wouldn’t be where I am today without Chico. I know I wouldn’t have graduated from high school or even try to go to college,” said Jesus Amaya, former program participant at LAYC and current computer technician at the Latin American Youth Center, about his unofficial mentor.

LAYC intends to institutionalize this unofficial model through the promotor approach.

Promotores will act as mentor, case manager, community health worker, and advocate for youth between the ages of 10 and 24. Promotores will work with youth to ensure the each youth graduates from high school and enroll in college; or obtain and retain employment with long-term career potential; and each youth obtains the skills necessary to lead healthy and happy lives.
For interview requests contact Cheryl Aguilar at 202-319-2238 or e-mail cheryl@layc-dc.org