Jóvenes Líderes en Acción (JLA) is a program of El Centro Hispano creating opportunities for personal and professional development for Hispanic/Latino/Latinx youth in Durham and Orange County. Youth Leaders in Action (YLA) is a community-based program designed to create opportunities for personal growth and development of Hispanic/Latino pre-teens, adolescents, and young adults, ages 12 to 24, and
their families/caretakers. JLA focuses is on enhancing and expanding the capacity of youth, their family/caretakers, and academic entities to achieve improvements in five areas of development: Academic Achievement/College Preparation, Work Skills/Career Readiness, Life Skills/Leadership Development, Social Justice /Advocacy, and Health & Well-being. Through weekly program sessions, monthly activity days, educational forums, service projects, one-on-one case management, and youth councils, participants engage in activities that build their knowledge, skills and networks as well as develop a strong sense community and cultural identity.