L.U.N.A.A.
A comprehensive youth activism & education program that provides guidance, academic scholarships and mentorship, and LGBTQIA+ support to equip youth to achieve their full potential academically, in professional careers and in their personal life. We amplify youth activism to transform community change and promote civic engagement.
65
Students assisted with educational resources
40
Students helped with financial aid assistance resources
316
People served under the LUNAA Program
7
Paid interships provided by LUNAA
Student Succes
The long-term vision of LUNAA (Latinos United iN Action Alianza), is to achieve equity and erase race and immigration status as predictors of academic and career success for Hispanic/Latinx youth.
Nuestras Raices is convinced that centering experiences of Hispanic/Latinx youth is the only way we truly achieve this vision.
Our student success services are:
Student Financial Aid
Academic scholarships
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Soccer and Mariachi scholarships
Assistance applying for WASFA/FASFA and other financial resources
Leadership Skills
Networking-membership meetings
L.U.N.A.A. Conference
6 week leadership course for youth 13-17 and 8 week leadership course college students
Fellowship & Interships
LUNAA fellowships
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Assistance finding internships and practicums
Hispanic Recognition Ceremony
For over 25 years, Nuestras Raices in partnership with Spokane Community College have been celebrating high school graduates, college graduates and youth with GPA 3.0 or higher at our yearly Hispanic/Latino Graduation and Young Scholar Ceremony. The ceremony takes place the first week of May at Spokane Community College. All graduates receive a certification of achievement and Hispanic/Latino stole to wear on their graduation day to represent their heritage.
Mentorship
LUNAA provides a holistic approach to mentoring and engaging students through a cultural lens. It is focus on the whole person, the needs, spiritual, emotional and social wellbeing of the person. Where your family has been here for generations or you are first generation American, or you are first generation college student, we are here to guide you. Hispanic/ Latinx students are often left alone to navigate the college system and corporate America. At Nuestras Raíces we understand firsthand how our disadvantages stem from being first generation college students, children of immigrants, immigrant ourselves and from our socioeconomic status. Our goal is to provide guidance and representation. To inquire about this program or if you wish to become a mentor, please contact Li Velasco at li.v@raiceswa.org. ​
LUNAA Scholarship
We know how hard it can be to fund higher education and technical programs. Nuestras Raices, previously known as HBPA, has been providing scholarships to students since the 80's. Our scholarships are funded by the donations during Viva Vino, Tacos and Tequila, and other kind donations we receive throughout the year. Our annual scholarship opens in March and if you are awarded you will be notified and then given a certificate during our Recognition Ceremony.
This scholarship is for students who are graduating high school and entering higher education/technical schools, students currently in a higher education/technical program, and returning students!
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Requirements for application
1. LUNAA Scholarship Application
2. One copy of (official/unofficial) high school or college transcript
3. Two-page self-reflected essay (Spanish or English is acceptable)
4. One letter of recommendation (academic or from a community member)
5. Application will not be complete or reviewed until all materials are received
Mental Health & Wellbeing
“Home away from home” Creating a space for youth and young adults that is culturally and linguistic attuned to their needs.
Our mental health services are:
LOTERIA & CAFECITO
Workshops and Loteria game nights on ending the stigma of mental health. Follow us on social media for more information. You can also sign up to HBPA's newsletter to receive information on our workshops.
DROP-IN HOURS
“Healing Together” Support for Latinx/ First generation students. Get support managing the obstacles of being a first-generation student, identifying you are not alone and being able to express yourself. If you are needing to talk to someone, call us and schedule an appointment with a social worker.
Tuesday drop-in hours: no appointment needed.
Tuesday Texting support: You can text one of our social workers in English and Spanish
ALIANZA
Workshops onUnderstandingGender and sexuality in English and Spanish for parents and family whos loved ones identiify as LGBTQ+.
Book Club: A safe space with a focus on LATINX & LGBTQ+ stories and characters.
Peer support for youth and adults
Grassroots Organizing
L.U.N.A.A. is a student-lead coalition. They are the creative force behind mobilizing which includes grassroots organizing around topics that specifically impact Latinx LGBTQ students.
Mobilizing around
Social Issues
Students in L.U.N.A.A. aim to mobilize their peers and community members to register and vote in state and local elections and become more educated and involved in topics that impact our communities.
These topics include immigration reform, migrant worker rights, civil engagement, DACA, and transgender rights.
Lobbying
Every year, Nuestras Raíces Will take LUNAA students to Latino Lobby day in Olympia, WA to talk to state representative on state initiatives that have an impact in theHispanic/latinx community.
Recent initiatives have included DACA, migrant worker rights, and immigration reform.
We do not lobby for a political party or candidate. Our grassroots lobbying allow students chose the topics to prioritize, determine which campaigns to participate in or lead, and organize their work.
