The ASPIRA story starts from a small local counseling agency to an international network. The ASPIRA Association, a 501(c)(3) organization, is the only national Hispanic organization dedicated exclusively to developing the educational and leadership capacity of Hispanic youth. Since 1961, ASPIRA has been working at the grass-roots level to provide programs that encourage Hispanic students to stay in school, prepare them to succeed in the educational arena, develop their leadership skills, and to serve their community. It is organized in six states and Puerto Rico and has extensive national presence through its partnerships with hundreds of regional, state and local education CBOs. It currently serves over 85,000 students each year through its ASPIRA Clubs in schools and its after-school education and guidance programs. ASPIRA is a very diverse organization working with substantial numbers of Puerto Ricans, Dominicans, Central Americans, Mexicans, and Cubans, as well as with African Americans, non-Hispanic whites, and Haitians, among others.
The ASPIRA Association is a confederation of ASPIRA statewide organizations, which provide various educational, enrichment and support services to Latino youth and their families in schools, community centers and ASPIRA Clubs. ASPIRA Associates develop partnerships with schools, community organizations, businesses, community leaders and parents to provide comprehensive programs to advance the leadership capabilities and educational achievement of Hispanic and other youth. Today, ASPIRA has over 350,000 alumni. Virtually every Puerto Rican leader, both nationally and locally, has been an Aspirante.
