Summer program for teens to speak up on community issues

Campesinos Sin Fronteras is a non-profit organization dedicated to educating low-income residents of Yuma County.

The Campesinos executive director and staff met with local media members Tuesday to announce the open enrollment of their Summer Youth Institute.

For parents in the San Luis and Somerton area, if you’re still looking for something to keep your teens occupied this summer, this is a summer development program for teens ages 13-18, who live in or around San Luis.

Executive Director, Emma Torres, believes this is an opportunity for teens to develop necessary leadership skills to someday make positive changes in their community.

“A lot of times, there’s not that many opportunities in our communities because of the lack of resources, just because there’s too many youths. The city cannot accommodate, or other civic groups cannot accommodate. So we’re just trying to contribute to that positive community development,” said Torres.

Community leaders like the mayor, the San Luis Police Department, and other city organizations will conduct sessions and open discussions with the youth. Subject areas will pertain to career development, nutrition, and assessing issues in their neighborhoods.

The Summer Youth Institute takes place at the Fernando Padilla Community Center in San Luis from June 3 through June 20, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., Mondays to Thursdays.

The program is free for residents, but there are only 25 slots available on a first come, first serve basis.

Funding for the program comes directly from Campesinos Sin Fronteras, with support of state-funded programs.

Campesinos also collaborates with local schools and the city of San Luis to provide resources for the teens who participate in the Summer Youth Institute.

For more information on how to apply, please call the Campesinos Sin Fronteras office at (928) 627-5995 or (928) 627-1060​.