October 2024 Partner and Volunteer Highlight: Youngins in Progress

Youngins in Progress (YIP) supports Hispanic male students at Alexandria City High School (ACHS) in their educational journeys by providing tailored tutoring, incentives for academic achievement and resources for their families.

The program, originally known as “The Soccer Club,” launched in October 2021 as students returned to school after the pandemic and served approximately 45 students. Soccer was a tool for building connections between and with students while motivating them to participate actively in tutoring sessions. They later decided to change the name to “Youngins in Progress” to better showcase how the program helps its participants to grow as students and community members.

“YIP focuses on enhancing educational engagement, improving academic performance and fostering a sense of community among participants,” ACHS Family Engagement Social Worker Ana Bonilla shared.

YIP reengages vulnerable students through a multifaceted approach:

• The program uses soccer as a means to build teamwork and discipline while creating a positive outlet for students.
• YIP offers academic support by providing tutoring in core subjects, helping students catch up and excel in academics.
• The program’s workshops and seminars expose students to various career paths, encouraging them to envision a successful future.
• YIP helps to foster a supportive environment at home, providing resources to parents and hosting seminars that reinforce a student’s educational goals and overall well-being.

YIP now serves more than 100 students and meets throughout the week for soccer and tutoring.

“Alexandria Soccer Association has been supporting YIPs for the past four years, providing soccer training for students one or two times each week throughout the semester,” ASA Outreach and School Programs Manager and ACPS alumnus Johnatan Nunez said. “ASA's professional coaches teach technical and tactical soccer skills, in addition to building relationships with the students week after week. YIPs and ASA share a common goal of supporting the whole student — considering their physical, intellectual, mental and social emotional needs. ASA is grateful for the opportunity to connect with the YIP community and to provide soccer programming to this dedicated, caring, energetic and special group of kids.

Students and families shared many positive experiences with the program:

• “This has helped me with time management, in a way, conquering things academically,” ACHS eleventh grade student Anthony Salgado said.
• Bemnet Alula, who is in tenth grade, said the math and English tutoring, “helped me with my grades and helped me with my soccer skills as I get to play with people that are better than me.”
• Claudia Aguilar, a parent of a student in the program, notes that the tutoring “helps with the homework and to get ready for a test. This program is amazing!”

Bonilla said it is important to highlight the critical need for mentorship and community support for Hispanic male students. “By fostering a nurturing environment, YIP not only addresses academic challenges but also cultivates a sense of belonging and empowerment among participants. We are a “familia.” The program’s holistic approach can serve as a model for similar initiatives aimed at underserved populations,” she added.

YIP provides students who participate diverse perspectives on career paths, educational resources and community involvement. Alexandria Sheriff’s Office Community Engagement Sergeant Cassandra Branch believes her role as a YIP tutor lets young people know that “I’m just like you. You have the same ability, if you work hard, to do what I am doing.”

As YIP grows, so does the need for additional volunteers, particularly in tutoring to address the diverse needs of students and ensure they receive the attention necessary for success. ACHS English teacher Sean Fredericks, who is also a YIP tutor, calls it a rewarding experience. “You get to see tangible results. Out of all the work in the world that’s happening this is some of the best work that is worth doing.”

Individuals and organizations interested in supporting YIP as a tutor, mentor, event sponsor or to provide resources, should reach out to the program’s coordinators Ana Bonilla (abonilla@acps.k12.va.us), family engagement social worker, and Laura Funes Quinones (laura.funes.quinones@acps.k12.va.us), volunteer social worker, via email or youthinprogress_achs on Instagram.