Hello. A little bit about us.

Our Mission

The Latino Education Institute of Springfield increases life opportunities through culturally responsive high-quality education programs, family engagement initiatives, and technical assistance for school districts and institutions of higher learning.

 

The Latino Education Institute (LEI) Springfield is a program of Worcester State University (WSU) and shares the mission of LEI at WSU.

 

How We Work.

 

The Latino Education Institute (LEI) of Springfield, established in 2014, is an innovative partnership of Springfield Public Schools, Springfield Empowerment Zone and Worcester State University.  The goal is to improve the academic opportunities and wellbeing of Latino students (K-16) and their families through holistic learning programs and family engagement. 

Our evidence-based programs offer a rigorous, culturally responsive framework that affirms identities and accelerates learning.  We prepare Latino youth and their families for college and a meaningful career and emphasize academic engagement,  free college courses for high school students, college and career planning,  math interventions, healthy communication, and community consciousness through culturally responsive methods and family engagement.  Most programs incorporate a service learning component where youth are exposed to challenges in their communities and encouraged to work towards positive change.

Schools choose our solutions as part of their academic interventions during the school day, after school, and summer learning.  Programs and family engagement are offered in Spanish and English and are proved to increase grades and engagement.

Operationally, the headquarters for the LEI is on the campus of High School of Commerce. The LEI/WSU provide program curriculum, oversight of evaluation, grant administration, and technical assistance. In addition, we partner with local artists, CBO's, and mentors in the community to enrich programming for youth. These partners include, but are not limited to Gandara Health Centers, South End C3 Community Center, Springfield College, Elms College, Smith College, and the Springfield Public Library.

Our Three-Pronged Approach

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Meet Our Staff.

 

Larissa Rivera Gonzalez, LEI Springfield Program Director

413-222-5392

 

The Change Agents.

  • Mary Jo Marion - Assistant Vice President for Urban Affairs and Latino Education Institute

  • Larissa Rivera Gonzalez - LEI Springfield Program Director

  • Mariel Albo - Early College Coordinator

  • Veronica Perez - Early College Mentor

  • Veronica Moore - Learning Coach

  • Simbrit Paskins -  Learning Coach