What We Do

ASPIRA’S program model is a coherent one that includes the areas of development to which our programs and services contribute, in the three, interconnected spheres of the individual, the family and the community. These are three open systems influenced by each other. For example, leadership development, as well the emotional, social, academic and occupational development of the individual, have an impact on the family and the community. With this in mind, ASPIRA designs specific programs (programmatic strategies and activities) for each sphere.

THE INDIVIDUAL

Areas of Development

• Leadership Development
• Teamwork and Social Interaction Skills
• Self-knowledge and Self-esteem
• Academic development
• Occupational Planning and Decision-Making Skills
• Critical Thinking Skills
• Social Awareness
• Healthy Lifestyles
• Problem Solving Skills
• Sense of Belonging
• Planning Skills
• Communication Skills

The Leadership Development Program

The ASPIRA Leadership Development program, created by ASPIRA’s founders 45 years ago, has historically been the agency’s cornerstone program. It responds to a basic ASPIRA goal -- to develop social responsibility and the leadership potential of our youth. In student-led, school and community-based clubs, ASPIRA has provided young leaders with educational counseling, academic services, and cultural enrichment activities, and implemented community service projects that promote and enhance the youths’ leadership skills and abilities. Staff provides the clubs with organizational guidance and support to assist students in planning and implementing activities that are conducive to their development. Emphasis is placed on organizing skills, citizenship skills, involvement in democratic processes and problem solving.

Through the clubs, Aspirantes are provided with an excellent environment that fosters personal and group development. It is within each club that the ASPIRA process begins with an infusion of personal awareness and self-knowledge -- an awakening of the intellectual strengths, interests, values, communication skills, leadership skills, identity and artistic and athletic abilities of each student. Activities of the clubs include conferences, workshops, promotional activities, and community service activities, such as ecological awareness, visits to centers for the elderly, and more recently a reading marathon to promote reading among students. Students evolve from theory to practice by learning to take charge of their clubs and expanding their knowledge in a learn-by-doing process that develops an Aspirante with powerful inner strengths and leadership skills.

The next level of the Leadership Development program is the ASPIRA Clubs Federation. The Federation is composed of all of the Leadership Development Clubs, and serves as the organizational forum for the leadership of the Clubs. In addition, youths representing students interests sit on the ASPIRA Massachusetts Board of Directors, as well as on the Board of the ASPIRA Association.

THE FAMILY

 Areas of Development

• Communication within the Family
• Strengthening of the Family
• Parents as Educators
• Parental Engagement in School
• Learning Environments at Home
• Study Skills
• Filial Linkages
• Reading from 0-5
• Family Quality of Life
• Empowerment
• School Structure

ASPIRA Parents for Educational Excellence Program (APEX) Since 1998, the APEX program has developed the capacity of over 15,000 parents to become meaningfully involved in their children’s elementary, middle and high school education. The APEX Workshop Series developed by ASPIRA: (a) develops parenting skills; (b) makes parents aware of their rights and responsibilities relative to involvement in their children’s education; and (c) facilitates the formation of dynamic parent groups that discuss and evaluate their roles in impacting their local schools and the educational system. The Workshop Series is comprised of 10 one- to two-hour sessions covering important, vital themes such as self-esteem, the importance of education, parent involvement with schools, organizing parent networks and group dynamics, among others. A volunteer “Network of Parents and Caregivers for Educational Excellence” has been one of the most positive outcomes of the APEX program.

THE COMMUNITY

Areas of Development

• Socio-economic development (Community Wealth Development)
• School Improvement
• Reduce the digital divide
• Information Technology skills
• Self-sustainability
• Quality of Life
• Cultural change - reading culture, changes in school culture, knowledge economy, culture of collaboration
• Creating bridges towards digital technology