On July 31, 2024, LatinoLEAD's Education Action Team (E.A.T.) embarked on a trip to Austin, MN, to meet with Austin Aspires, an organization dedicated to enhancing educational outcomes for all students in the region. This visit marked a significant step in LatinoLEAD's mission to advocate for systemic changes that improve school systems and close educational gaps for the Latine community across Minnesota.
Meeting with Austin Aspires: A Collaborative Effort
Austin Aspires, established in 2014 by the Vision 2020 Education Leaders committee, is a nonprofit organization driven by a board of community volunteers. Their mission is to bring together community resources and families to challenge all learners to seek excellence and achieve results through shared community vision, evidence-based decision making, collaborative action, and investment and sustainability. The Austin Public Schools, Pacelli Catholic Schools, and Riverland Community College are key partners in this mission.
During the meeting, LatinoLEAD's EAT team aimed to build relationships with EAT members in greater Minnesota, share the goals and achievements of their efforts over the past few years, and gain statewide support for their 2025 legislative goals, particularly in supporting English Language Learners (ELLs).
“We were thrilled to connect with Austin Aspires and learn from their experiences and successes,” said Tamara Ramirez-Torres, Board Member and Teacher of El Colegio High School. “Their dedication to improving educational outcomes aligns perfectly with our goals, and together, we can create a more equitable education system for all students in Minnesota.” Ramirez-Torres also adds, “What struck me more of our visit is the investment they have towards all students in their district. All students feel seen and included. Minneapolis has a lot to learn from this amazing town and their citizens.”
Engaging Beyond the Metro: A Statewide Approach
LatinoLEAD recognizes that the Latine community extends far beyond the Twin Cities. Engaging with communities in greater Minnesota is crucial to ensuring that all Latine students and families have access to quality education. This trip to Austin highlighted the importance of statewide collaboration and the need for targeted efforts in regions that might otherwise be overlooked.
“Education is a critical component of workforce development in Minnesota,” said Irma Márquez Trapero, CEO of LatinoLEAD. “By supporting our English Language Learner students, teachers, and families; we are investing in the future prosperity of our state. And, it’s essential to engage all voices, especially those in small towns like the one I grew up in.”
Visiting the Hormel Institute: Bridging Research and Education
In addition to meeting with Austin Aspires, the EAT team visited the Hormel Institute. The Hormel Institute conducts research and provides education in the biological sciences, with applications in medicine and agriculture. Their mission is to generate fundamental knowledge and disseminate it to the scientific community worldwide, while also serving as a center of technical and educational expertise for the benefit of the Austin community, the surrounding region, and the State of Minnesota.
“Our visit to the Hormel Institute was incredibly enlightening,” said Brenda, Director of Leadership Programs at LatinoLEAD. “The work they do in research and education is impressive, and it reinforces the importance of a holistic approach to education that includes scientific and technical expertise.”
Melissa, Communications and Community Engagement Manager at LatinoLEAD, added, “Connecting our EAT work with the Hormel Institute’s mission underscores the interconnectedness of education, research, community development, and our growing Latine workforce. We are committed to fostering these connections to benefit our students and communities.”
A Shared Vision for Educational Equity
The collaboration between LatinoLEAD and Austin Aspires, supported by insights gained from the Hormel Institute, represents a shared vision for educational equity in Minnesota. By working together, these organizations are laying the groundwork for a more inclusive and effective education system that supports all students, particularly those from Latine and English Learner backgrounds.
LatinoLEAD's commitment to engaging communities across the state and advocating for systemic changes in education is crucial for the long-term development of Minnesota’s workforce and the prosperity of its residents. This trip to Austin was a testament to the power of collaboration and the shared dedication to creating a brighter future for all students.
LatinoLEAD invites you to join us in our mission to create a more equitable education system for all students in Minnesota. Your support is crucial in advocating for the needs of our Latine and English Language Learner students. Together, we can make a difference.
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#SupportELLs #EducationEquity #LatinoLEAD #GreaterMN #InvestInEducation #MinnesotaFuture #EnglishLanguageLearners #Multilingualism
By working together, we can ensure that every student in Minnesota receives the quality education they deserve. Join us in making this vision a reality.
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