Abstract
The need to raise academic achievement levels and gradations rates for Latinos is paramount. Current systemic educational and societal barriers play large roles in this crisis. Some of these barriers are being addressed in one urban Sacramento high school in the shape of an after-school enrichment program titled Latino Youth Days. This case study analyzes the impact of the after-school enrichment program on Latino students’ aspirations to attend higher education, overcome systemic barriers, affirm identity, and the participants’ reasons for joining such programs. Sources of Data This research was based on ethnographic methodology consisting of student interviews and observations. Other sources of information include student transcripts, attendance reports and field notes. Conclusions Reached The impact of the after-school enrichment program aided the participants in their aspirations to continue on with higher education, affirmed their identity and revealed insightful perspectives as to why Latino students join such programs. However, the after-school program was not a fix-all to all the problems that Latino students face. The current systemic educational barriers continue to remain detrimental obstacles for many Latino students as they strive to overcome them in pursuit of their educational endeavors.