Youth Programs

The Youth Department is committed to empowering students and fostering community engagement through meaningful initiatives. By creating opportunities for youth to connect with their community, we inspire active involvement and collaboration on important issues.

One of our key initiatives is the FAFSA/Scholarship Workshop, where the Latino Club partners with academic counselors from various colleges and universities to provide families with valuable guidance on FAFSA applications and scholarship preparation.

We’ve also proudly joined the Adopt-a-City Street Program, adopting S. Walker Ave from SW 3rd to SW 25th. Look out for our signs! As part of this program, we host clean-up events that bring students and community members together to beautify our city streets. Students can earn approximately four volunteer hours per session, while community members have a chance to give back and make a tangible impact on our neighborhoods.

Join HERE

image|my image|#

Our in-school programs are developed in partnership with select schools, primarily in the OKCPS district, where we establish a "Latino Club" to foster inclusivity and promote Latino culture. These clubs provide students with a sense of community and pride while engaging in group activities. We use the “Overcoming Obstacles” curriculum, a K-12 research-based program that teaches essential soft skills needed for success in school, the workplace, and everyday life.

High school students also have the opportunity to participate in the “Passport to Success” program, created by the International Youth Foundation. This instructor-led, online journey introduces students to vital life skills through interactive global experiences. Students who complete the Passport to Success program may be eligible to earn community service hours, which can be confirmed with the program coordinator.

image|my image|#

The scholarship fund is maintained thanks to corporate and private donors. The LCDA scholarships are provided to High School Seniors and college undergraduates in Oklahoma. The 2026 LCDA Scholarship will open on January 1st, 2026, and will close on February 28th. The educational community reviews the scholarships submitted and determines the students who are chosen and the amount awarded. We award the scholarships during our Scholarship Awards Ceremony. The scholarships are often matched by area colleges and universities such as OU, OSU-OKC, UCO, OCU, OCCC, SNU, and more!

Since 2002, the LCDA has awarded over $900,000 to Latino students. At our 2025 Scholarship Award Ceremony, we awarded 35 students with $40,000! We also sponsored 4 scholarship recipients to experience the 2025 UnidosUS Conference. UnidosUS is the largest Latino civil rights and advocacy organization in the United States, dedicated to empowering the Latino community.

The LCDA is proud to announce The Acuña Law Scholarship, generously sponsored by Mariano Acuña with Acuña Law Firm. Thanks to their commitment to education and community support, one outstanding LCDA scholarship applicant will be selected to receive $10,000 in multi-year funding to support their college journey and help them achieve their educational goals.

The Latino Agency is a proud advocate for expanding opportunities in STEM education. The LCDA has partnered with the Oklahoma Professional Chapter of the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) and FIRST Robotics to launch an innovative robotics-focused STEM program.

The Southside Robotics Club (Southside Sparks) provides students with a robust foundation in STEM while nurturing essential skills such as leadership, teamwork, and creativity. Participants also benefit from access to valuable resources offered by the LCDA, SHPE, and FIRST Robotics, paving the way for scholarship opportunities and future career growth.

The program is open to both students and adults, and no prior experience is required to join!

Sign up HERE

image|my image|#

Every year, we organize a summer program for 1st-6th graders that offers unforgettable hands-on experiences. In 2024, the LYLC hosted a 4-week STEAM-inspired program, highlighting various fields within STEAM. We added our own twist by focusing on Science, Technology, Exploration, Arts, and Media, which sparked student engagement and created a truly memorable program.

We partnered with organizations like Oklahoma 4-H, TeamOKC Robotics, SHPE-OKC, Oklahoma Hall of

Fame, Thick Descriptions, and DeadCenter Film to deliver exceptional activities. Additionally, we were fortunate to receive support from Devon Energy and Feed the Children. Devon Energy Corporation provided crucial financial assistance through an approved grant submitted, while Feed the Children supplied snacks, books for the students to take home, and essential boxes for families. Thanks to all our partners and sponsors, we were able to create an extraordinary experience for the students.

image|my image|#

The Latino Youth Leadership Club (LYLC) organizes impactful events throughout the year, each tailored to serve a specific purpose and meet the needs of our community.

In Spring 2024, we received a generous $27,000 grant from AT&T to provide laptops to students in need. To maximize the impact of this initiative, we hosted an event where students could apply to participate in a digital learning and literacy crash course offered by AT&T Connected Learning. Laptops were awarded to 10 students who successfully completed the program, equipping them with essential tools to pursue their educational goals. A heartfelt thank-you to AT&T for making this possible! This initiative continued in Fall 2024, with five additional students receiving laptops, and we are excited to host one final event in Spring 2025 while supplies last.

Another highlight of the year was our first annual Back to School Bash, held in July. This event brought together a wide range of free services for families, including vaccinations, vision and autism screenings, sports physicals, haircuts, after-school club sign-ups, school enrollment assistance, health information, and backpacks filled with school supplies. Over 800 backpacks were distributed, and more than 1,000 attendees benefited from these resources! This incredible success was made possible thanks to the support of our partners and sponsors.

image|my image|#

The Latino Agency hosts a homework help session every Wednesday from 4:30-6 PM. This program supports 1st-6th graders by providing personalized assistance with their schoolwork. Open to both students seeking help and individuals interested in becoming tutors, the program creates a nurturing environment where young learners can build confidence and improve their academic skills. No prior experience is required, making it a great opportunity for anyone passionate about education and supporting student success.

Sign up HERE

Is there a messaging platform for program notifications?

Yes! For tutoring and volunteering, we use Remind and email notifications. We also recommend following our social media pages for updates. If you need to be included in notifications for a program you're enrolled in, please email lcdaclub@latinoagencyokc.org.

Can past LCDA scholarship recipients apply again?

Yes! Previous recipients can reapply, but awards are not guaranteed each year.

Can I apply for the LCDA scholarship without a Social Security number?

Yes! As long as you're accepted and enrolled in a college, university, or vocational school, you're eligible.

Do I have to attend the LCDA Scholarship Awards Ceremony to receive my scholarship?

Yes! Attendance of the Awards Ceremony in May is required to receive your award letter and scholarship.

Can I apply for the LCDA scholarship online?
No, applications must be submitted as a complete packet with all required documents.