In the heart of a bustling high school, there is a diverse group of students, primarily from Mexico and Central America, who face a particularly tough challenge, among all the hurdles that they face seeking to acclimate to their new homes in the U.S. They struggle with some of their classes because course material is not always available for them in their primary language. This can feel like an uphill battle for even the most determined students. This impacts their attendance, sense of belonging, and can lead to high drop-out rates for newly arrived students.
Among them is “Maria”, about to turn 18. Determined to change her circumstances, she has taken on two jobs while attending school, all the while managing to secure an apartment for herself. Her unwavering determination and resilience are inspiring, but she, too, was on the verge of giving up.
Amidst this struggle, Las Cumbres’ Santuario del Corazón Program, designed to support immigrant and refugee students like Maria and her peers, began offering support in high schools. Santuario program staff pride themselves as advocates for these Santa Fe and Taos County teenage learners, to ensure that the students don't have to bear the weight of their challenges alone.
To win the students' trust and make the process more inviting, Program Navigator Jazmin introduced a small but meaningful gesture—bringing Starbucks to their weekly meetings. It was a simple act, but it reflected Jazmin’s commitment to engage and connect with these students.
This initiative is an extension of the Santuario Program’s foundational services and has been developed in partnership with Santa Fe and Taos Public Schools. The school-based program has two primary goals: build community and resilience among the students, and bridge the communication gap with teachers to address the unique needs and supports of their immigrant and refugee students. This in turn has a direct impact on the social-emotional wellbeing of the students, their ability to feel welcome and supported in their new community, and reduce the risk of dropping out.
Through this concerted effort, students have begun to feel more hopeful and supported through teamwork and peer support. Their teachers become allies on their journey. Lessons that seemed insurmountable are now broken down into manageable tasks.
The transformation is nothing short of inspiring. As they support one another and the program's guidance begins to take root, students who were once on the brink of dropping out have found the strength to push through. With newfound determination, they are passing their classes, learning to embrace the challenges as opportunities for growth.
Maria, who has already shouldered so much, finds herself not just surviving but thriving. She is a symbol of perseverance for her peers, showcasing that even in the face of adversity, with the right support and a determined spirit, you can achieve anything.