Latino Youth Education

Why The Self-Discovery Class?

The Self-Discovery Class is being developed to provide Latinos and other minority youth with the information that middle income white kids grow up with, information that naturally comes from their parents, families, and friends who have lived in America for generations and which they naturally pass on to their children. Latino and other minority youth begin elementary school with an achievement gap due to a lack of these factors, and this achievement gap generally tends to increase as the students progress through school. This achievement gap comes from much more than a deficiency in reading and math and other scholastic skills, but from cultural background, and basic background knowledge known automatically by the American majority. The curriculum of the Self-Discovery Class is intended to extend this basic background knowledge to the minorities and immigrants to our country. Note that immigrant youth gain a low self expectation, even shame, sometime in middle school or high school, and this class is intended to raise the self expectation and pride of the youth so that they are motivated to achieve rather than accept a lesser status in society. To see what we are proposing see the Diversity Discovery Class Topics of Classes or the Diversity Discovery Class Detailed Outline.

Why? Because It Will Work!

We have seen the principles of the Diversity Discovery Class in action in various settings. We have seen those principles change lives. We have seen kids come out of their shell and blossom. The Diversity Discovery Class incorporates all of the principles of the Enhancing Youth Self-Esteem more than any other program that we’ve seen.

Why? Because it is Needed

Thousands and millions of Latino and other minority youth and even white youth, will be changed and uplifted by the Diversity Discovery Class as it is implemented across the United States. Let’s not let those kids down when we have the tools to change their lives! As we keep saying, if we do nothing, then 52 Million American Latino and Latina youth will under achieve their potential during the next 35 years. Let’s not let that happen!

Why? Because it Will Change Lives

A different self-expectation is the greatest thing needed by Latino and other youth. This class can be developed and modified until it meets this goal. And then, watch out America, as these kids move out of meritocracy and into excellence.

Let’s do it together. Help us design and fine tune the class. Help us gather statistics to see what works and what doesn’t. Help us implement it across America. We can do it. The youth can do it. Si, Se Puede.

Be sure to read the Diversity Discovery Class Description and contribute your expertise to its development.

To get an idea of just how much the YDI programs have changed lives just read the two Student stories about their experiences with the outdoor programs of YDI.