Seven Washington Community School District families recently celebrated graduation from the Iowa State University Extension and Outreach human science program ¡Salir Adelante!: Pathways for Our Future. This six-week program fosters college and career readiness among Latinx families who have youth in middle school/high school.  The bilingual program addresses topics important to families, respect cultural values, build on the knowledge of the families, and engages the whole family.

 The 2022 course was led as a pilot program for Washington Community School District in hopes to continue each year or every other year based on interest. The course was taught by trained facilitators Natally Guzman, Amy Green and Heather Lujano and hosted at Washington High School with a family meal each week and then breakout sessions for youth, parents and then with the family together. With nearly 100% attendance of all participants, the program was received well. Approximately 35 participants gathered each week for the program. The final evening concluded with program reflection and graduation celebration. Each family was presented a certificate of completion and enjoyed a piñata and dessert. 

This was the first year of the Iowa State University Extension and Outreach human science program ¡Salir Adelante!. The program was offered in partnership with Washington Community School District and other local premier partners including Washington County Extension and Outreach, DUO Compassion, Hills Bank, Washington State Bank and Mi Pueblo Real.