Youth Health Education Programming with Sociedad Latina

Lauren Valle worked as an intern in the Health Education program at Sociedad Latina (SL), a five-week youth summer program. The project aimed to design and implement a 5-week calendar for the youth summer program. The calendar developed collaboratively with a team, was tailored to be accessible to individuals with English as a Second Language (ESL) and emphasized project-based learning. The program revolved around three key themes: mental health, wellness and physical well-being, and sexual health. Apart from this central responsibility, Lauren’s role encompassed youth registration for summer programs, active participation in SL’s community events, and acting as a mentor and educator to the participating youth.

The success of the summer calendar project was evident in the activities and projects conducted during enrichment sessions. The project yielded valuable insights into the youths’ existing knowledge, areas of confusion, and expanded understanding, particularly in the domains of sexual and mental health. The summer program effectively addressed misconceptions regarding safe sexual practices and contraceptives through open discussions, Q&A sessions, and practical demonstrations. Additionally, the mental health unit facilitated essential conversations about self-care practices, which were previously unexplored by many of the youth. Lauren found the mental health unit to be particularly rewarding, as it provided a safe space for the youth to share their feelings, a practice not commonly encouraged in their Latinx households. Furthermore, the summer program introduced a reflection exercise, which, though initially met with some resistance, became a welcomed practice among the students. It is hoped that they will continue to integrate this exercise into their daily lives. Overall, the youth experienced personal growth and increased self-confidence, positioning students as potential future leaders.