STEAM Mentorship and Career Development Program

According to Poverty, By America by Matthew Desmond, “...many poor white children attend better-resourced schools, live in safer communities, experience lower rates of police violence, and sleep in more dignified homes than their Black and Hispanic peers" (Desmond, 22). 

The specific problem we are addressing at ACLAMO is the educational disparities faced by Hispanic students from low-income households in Norristown and Pottstown. Attending public schools, these students encounter significant barriers to academic success, including racism, language barriers, and financial constraints. Many parents in these communities are unable to support their children's education due to factors such as language proficiency, limited job opportunities, and lack of access to basic resources. 

The scale of the problem is significant both locally and across Pennsylvania and in similar communities across the United States. In Norristown and Pottstown alone, there are hundreds of Hispanic students from low-income households facing these challenges. Nationally, similar disparities exist, with marginalized low-income and ESL communities experiencing barriers to educational attainment. Latino students in Pennsylvania are four times more likely to drop out of school than the state average. Latino poverty rates in Norristown and Pottstown are six times higher than the average in Montgomery County.  

Several factors contribute to the educational disparities faced by these students. These include systemic racism, language barriers, financial instability, and lack of access to educational resources. Immigrant families often face additional challenges in accessing educational opportunities due to cultural and linguistic differences, as well as limited job prospects that offer little opportunity for advancement. 

Our solution directly addresses the barriers faced by Hispanic students in Norristown and Pottstown by providing comprehensive educational support through ACLAMO's programs. By offering one-on-one tutoring, homework assistance, specialized field trips, and connections to local businesses and higher education institutions, we aim to close the educational gaps and empower students to pursue opportunities in STEAM industries. This approach is tailored to the unique needs of our community and aims to mitigate the systemic factors contributing to educational disparities. 

On average 300 students in Norristown and Pottstown benefit from ACLAMO's educational programming annually. Nationally, data from organizations such as the National Center for Education Statistics highlight the persistent achievement gaps faced by Hispanic students, particularly those from low-income households. By providing targeted educational support and opportunities for academic advancement, ACLAMO's programs aim to empower Hispanic students in Norristown and Pottstown to overcome systemic barriers and achieve academic success. 

Through our holistic education programming, ACLAMO approaches educating low-income households in STEAM programming and showcase what they can do with the right resources and time dedicated learning about the STEAM industries, college preparation and by closing the education gap, therefore opening the opportunities not otherwise made available to students from low-income households.  

ACLAMO’s Youth Mentoring and Career Development program provides literacy, math and science mentoring, tutoring, and homework support and STEAM-focused enrichment activities to ESL students. The program includes academic guidance and coaching through specialized tutorials and aims to fill learning gaps for underserved ESL Latinos in low-income households and supporting students’ future educational and career paths, exploring STEAM fields to expose our students to paths in life they don't see represented in their community. 

To provide continuous support and a safe space throughout the year ACLAMO has a Summer Bridge program where students explore STEAM ideas and careers using thematic activities to strengthen their skills while also getting exercise, developing socio-emotional skills, and enjoying healthy recreational activities. Summer Bridge provides students with a safe space to learn, preparing students to go back to school ready for the classroom.  

For ACLAMO’s older students our summer Teen Club focuses on skills and team building exercises, special field trips, and recreational opportunities such as movie nights, arts and crafts, and athletic activities. Participants can learn how to work in a team setting and gain soft skills that will benefit students in the future. 

ACLAMO’s ADELANTE Program focuses on college preparation, career readiness support, and training for middle and high school students. Middle school youth are provided with opportunities that relate to STEAM based activities. High school youth are provided with targeted career support services focused on developing resumes, personal statements, professional writing, and interview skills all with an intentional focus on the unique needs of ESL students to remove barriers and support them to live their full potential. 

Woven into all ACLAMO’s programs is a technology component. Comcast generously donated laptops and smartboards that were installed in classrooms at ACLAMO’s community center in Norristown. Through this donation, our tutors and students can utilize specific types of curriculums that enhance opportunities for growth in STEAM fields and bring students closer possible futures that are currently only dreams. 

As of 2018, people who are not white made up 58% of the municipality, while about 26.1% of residents described themselves as Hispanic. While the Hispanic/Latino community has been growing over the past 20 or so years, it has not been able to receive the adequate resources from Montgomery County that come with a growing community, particularly as the Latino community faces specific barriers like language barriers, lack of education, and racism. ACLAMO aims to impact the growing Latino community in Montgomery County by ensuring that the educational and language gaps are met. ACLAMO’s solution addresses educational loopholes that, if adequately funded, can help the Latino Community reach its full potential.  

The education center begins with the Early Learning Center, where children that are pre-kindergarten can be properly prepared for school year-round. The center also serves as an affordable day care for parents trying to make ends meet. The step after that is for students from grade school through high school to get tutoring help, STEAM curriculum, field trips, and career mentoring through ACLAMO’s programming both with summer programming and out of school programming during the academic year. ACLAMO also serves adults through ESL/ELL classes, Healthy Wednesday lectures, and through digital navigator classes.  

Overall, ACLAMO is dedicated to creating opportunities for the Latino community and other community members to come together, share experiences, and collaborate on solutions to common challenges. Through our inclusive approach to leadership development and community engagement, we strive to build a more united and resilient community for all. 

Our Board of Directors exemplifies our dedication to diversity, boasting members representing a spectrum of nationalities, languages, racial identities, ethnicities, and lived experiences. ACLAMO’s Board is comprised of six women and five men. Eight identify as Latinos, one as a as a South Asian Person of Color, and two as White. Comprising community leaders, professionals from various fields, and individuals with firsthand immigrant experiences, our board mirrors the rich diversity of our community. Most of our Board are either immigrants themselves, first generation children of immigrant parents, or refugees.  Notably, our Board President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer are Hispanic, with many members having roots in Latin America. We recognize the significance of diverse viewpoints in decision-making and cherish the distinct insights each member brings.  

Similarly, our Executive Team is entirely Latino, reflecting the demographics of the community we serve. This deliberate representation ensures that our leadership embodies the lived experiences and cultural nuances of our clients, fostering trust and understanding. ACLAMO’s Executive Team is 100% Latino and is comprised of three women and one man. Moreover, our predominantly Latino and female staff underscores our commitment to diversity and gender equity. ACLAMO’s staff is also 90% Latino and 85% Female.  

ACLAMO is for the Latino community, by the Latino community. Therefore, through our community partnerships, donors, staff, and volunteers ACLAMO’s education program is well planned out and executed and bridges educational gaps that would otherwise go underserved or unnoticed. 

ACLAMO is looking to grow our programming as we have a growing need and population of students of all ages. This is to hire more tutors, career coaches, digital navigators as well as more educational materials like laptops and enough funding for field trips. So far, ACLAMO has been able to serve over 300 students in homework help, tutoring, specialized field trips, and networking opportunities with local business leaders that showcase possible apprenticeships and careers, particularly in STEAM fields.  

ACLAMO is the leading bilingual and bicultural organization in Montgomery County. Through your youth and mentoring programs, ACLAMO needs specific funding to ensure continued support of our bicultural programming and so that our students can find the higher education or union apprenticeships they are trying to achieve. Through such funding and support, ACLAMO's students will be able to connect to higher education programs that will produce the next generation of medical professionals, scientists, and engineers that will bring a unique perspective of the Latino community that will uplift the entire community.  

The STEAM Youth and Mentorship Program at ACLAMO is a unique curriculum as it provides an opportunity for students that have been historically underserved to close their educational gaps by getting the individual help they need as well as the opportunity to excel in STEAM programming they otherwise may not have access too. Through specialized field trips, hands-on learning and networking opportunities with local businesses and universities like University of Pennsylvania, Villanova University, West Chester University, and Fluxspace.

By having access to such opportunities, students often find that they can fulfill their dreams of becoming the next generation of STEAM leaders. Through ACLAMO's programming, students see themselves in these spaces and can network with current leaders in their fields and gain valuable insight in the STEAM industry. 

ACLAMO provides several pathways for Latino representation in STEAM fields that otherwise would not be represented in the community, especially in STEAM areas where the Latino community is not present at all. ACLAMO believes that providing connections and support for future generations of the Latino community to enter these fields more easily would change the market and therefore create a connection to the fast-growing Latino community.  

ACLAMO works with students to ensure that they are meeting expectations academically so that they graduate from high school and move on to the next chapters of their lives. Mentoring our students is also critical in the program as by the time they move onto their next chapter they have the network built to move onto higher education or into trade unions. 

ACLAMO tracks the attendance and progress of every student enrolled in our programs. The goal of assessment is to determine how each student is performing according to school district standards and to craft lessons and activities that address individual and group needs. Lead Teachers complete informal assessments of every child at program outset using report card reviews, interviews and observations in the classroom setting. In addition, our team uses pre- and post-tests to assess certain basic literacy skills for the youngest students and maintains a record of STEAM career project completion/presentations by students.  Specific objectives and measurement tools are as follows:  

* 80% of enrolled students in grades 1-3 will demonstrate improvement in English language proficiency and emergent literacy skills. This outcome will be measured by pre- and post-assessments testing knowledge of directional and rhyming ability using selected items from standardized assessments of phonological and phonemic awareness, and by pre- and post- assessments using district standards for each grade level. 

* 75% of enrolled students in grades 4-8 will show improved basic reading and math skills appropriate to their grade level in school. The outcome will be measured by pre- and post-assessments using district standards for each grade.

* 80% of enrolled students in grades 5-8 will demonstrate an understanding of science, technology and engineering careers, and the importance of math proficiency in each, and be able to identify and describe the skills, abilities and knowledge required for at least one STEM-related field with current job opportunities in those fields.   

ACLAMO utilizes smartboards and laptops generously donated by Comcast to provide students with the needed resources to complete their schoolwork; provided by both their teachers and ACLAMO tutors or career coaches. This is done along with teaching students that adequate knowledge of how to use laptops and other technology in the digital age. Through field trips to local technology businesses and campuses like the University of Pennsylvania and Montgomery County Community College, ACLAMO’s students have access to cutting edge technology that they can utilize as they pursue higher education. 

7 part time staff, 33 full time staff

47 years

Our approach to DEI begins with our hiring and candidate selection processes, where we prioritize diversity and inclusion to ensure that our team reflects the communities we serve. From recruitment to onboarding, we strive to create an environment where all individuals feel valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives and talents.  

We provide ongoing training and professional development opportunities rooted in justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion principles to cultivate a culture of continuous learning and growth. In 2021, ACLAMO’s Executive Team developed performance evaluations rooted in justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion principles fostering accountability and transparency in our efforts to advance diversity and inclusion. This year, they developed a core competencies rubric to make our hiring and HR practices more equitable in recognizing systemic hurdles applicants face as they apply for work. Our goal is to create a workplace culture where every individual feels valued, respected, and supported, regardless of their background or identity. 

We continue to push ourselves, our staff, community members, and others to reflect on implicit biases and prejudices we might hold by creating safe environments to talk about these reflections. We are committed to ensuring equitable access to resources and bringing multicultural leadership to the table every day to ensure all parties are included, engaged, and heard.    

In addition to internal initiatives, ACLAMO's programs and services are tailored to promote cultural equity and address the specific needs of our diverse community. From language-accessible resources to culturally competent service delivery, we strive to ensure equitable access to support for all individuals.  

In summary, ACLAMO's diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts permeate every facet of our organization. We recognize that our strength lies in our diversity and remain dedicated in fostering an inclusive environment where all individuals can thrive and flourish.  

ACLAMO firmly believes in community-driven and democratic approaches to organizational governance, ensuring responsiveness to the diverse needs of the communities we serve. Our engagement with the community spans various facets of program design, implementation, and evaluation, guided by the principle that community input is essential for effective service delivery. ACLAMO’s projects and programs require strategic messaging and outreach within the Latino community to build trust, encourage participation, and ensure that our interventions are responsive to the community's needs and priorities. 

To gather comprehensive insights into the challenges and barriers faced by community members, ACLAMO conducts a rigorous Community Needs Assessment. The information we gather through this process from our community serves as a foundational tool, allowing us to gather comprehensive data on the challenges and barriers faced by community members. In 2022, from our last Community Needs Assessment, we completed our Community Needs Assessment where we surveyed ACLAMO program participants to determine their health, well-being, and food security and what programs they deemed were the most helpful overall to fully achieve their goals. The data demonstrated that that despite historical challenges, our community is extremely resilient.  

ACLAMO is a nonprofit community service organization that provides educational programs, social services, and access to health and wellness programs to Latinos and other community members to empower them to fully achieve their life potential. 

What sets ACLAMO apart is our ability to offer fully bilingual, bicultural support, addressing language and socio-economic barriers resulting from systemic racism. Our highly qualified staff builds strong relationships with school district teachers, health providers, and other essential services. This ensures that students and families not only receive academic support but also benefit from our connections to additional resources.  

ACLAMO's year-round assistance has positioned us as Montgomery County's primary social service provider for Spanish-speaking children and families. Our holistic services extend beyond education, fostering collaboration with various stakeholders to address the broader needs of the community. By collecting satisfaction data through regular surveys and Community Needs Assessments, we continually evaluate and adjust our programs to maximize impact.   

ACLAMO is currently in a robust financial position, characterized by a lack of debt and a substantial reserve fund. This solid financial footing is the result of diligent financial management practices and prudent decision-making. With no outstanding debts, the organization is better positioned to allocate resources towards its core mission of serving the community. Our healthy general reserve fund serves as a buffer against unforeseen expenses or economic downturns, ensuring continuity of services even during challenging times while allowing us to make capital improvements. 

Furthermore, ACLAMO's strong financial status reflects its commitment to fiscal responsibility and transparency. By maintaining a transparent financial reporting process, the organization fosters trust and confidence among stakeholders, including donors, partners, and the community at large. This trust is essential for sustaining long-term support and ensuring the organization's ability to fulfill its mission effectively.