Hyde Square Task Force
Our mission is to amplify the power, creativity, and voices of youth, connecting them to Afro-Latin culture and heritage so they can create a diverse, vibrant Latin Quarter and build a just, equitable Boston.
The Problem
HSTF was founded in 1991, when a coalition of neighbors and community leaders identified the urgent need to address the growing violence, economic, and social challenges facing the Hyde/Jackson Square neighborhood of Jamaica Plain.
The Solution
Over the years, HSTF’s signature program, Jóvenes en Acción/Youth in Action, has evolved into a high-quality and innovative approach to engaging mostly Latinx, immigrant, and first-generation college going youth to help them succeed academically, prepare for the future, and develop into leaders.
Planned Use Of Funds
While we have many longtime individual donors, HSTF has not dedicated adequate time to build relationships with these donors over the years. Lastly, we anticipate that our recently-completed Strategic Plan will help us to make an even stronger case for support with new relationships with potential supporters.
Geographic Focus
Boston
Why this project?
Our youth continue to struggle with high levels of poverty, community violence, and low educational attainment.
Stage of Development
- Early Stage
- Established Prototype
- Scaling
- Other
Track Record/Evidence
Program activities are in alignment with our annual stated outputs and outcomes across all of our Afro-Latin arts, education, and creative development and community engagement work. We are proud to share that last year, 100% of high school seniors enrolled in our signature Jóvenes en Acción/Youth in Action program graduated from high school and 96% enrolled in college, in contrast to the 70% of Boston Public Schools Class of 2015 graduates who enrolled in college (Boston Opportunity Agenda, 2018).
