Founded in 2010 to provide formal, organized representation for the growing but underrepresented Latino community in Sarasota and Manatee counties, UnidosNow has evolved from an all-volunteer group to a private 501(c)3 social benefit corporation empowering hundreds of families annually on the path to achieving their American dream. With a mission to elevate the quality of life of the Hispanic/Latino community in the region through education, integration, and civic engagement, UnidosNow has established itself as a leader in the field of post-secondary education attainment, creating a pipeline from elementary to high school, and through college, for first-generation, low-income students. With a dedication to cultural competence, a multigenerational approach that engages the whole family, and community collaboration, the organization has achieved significant impact in its short history. UnidosNow's core programs Future Leaders Academy for Girls (FLAG) An elementary school program to empower 3rd to 5th-grade Latina students to develop skills such as teamwork, perseverance, and leadership while exploring diverse fields, particularly in the areas of science and technology. Future Leaders Academy for Middle Schoolers (FLAM) This program empowers middle-school students and their parents with the tools, resources, and skills to transition to high school successfully. Students and their parents learn together through interactive workshops, activities, and college tours. Future Leaders Academy for High Schoolers (FLA) The program provides college preparation for students interested in attending 4-year and 2-year colleges or pursuing a post-secondary path that includes a high-quality certification or technical career. In addition to leadership skills and community service, students and their families learn about college selection, career readiness, ACT/SAT preparation, essay writing, resume building, scholarship applications, and receive FAFSA assistance and individual mentoring. LEADNow High School Clubs Relying on the value of peer-to-peer learning, high school students receive training and take on leadership roles to support other students at their schools on their journey to college. College Completion Latinx students have graduated from high school and enrolled in college in record numbers over the past decade, but they continue to lag behind the general population in completing their college education. Our College Completion model provides UnidosNow alums the support they need to successfully overcome the challenges they experience in college as first-generation, low-income students so that they can complete their college education and graduate within a reasonable amount of time and with minimal or no debt. Parent Leadership This program empowers parents with skill sets and capabilities in the areas of leadership, communication, relationship building, and community involvement. Parents learn to navigate the education system to advocate for their children, increasing their parental engagement and helping improve their children's academic performance and school attendance. In addition, through interactive workshops and community building, parents enhance their knowledge and confidence to be active, integrated, and contributing members of society.
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