The AJA Foundation is proud to have invested over $700,000 in educational initiatives throughout the United States and abroad. Its diverse education portfolio has a strong emphasis on college access because research has shown that educational attainment is the greatest factor to end generational poverty. While each education grantee varies in size and geographic location, they all strive to unlock the potential in the students they serve.
One such program can be found operating out of a nondescript shopping center in East Las Vegas, Nevada. Leaders In Training was launched in 2012 to serve low-income, first-generation college students in the 5th largest school district in the U.S. Not only does Nevada spend around $4,000 less on education per student than the national average, East Las Vegas has significant economic disparities, limited educational opportunities, and public health issues. However, these challenges and systemic barriers do not stop Executive Director, Johnny Dominguez, from repeating this mantra, “You may be the first, but don’t be the last.”
This call to action to help improve the quality of life for others throughout the community is the core belief that Leaders in Training was founded on. Since its inception, the program has served approximately 275 first-generation college students boasting a 100% four-year college acceptance rate for students who complete all four years of its high school program. This after school program integrates mentoring, academic support, test preparation, family meetings, summer internships, and annual events, but its emphasis on leadership, volunteerism, and civic engagement is what makes this grassroots program so special. The AJA Foundation was drawn to this particular college access mission because becoming a leader in the community carries the same weight and significance as being the first in their family to graduate from college. Educational programs like Leaders In Training truly embody the idea of, “For the community, by the community.”
