TEConecta: Tapping into Education, Life Competency, and Community Connections

Education in all its forms and at all levels shall exhibit the following interrelated and essential features: availability, accessibility, acceptability, adaptability. Geographic location, socioeconomic status, government policies, and cultural factors can directly impact access to this fundamental right, perpetuating situational or generational poverty by hindering access to opportunities for financial and social success.  -UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Right

Migrant and refugee children are not enrolled in school The school-aged refugee population in 2023 is 14.8M. Of those, 51% (7M children) are estimated to be out of school. Per RMNA 2023, 19% of refugee and migrant Venezuelan children are not enrolled in school

Children out of school face risk without adequate tools to endure life Children drop out of school for many reasons: lack of motivation, little support from parents, and many need to work to help their families make ends meet. Adult situations or too much free time at their young age puts them in a vulnerable position without the tools and knowledge to navigate the challenges, temptations, and risks of being out on the streets.

Cultural and financial factors turn Abuelas into caregivers for children 0-5  The National Center for Education Statistics shows in 2021 58% of Hispanic children ages 3-4 in the U.S. were not enrolled in school. School success needs caregivers actively participating in their children's education prior to kindergarten, but Hispanic families in the U.S. have low rates of participation in literacy activities. U.S. Census Bureau shows 7M grandparents live with grandchildren under 18. Grandparents mean well, but studies suggest that children experiencing developmental delay could be as a result of elderly grandparents assuming the role of caregivers lacking positive parenting practices and cognitive stimulation.

Lack of PSEA child safeguarding education and reproductive health education poses a thread on at risk girls Pregnancy and birth are significant contributors to high school dropout rates among girls. Only about 50% of teen mothers graduate high school. Education equips youth with self-protection techniques that are key to prevention.

Caregivers and parents can't find support in Spanish on how to raise their children, especially when navigating traumatic life experiences Natural disasters, accidents, serious illness, violence, substance abuse, emotional, verbal or physical abuse, parental loss, divorce. Children and youth are constantly exposed to traumatic events.  When a child feels frightened, upset, and unable to cope, Trauma Informed parenting skills help children understand their feelings, manage their emotions, and overcome the effects of trauma. Training and support groups help parents know they are not alone when raising a child and that challenges are commonly shared. 

Language barriers affect Hispanics adaptability into the community Lack stable livelihood opportunities make it difficult for them to effectively integrate and contribute to host communities. In the U.S., adapting to a new country, culture, and language presents another layer to the adaptation challenge. Health literacy, quality school, and necessary support systems are mainly available in English and not on their mother tongue. Language access is a civil right.

While situational and generational poverty are influenced by geography, inequality, lack of education, or economic conditions, we provide access to the transformative power of learning beyond the margins of traditional curriculums by capitalizing on resources like VIX on-demand streaming platform and on-air talent, interactive websites, SMS technology, WhatsApp group forums, online meeting platforms, digital technology, and strategic partnerships for online learning. 

The growth of the Latino population has impacted the demographic composition of the education system in the U.S. There are approximately 19 million Latino children in the United States, representing 25% of the nation's overall child population. Through technology, we facilitate access and knowledge attainment for prosperous pathways and fortify our sense of community and social capital. The variety of methods applied accommodate to the ways of learning of the wide demographic of population served.

1. Wholistic approach centered on all aspects that individually influence children, youth, families, and their environments
2. Self-driven learning educational entertainment and supplemental assets on the subjects that matter, tackling real world problems related to kids interests, experiences, curiosities, and identified needs
3. Multigenerational approach for early childhood, youth resilience, adult/caregiver support ecosystem
4. Connection in community to share struggles and receive support
5. On demand, anytime, anywhere
6. Without geographical boundaries
7. With automatic (AI) data collection to identify emerging topics based user's preferences.
8. Educational tools available via smart phones, computer, and/or on-demand streaming apps

DIGITAL ASSETS

1.  La Fuerza de Creer, a first of its kind miniseries that combines storytelling, education, and social impact

   1.  Season 1: Ways to encourage cognitive and linguistic development in early childhood, benefits of bilingualism, and socio-emotional health

      Season 2: The importance of literacy, understanding the needs of children, ways of caring for babies, post partum depression 

       Season 3: Family tools to manage traumatic stress

      Season 4: STEM, Cultivating children's love of science in everyday life

2. Free on-demand edutainment through VIX free streaming platform and vix.com
3. Webisodes with parenting tips in Univision.com
   1.  Webisode 1 "
   2.  Webisode 2"
   3.  Webisode 3"
4. SMS service to receive parenting resources, tips, and reading reminders
5.  Live! Zoom circle-times with Univision talent (La fuerza de las familias Latinas)
   1. Storytimes
   2. Music circles
6.   Website (in partnership with Literacy Partnership and Too Small to Fail)  
   1. Children books online available for parents to listen or read-along with their children
   2. Parent’s online community to help promote children’s learning and socioemotional growth from birth until they are ready to enroll in school.
7.  La fuerza STEM community integration landing page
   1. A manual for community watch parties
   2. Downloadable curriculum for educators
8.  Contigo en la Comunidad podcast featuring socioemotional and education topics

UNDER DEVELOPMENT

1. Informational entertainment on technology and AI in integration in the classroom (funded by Chan Zuckerberg Initiative)
   1.  1 podcast series of 10 chapters
   2. 10 classroom stories featured in Primer Impacto and then repurposed
   3. 10 social media videos 
2. Free online e-courses for youth in partnership with Global Changemakers 
   1. reproductive health education 
   2. design thinking & innovation with project seed money opportunities
3. Scholarship opportunities for 18+ to promote career enhancement in partnership with Ivy League universities and their e-certificate programs

UNESCO's latest education data shows that 9.7M of children in Latin America and 4M of children in North America and Europe are not enrolled in school. 

Language and cultural barriers, socio-economic disparities, limited community resources in Spanish, geographical challenges, time availability constraints, and disruption of the essential human right to education. There's a lack of culturally relevant content providing educational materials and informational tools that promote general understanding and empowerment among underserved Hispanics around the world. 

 In the U.S., Hispanics are the second largest racial/ethnic group in the U.S., and it is still left as one of the most underserved population. Around the world: the refugee migration crisis leaves millions of children and youth without access to education.  Education and information are key to access tools and resources to promote adaptability and resilience in Hispanic children, youth, families, and communities regardless of where they are. 

There are two at risk populations that represent our main target: early childhood and youth. Early childhood to give them a solid start and youth to help integration in the community as they transition to adulthood. 

Parents and caregivers are also our target because supported parents and caregivers develop stronger bonds with their offspring, providing a protective environment, full of love and connections that create an environment leading to children growing healthily, playing, learning, participating, and developing their full potential. 

Adult access to education boosts economic mobility and improves opportunities for success, breaks the cycle of generational poverty, and bridges gap of information and education that leads to better work conditions, job advancement, and even entrepreneurship opportunities. 

Higher parental education is linked to better health outcomes for children, including stress and health-related knowledge. Also, an educated caregiver is more likely to support children and youth education and development milestones.

Strategic partnerships are also tapped into our strategy, as empowered communities also provide protective environments for children and youth.

Knowledge opens doors, but success is not just education but understanding the systems, the language, and then taking an active role in facilitating a better journey for those who came after. We've walked their journey and were successful. Now we help those who come after us navigate with better tools and access resources that empower their social and economic opportunities in the future.

Irisaida Mendez was born and raised in Puerto Rico, single mother raising 4 children arrived to the US in 2015 in search of better financial opportunities to help her family and lift her children's chances to thrive. She is a seasoned  Global leader with vast experience in humanitarian response, Venezuelan refugee and immigrant services in border cities across Colombia and La Ruta de Caminantes, family strengthening and economic empowerment, and youth resilience. The scope of her work has footprints across Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean. 

Teri Arvesu is the daughter of Cuban displaced immigrants, born and raised in Miami. She experienced first hand her parent's struggle to settle in a new country, face a new language, and rebuild their lives after losing everything after leaving their oppressed country during the revolution. Though she could have chosen to slant her life towards an American lifestyle, she lifted her roots and successfully built her career in journalism for Hispanic media outlets in Chicago and Miami.

Dr. Ana Tilton has more than 35 years of experience across the education spectrum including work as an educator, superintendent, consultant and philanthropic leader. As the former executive director of Grantmakers for Education, she worked with hundreds of grant makers and philanthropic organizations across the nation focused on supporting public education and resolving equity issues for all learners. Prior to Grantmakers for Education, Dr. Tilton was actively involved in launching the first GEMS World Academy K-12 School in the United States, bringing an international perspective of excellence to education in the US. 

All team members of Univision Foundation and TelevisaUnivision Community Engagement Department have lived and understand first-hand of challenges faced by Hispanic families across the U.S. and by their relatives in their Latin American countries of origin. We lead grass root activities in the community across 20 major Hispanic markets int the U.S. Under the pillars of Health, Wealth, and Voice, our work centers on people. We listen to their needs and ideas, we identify the problems, understand them from within, and strategically design solutions from the root up, all in partnership with local community groups and the audience we serve. Data and focus groups lead our initiatives to identify areas of opportunity and bridge the gaps on education, health equity, civic engagement, and economic mobility for Hispanics, regardless of where they are.

Univision Foundation in combination with TelevisaUnivision's community empowerment department has been developing educational resources and tools in partnership with social change and educational organizations since 2014. 

Early childhood education collaborative efforts like La Fuerza de las Familias Latinas + Literacy Partners + Too Small to Fail have set a mark on Hispanic family engagement on making family bonding and education opportunities like digital books in Spanish, Live Zoom music and reading times, SMS services live interactions with Univision edutainment mini series,  and more. 

The production of the Spanish mini series La Fuerza de Creer in partnership with National Science Foundation to promote the love of science in children and its application in family life reached 1.4 million Hispanic households when it first was aired. Overall, the 4 seasons produced have impacted over 4M viewers.  We are currently developing a new season to promote Financial Literacy with the wholistic approach of messaging children and families within a Hispanic cultural setting.  Now, this is available wherever, whenever through Univision's VIX Spanish on-demand streaming platform and vix.com. 

Current partnerships are incorporating e-learning centered on youth topics, safeguarding, and critical thinking for social change training.  

For educators, our series on technology offers podcasts and resources to learn how AI can be integrated to the classroom to expand the learning experience. 

We provide grassroot outreach and a digital community for Hispanics to educate, inform, and support every member of the household and the community, without restrictions of place or time. The multiple tech platforms also make it more accessible based on the resources available at the time. We are people centered and community based, using an evidenced based wholistic approach that empowers every member of Hispanic household to empower families and strengthen communities. A diversified approach of children-youth-families-people informed, educated, and equipped with rounded knowledge on physical and mental health awareness, economic mobility resources, early childhood development, and youth resilience tools.  

Through our platforms we reach Hispanics of any age, any time, anywhere, through many communication technology platforms to expand their knowledge on parenting skills, human rights, mental health, trauma informed parenting, technology and science, among many other possible topics to be developed. Our combined resources are bridging the gap of education to empower Hispanic children, youth, families, caregivers, and the community with tools that promote knowledge, and economic mobility, with a framework of civically minded concepts, social justice, tolerance, solidarity, participation, equality, and human dignity under the pillars of health, wealth and voice for all. 

Univision Foundation is always searching for more ways to support Hispanics' journey to resilience and create long term impact to promote social change. It is an imperative need to keep developing more educational content while maximizing the vast diversity of technology channels Univision has available to reach more people not just across the U.S. but for all Hispanics in the world that every day search for better opportunities to thrive. 

We are currently gathering all aforementioned created assets into a digital One Stop Shop called Univision TEConecta to ensure impact continuity and also developing more educational material to grow our library of resources. 

Through MIT SOLVE we want to gain access to resources that enhance our reach globally, and grow our offering of educational tools across Hispanic communities around the world and expand our areas of services. 

We need guidance on opportunities to enhance the current model and technologies in Univision TEConecta. Data collection is another way to impact Hispanic advancement in society understand their needs, and identify the gaps. We are looking for tools to incorporate monitoring and evaluation in our process, capitalize on the findings, and help communities create more solutions.

Also, Univision Foundation is searching for partners to enhance our current offerings that educate, inform, and empower Hispanics.  We want to educate on more topics like financial literacy, train more caregivers on trauma informed parenting skills, we want to expand on technology education that enhance career opportunities, and we want to equip youth with knowledge and skills that strengthen knowledge of human rights and the importance of social capital and bridging the gap of inequities. 

And most importantly, we want to expand our network and collaborate with other education and economic empowerment solvers. Together we go further, and we bring to the table the reach of Univision Foundation with TelevisaUnivision platforms available to help extend the reach of people impacted with knowledge, skills, connections, and tools to thrive.

Through MIT SOLVE we want to gain access to resources that enhance our reach globally, and grow our offering of educational tools across Hispanic communities around the world and expand our areas of services. 

We need guidance on opportunities to enhance the current model and technologies in Univision TEConecta. Data collection is another way to impact Hispanic advancement in society understand their needs, and identify the gaps. We are looking for tools to incorporate monitoring and evaluation in our process, capitalize on the findings, and help communities create more solutions.

Also, Univision Foundation is searching for partners to enhance our current offerings that educate, inform, and empower Hispanics.  We want to educate on more topics like financial literacy, train more caregivers on trauma informed parenting skills, we want to expand on technology education that enhance career opportunities, and we want to equip youth with knowledge and skills that strengthen knowledge of human rights and the importance of social capital and bridging the gap of inequities. 

And most importantly, we want to expand our network and collaborate with other solvers. Together we go further, and we bring to the table the reach of Univision Foundation with TelevisaUnivision platforms available to help extend the reach of people impacted with knowledge, skills, connections, and tools to thrive.

The wisdom learned from the Ghana people during my years working with microbusiness development and family empowerment has inspired the goals and mission of Univision Foundation

• We are people centered: It is the human being that counts. I call gold; it does not answer. I call cloth; it does not answer. It is the human being that counts.
• We live in the heart of the community: Do not follow the path. Go where there is no path to begin a trail.
• Our mission to inform, educate, and empower in Spanish has no limits: Knowledge is like a baobab tree; no one can fit it within their hands.

From the Ethiopians I learned that one who learns will eventually teach.

We were born out TelevisaUnivision community outreach department’s wish to support Hispanic children, youth, and families through work in the areas of education, health equity, civic engagement, disaster relief, and economic empowerment providing information and education to help our Hispanic audience.  Our community empowerment team, strategically hired across 20 major markets in the U.S. collaborates and engages with communities in multiple settings. Univision Foundation partners with ONGs to create content and develop tools to fulfill our mission. We bring to the table the capability to amplify the message and broaden the reach, under the trusted brand name of Univision. Our network allows us to reach beyond the limits of Hispanics in the U.S. and make our educational content available through our network across Latin America and anywhere Hispanics are resettled, in transit, or making  a life in Spanish, Hispanics’ mother tongue. 

Being our ultimate goal that each member of the Hispanic community around the world will achieve economic success through quality education, equity in health services, community integration and civic engagement, TEConecta can help move the needle through technology applied under a wholistic approach to education and life competency that encompasses every Hispanic in each household. That is children, youth, families, individuals, community, learn about education topics, social and civic engagement, well-being, and more. Knowledge is through accessible and diversified sources information and education that can adapt to different individual's learning preferences outside the box of a digital classroom. Turning points in the life of Hispanics is also enhanced by creating resources to further or enhance their education via scholarships for individuals 18+ via e-learning. 

Because we are a renowned and trusted brand, we can leverage the reach, expertise, and experience of Univision Foundation and its execution partner TelevisaUnivision as we offer an unparalleled ability to engage, empower, inform, and educate communities in Spanish across the U.S. and reach Hispanics around the world. Our methodology includes research and insight, cultural adaptation and translation, content development, programs, websites, mobile application, community outreach, and measurable results. 

With TEConecta, our ultimate goal is that each member of the Hispanic community around the world will achieve economic success through quality education, equity in health services, community integration and civic engagement.

Hispanic children and youth: 

• become resilient members of their community with the skills necessary to be successful in their development milestones and building a promising future. 
• are welcomed into safe environments and see improvements in their well-being and connections.
• freely access support services and tools from health, education, and financial literacy, to civic and social engagement activities. 

Hispanic families and caregivers:

• provide supportive, safe, and nurturing environments for their families and the community.
• create strong family bonds that support the healthy development each family member and prevents at-risk situations to prevail 
• have a safety-net to strengthen social support and connections. 

Hispanic Individuals 

• are empowered with education tools that foster economic empowerment 
• access resources, agency, self-sustainability, and autonomy through shared decision-making skills and gainful employment whether in their own businesses or careers 
• engage in civic and social responsible actions to  ensure 

 Communities:

• build a reliable, improved, community-based service delivery system and safety-net addressing human rights and social protection norms and practices of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
•  collaborate and establish partnerships to educate,  inform, raise awareness, and promote resilient communites. 
• establish relationships with community leaders to learn and understand strengths, needs, and opportunities in their community

Policy and Guidelines 

• are aligned with the vision that enhances the position of Hispanics in the community 
• a common goal is adopted across  informal and formal ecosystems to build sustainable service delivery of community networks accesible without disparities nor restrictions
• collaborative informal and formal partnerships are established to understand potential problems and challenges across ecosystems together

System strengthening:

• engage community leaders to understand existing, ongoing or potential needs of the Hispanic community 
• increase coordination and collaboration across stakeholders 
•  promote the commitment community awareness and commitment to support human rights and children/youth empowerment 
• improve access to information, education, and support services across the community 

Access to information and education is key to advance economic mobility needle in Hispanics providing access to employment and wealth building opportunities. Community support and access to resources are also part the solid foundation that moves the needle towards this goal. 

- Children and Youth

- Caregivers and Families

- Community Engagement

Long-Term (4+ years)

Hispanic children, youth, and families are resilient members of their community with the skills necessary for thriving futures.

Hispanic families, parents and caregivers provide a safe, stable, and supportive environment for their families and future generations.

Communities build a reliable, improved, collaboration-based service delivery system and safety-net addressing Hispanic children, youth, and family needs, with access to resources, information and education.

Medium-Term (2-4 years)

Through education tools, Hispanic children, youth, and families are welcomed into safe and nurtured environments and see improvements in their well-being and connections.

Hispanic families are supported to access available resources that enhance their mental, physical, social, and economic position in the community.  All family members have agency and autonomy through education, gainful employment and shared decision-making skills.

The digital community increases collaboration and institutional commitment to human rights, social change, health and well-being, education and economic mobility.

Short-Term(1 year)

Children, youth, and families access information and education tools ranging from early childhood education, tech after school programs, health, education and work fairs,  and educational scholarships for youth resilience and access to education.

Families have a safety net where partnership, services, and information are provided to keep families engaged and strengthened so they feel supported and connected.

Relationships are fostered with the digital community groups and resources to strengthen families, build resilience in youth, and promote children’s opportunities to thrive .

Univision TECconecta uses a variety of communications and information tech tools including: 

1. the Internet (websites and blogs)
2. live broadcasting technologies (radio, television and webcasting)
3.  recorded broadcasting technologies (podcasting, on-demand streaming) 
4. telephony (mobile phones, SMS, WhatsApp, and video-conferencing)
5. computers

The executive team is formed by an Executive Director. Researchers and production staff are contracted per content project. Three volunteer Board Members comprise the advisory board for this project,  whose expertise centers education, civic actions, and social enterprising.

The TelevisaUnivision team for this project includes  the SVP of Social Impact & Sustainability, the VP of DE&I, the VP of Partnerships, 1 Executive producer, and 1 production support staff. There are also 20 community empowerment directors across 20 major Hispanic markets in the U.S. 

For the last 14 years we've been creating all assets and keep producing more to this day. 

Our team is culturally competent, we take into consideration our public's needs, our staff has one person dedicated to DE&I.

Univision Foundation is a 501(c)3 organization

Key Resources:

• -Univision brand
• -Renowned partners and funders
• -Digital technology and communications platforms

Partners and Key Stakeholders:

• -Chan Zuckerberg Initiative
• -Clinton Foundation – Too small to fail
• -National Science Foundation
• -Literacy Partners
• -TelevisaUnivision
• -Televisa Foundation

Key Activities

• -Production of educational materials
• -Program execution
• -Partnership outreach
• -Fundraising and Grant writing

Cost Structure

OPERATIONS – FIXED EXPENSE

• -Full time staff (1)
• -Part time staff (1– accounting)

PROGRAMS AND SERVICES – VARIABLE EXPENSE

• - Part time staff (2- executive producer, partners initiatives and programs manager)
• -Production contractors (contracted as necessary)
• -Community outreach efforts
• -Marketing for global and national outreach

Type of Intervention -Inform, educate, and connect on [early childhood + youth resilience + health and well-being + social capital + economic assets + civic engagement] topics via digital community accessible for everyone, everywhere at any time

Channels

• -Digital community landing page (hopefully also an app with access to off-line resources to address internet connectivity strategies)
• -Vix on-demand digital
• -Vix.org
• -Uforia and podcast platforms
• -Social media platforms
• -Mobile – smart phone friendly landing pages
• -E-learning
• -Scholarship digital applications Partner landing pages to maximize reach

Surplus

• -Marketing boosting
• -Platform development and enhancement
• -Production of educational materials
• -Educational scholarships for 18+

Segments

• -Beneficiaries
  • Hispanic communities and individuals
    • Children
    • Youth
    • Parents and caregivers 
• -Customers
  • CSR (corporative)
  • CSO (civil society organizations)
  • INGOs
  • State partners
  • National partners
  • Global partners

Possible Roadblocks

Limited internet connectivity presents a challenge both for refugees and migrants in transit and underserved communities in the U.S. and globally.

Internet vouchers provided by UNHCR and ACP initiatives are running out of funding.  Creating a strategy that includes downloadable content must be a priority as well as exploring with UNHCR and Internet providers ways to make internet more accessible for vulnerable population. 

Social Value Proposition

Through TEConecta, Univision Foundation’s ultimate goal is that each member of the Hispanic community around the world will achieve economic success through quality education, equity in health services, community integration and civic engagement under the trusted brand name of Univision and amplified resources of the network.

Customer Value Proposition

Partner organizations can leverage the reach, expertise, and experience of Univision Foundation and its execution partner TelevisaUnivision as we offer an unparalleled ability to engage, empower, inform, and educate communities in Spanish across the U.S. and reach Hispanics around the world. Our SOP includes research and insight, cultural adaptation and translation, content development, programs, websites, mobile application, community outreach, and measurable results. 

Grants, non-restricted fundraising efforts, partnerships, online advertising

• -National Science Foundation
• -Clinton Global Initiative – Too Small to Fail
• -Chan Zuckerberg Initiative
• -UNHCR
• -Save the Children
• -Potential to reach more!