Through family engagement workshops, Juntos 4-H clubs, success coaching, and summer programming, the Juntos 4-H program has been a powerful tool in bridging gaps, fostering connections and building academic and leadership skills among Latino students and their families across Indiana. School administrators have witnessed firsthand the transformative impact of the program, both on individual students and the larger school community. Their feedback offers a robust narrative about the role of Juntos 4-H in creating pathways to success for students and families.
Kevin M. Trezak, superintendent of River Forest Community School Corp., says Juntos 4-H has brought pride back into the northwest Indiana community. Growing up in a predominantly Polish and European neighborhood, Trezak recalls the struggles of earlier generations with language barriers. Today, many of the new residents in his community are Latino and face similar challenges as previous generations of immigrant families.
“The Juntos program has provided wonderful opportunities for some of the proudest members of our community to get help in moving the next generation of proud community members toward success,” Trezak says. “The Juntos program in our school represents one of the most important offerings that we have for students and community. Juntos is a point of pride for all who are in the know.”
This greater sense of involvement and engagement among students and their families is making a difference. “The students and families are much more involved in school activities since their participation in Juntos,” says Sandra Hillan, River Forest’s director of title, grants and curriculum. “I see their faces at more events. The benefits for Juntos students are plentiful, but it seems the most important is the opportunity to learn more about after-school pathways. They are more equipped to prepare for college, trade school, or other paths toward adulthood.”
Juntos has significantly enhanced the sense of belonging and pride among our students and families,” he says. “It fosters a supportive environment where students feel valued and connected to their school community. The benefits are numerous, including stronger connections between students, staff, and community organizations. It has also led to increased family engagement, higher participation in school activities, and a concerted focus on ensuring that students graduate from our school.
- Steve Bush, Seymour High School Principal
Juntos 4-H not only supports academic success but provides leadership opportunities and valuable life skills. Administrators agree that the program's comprehensive approach, which involves both students and their families, is key to its success. “I have observed a remarkable sense of pride, belonging, and confidence among our Juntos participants,” Bush says. “These positive changes are evident not only in their academic efforts but also in their interpersonal relationships within the school community.”
In addition to building stronger community ties, Juntos 4-H has proven to be a valuable resource in preparing students for life beyond high school. Trezak says the program “levels the playing field” for families who may struggle to navigate the hurdles of postsecondary education.
Whitney Reinhart, Seymour Middle School principal, praises the program for giving students a clearer path to their educational future. “We’ve seen students become more engaged in their academics, develop leadership skills, and build a clearer path to their future educational goals. Families have also become more confident in navigating the school system and advocating for their children’s education. The program fosters a strong sense of community and mutual support, which has had a noticeable impact on student success and family involvement.”
Jose Martinez, director of English learners for Seymour Community Schools, recently invited a Juntos 4-H member to the central office to share their experiences with administrative staff.
One of the students, a senior at Seymour High School, spoke at length about how Juntos has helped him become involved and engaged in school and has helped him look at his future differently,” Martinez said. “Juntos 4-H's biggest benefit has been providing students learning and community opportunities outside the regular school day — a lot of personal enrichment for them!
- Jose Martinez, Director of English Learners for Seymour Community Schools
The administrators' feedback makes a compelling case for expanding Juntos 4-H to more schools. “Other schools should consider implementing Juntos 4-H,” says Katie Leitzman, director of federal and state programs for Seymour schools, “because it truly does bring families, students, staff and the school ‘together.’ Through staff, family, and student testimony, you can see how meaningful and impactful this program is to our community.” Bush says, “Other schools should strongly consider implementing this program because all students deserve opportunities that promote growth and development. Juntos opens numerous doors for students with similar cultural experiences, empowering them to thrive both academically and socially.” Reinhart calls Juntos an “investment in the future of our students and our community.”
These testimonials from school leaders show how Juntos 4-H is not just a program but a community-driven movement that fosters academic, social, and emotional growth in students and their families. By empowering students with the tools to succeed and engaging families in the education process, Juntos 4-H continues to have a lasting impact on school communities across Indiana.
Juntos 4-H has proven to be a vital component of student success in Indiana schools. As more schools recognize the benefits of this program, it has the potential to reshape the educational landscape, ensuring that students and their families have the support and resources they need to thrive in an ever-changing world.