During the 2021-2022 school year, the Chicas Program Youth Development Program was active at 27 schools throughout Washington County and served over 600 Latina/x youth. Get a glimpse at this year’s accomplishments and see what’s happening this summer!

Like many first-generation students, Jennifer’s college experience has had its challenges. “Since I was taking some science classes, I felt alone and wondered if I should be there, or if I should change my major to something easier,” says Jennifer.

The power and impact that inclusive and culturally responsive spaces have on Latina youth is invaluable to their growth. The Chicas Youth Development Program at Adelante Mujeres strives to uncover the potential within each Latina youth participant so that they can be, and achieve, whatever it is they want.

Chicas Summer Camps have looked quite different the past two summers due to the pandemic. Last year, while we were able to offer summer camps, they had to be held virtually. However, as our state continues to vaccinate residents as quickly as possible, this year, we are able to offer Chicas Summer Camps in person.

In the Chicas Youth Development Program, there is one underlying theme: You have the right to be here.

When students learn that they deserve to take up space, that their voices matter, and that they are capable of creating the change they want to see, activism is never far behind. As Pride month comes to a close, we highlight ways Latina youth are leading in the LGBTQIA+ movement.

The Adelante Mujeres Chicas Youth Development Program has been working with students to prepare them for the new adventure they’re about to embark on. The Journey to College workshop series offers bi-weekly workshops on college admissions, financial aid, scholarship writing, and letters of recommendation.

Truthfully, my personal interest in STEM dwindled significantly after elementary school. Intimidation by the subject matter and lack of access to materials played a huge role in my disinterest in STEM, and unfortunately, many girls have similar experiences to mine. In fact, it’s an unfortunate reality that women of color, specifically Latina women, are severely underrepresented in the fields of STEM.

A global pandemic during graduation season won’t put a damper on our plans to celebrate our graduating Chicas! See photos from our first-ever Chicas Graduation Celebration car parade!

The Chicas program dedicated all of their time during the first couple weeks of the quarantine time period to find ways to connect with their beloved Chicas and their families. After many meetings of brainstorming the best ways to reach out, connect and support the girls, the beauty of social media engagement and virtual Chicas sessions were born.

The time has finally come for the unveiling of our much-awaited Chicas Makerspace! With our friends from First Tech Federal Credit Union, we hosted a small “soft opening” of the new Markerspace.

Our Chicas Youth Development Program serves over 600 girls every year, and prepping for a new school year is no easy task. Here’s a behind-the-scenes look!

We are thrilled to be honored at Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici's annual Better Future Awards Luncheon. Our Chicas Youth Development Program was given the Educational Leadership award.

In our first installment of Cafecito Con Carmen, Carmen interviews Itzel, a Chicas Facilitator, about the challenges of being Latina, role models, and how she comes to work everyday ready to change the world.

In the U.S., only 12% of science and engineering bachelor’s degrees are awarded to minority women. Our Chicas STEM camp is changing that.

Step inside our Chicas ¡Exprésate! (Express Yourself!) summer camp to see how community partners like Nike are helping build future Latina leaders by empowering Latina youth!

At the end of each school year, Chicas celebrates all of the girls' accomplishments from the year. This year, we served over 600 girls through our Chicas Program. Here are some of the moments from this year's Chicas Graduation Celebrations.

Meet Karla, Olivia, Sofiia, and Ilse — four of our Chicas Youth Development participants who are on a mission to tell their stories to inspire others.