Bahlam Bots Robotics

Bahlam Bots is a competitive robotics program that provides students interested in STEAM education a space to explore, learn, and overcome challenges as a team.

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Bahlam Bots Robotics program gives students an opportunity to develop an understanding of the fundamentals of science and principals of coding, with a cultural component. Robotics at El Centro de la Raza teaches students that our ancestors were already scientists, engineers, and creatives. Bahlam Bots builds confidence within youth to be able to ask questions, to learn from mistakes, and to continue to be curious about learning. There is something for everyone: coding, using power tools, learning about the history of science.

Eligibility Requirement

• Middle School Students, 6th-8th Grades
• In the Seattle Area

Program Managers

Mimi Santos

Mimi es orgullosamente hija de inmigrantes. She studied at the University of Washington, worked in Early Childhood education for 5 years and transitioned to middle school programming 2 years ago. She is passionate about serving her community, theatre, and going to concerts!

JingHan Soh

JingHan is from Malaysia and loves science, nature, food, travel, culture, and languages. She was a physics teacher in Watsonville, California for more than 7 years before coming to Seattle. She really loves being able to share her passion for science with the students.

Roberto Maestas After School Program

Roberto Maestes After School Program provides youth with cultural enrichment, academic support, and personal development opportunities; a space where youth can express themselves freely.

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Our after-school program provides a safe community, where scholars are inspired to learn through: curiosity, truth, and vulnerability. Grounded in ethnic studies, we aim to create critical thinkers, who are not afraid to question the world around them. Our cultural enrichment segment is rooted in ethnic studies: discussing social justice issues and understanding means of advocating for themselves and others, allowing youth to explore their identities and understanding various factors that have influenced them, and leadership opportunities and understanding how they are part of larger community. Our Academic Support segment allows scholars to ask questions and receive homework support. If scholars do not have homework, we develop academic lessons to help support and reinforce skills that they are learning in school.

Eligibility Requirement

• Middle School Student – 6th-8th grade
• Current student at Seattle School District or Evergreen Middle School

Program Managers

Mimi Santos, K-8 Programs Manager

Mimi es orgullosamente hija de inmigrantes. After she studied at the University of Washington, she worked in Early Childhood education for five years before transitioning to middle school programming two years ago. She is passionate about serving her community, theatre, and going to concerts!

Alexis Rodriguez, Seattle After School Program Coordinator

Alexis graduated from the University of Washington with a dual degree in Biology and American Ethnic Studies. Prior to join El Centro de la Raza, Alexis worked as a STEM tutor, public health coordinator, and research assistant. During his free time, he enjoys traveling, fishing and spending time with family.

Addy Alvare, Federal Way Resource Family Navigator

Addy is a proud immigrant who came to the U.S at a young age. She graduated from the University of Washington in 2019, and began a career working in nonprofit youth programs. She joined El Centro de la Raza’s middle school program in August 2022. Addy loves to travel, try new food and make new friends!

AN!MO Pre-Apprentice Program

A pre-apprentice placement, case management, education, and training program for out of school youth ages 16-24 years old.

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Our program goal is to mentor, guide and create career pathways for young adults. Ultimately, we want to increase access to education, training, and employment. If you know a young adult that is no longer attending school, we’re here to help them figure out what’s next! Pre-apprenticeship placements are our specialty!

Eligibility Requirement

• 16 – 24 years of age
• King County Resident
• Not Attending School (Out-of-school youth)
• Looking for technical/pre-apprenticeship career opportunities

Program Managers

Jesus G. Mendoza, Program Case Manager

Jesus was born in Mexico and raised in Washington state. He is a University of Washington graduate, where he received his bachelor’s degree in Public Health. With more than five years of experience working with youth of all ages, Jesus’ mission is to help others achieve their goals and dreams no matter the barrier.

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Si Se Puede Academy

A GED program for 18-21 year olds in King County

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El Centro de la Raza’s Si Se Puede Academy is a GED program for jovenes that are 18-21 years old in King County. If you haven’t earned your high school diploma or GED then this is the opportunity for you! Lanzate con El Centro de la Raza! Earn your GED. Gain access to mentors that look like you and prepare for a high paying career, porque aqui…¡Si Se Puede! Our program is flexible, we offer both in person and virtual session. At Si Se Puede Academy you get to build a schedule that works best for you!  

Eligibility Requirement

• Must be 18-21 years old
• King County Resident
• Have not received their high school diploma
• Desire to design a program that works for them

Program Managers

Elsa Alvarado, Program Manager

Elsa is a proud immigrant and LA native, she is deeply committed to community and youth work. She is passionate about empowering jovenes and helping them find their path to success.

Emmanuel Lopez, GED Instructor

Emmanuel is a Quincy, WA native, with a passion for serving and supporting community in educational access. He enjoys building community and fostering relationships to help others be seen, heard, celebrated and find success en lo que sea!

“El Profe” Nito Flores, GED Instructor

Nito is a LA native, who’s house is divided Bruin/Trojan, with a passion for Education and Educational Technology. With over a decade of classroom experience in the US and South Korea, El Profe Nito brings in various effective approaches to learning to both English and Spanish scholars.

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Hope for Youth

The focus of our program is to inspire young critical thinkers through community building activities and programing!

Hope for Youth is focused on bringing more Chicano and Latino history to students in the Federal Way School district, specifically Thomas Jefferson High School. Our program mainly works with teachers in the Heritage Spanish classes to develop curriculum that gives students the opportunity to feel more empowered to continue developing their ethnic and racial identities, while also enriching their educational experience. When we are not in the classroom, we also support the Latino Student Union club with events and leadership development. Through our programming, students engage in community based projects, attend field trips, and develop art pieces to gain the tools needed to express their feelings about civil rights issues impacting Latinos and other communities of color.

Eligibility Requirement

• Be a current student at Thomas Jefferson High School in Federal Way

Program Managers

Maria Casarez, M.Ed

Maria is from Yakima, WA and grew up in a farmworker family. Being the first one in her family to graduate college, she was exposed to all the challenges that come with applying to pursing higher education. Through our youth programs at El Centro de la Raza, we hope to help bridge the gap so that more youth can pursue their post-secondary goals, while also exploring their identities.

Kimberly Jimenez

Kimberly is a first year college student at Highline Community College studying to get her AA degree so she can transfer to a university to become an educator in high school. When she was a part of the Hope for Youth program, she was the LSU president, so she’s excited to be back to support student officers with their leadership development.

Perla Ibarra

Perla is a first year college student at PLU studying Elementary Education with a minor is Hispanic Studies. She was also a part of the Hope for Youth program during her senior year of high school, and she is excited to be back!

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ELEVAR Case Management Program

The ELEVAR Case Management Program provides culturally relevant intervention to youth.

ELEVAR provides support, mentorship, and celebrate scholars as they navigate educational institutions. Our services include but are not limited to monthly 1:1 case management sessions and restorative community circles. Through restorative community practices, scholars learn to trust and bond with their peers ultimately creating a sense of belonging and connection to their community. Integrated into our program services model, is an exploration of youths’ cultural identity through an applied ethnic studies framework. These elements combined will further strengthen their sense of identity, all necessary traits to counter the school to prison pipeline.

Eligibility Requirement

• Federal Way District Middle School or High School Student
• Must attend Monthly Workshop
• Must meet once Monthly with Case Manager

Program Managers

Ruby Vigo, MSW

Ruby is originally from Seattle and grew up involved in many youth programs. Being a part of these programs helped her find relatable mentors that guided her to become the person she is today. Ruby hopes to be a similar mentor to young folks in Federal Way.

Frequently Asked Questions