About The Hispanic Youth Leadership Academy (HYLA)

The Hispanic Youth Leadership Academy (HYLA), in partnership with United Methodist and Episcopal Churches, seeks to support high school youth and college young adults explore their call to ministry, strengthen their faith, and serve within their churches and communities. HYLA is committed to assisting Latinx youth and young adults discover and embrace their relationship with God while encouraging them as they complete their education and refine their leadership skills. Its main purpose is to identify, recruit, and facilitate the leadership development processes of Latinx high school and college students while taking into consideration the context and particularities of Latinx youth and young adults in the United States.

Students involved in HYLA gather each summer to consider issues such as Christian discipleship, vocational development, leadership in the church, college resources, and a variety of other social issues important to the continued development of Latinx youth and young Adults in the Church. HYLA facilitates the connections of students with pastors, faculty, seminarians and other Latinx leaders in United Methodist and Episcopal churches and seminaries who serve as mentors. Students fulfill a three-year curriculum program that covers and focuses on leadership formation and access to higher education.

Requirements for HYLA:

• Be a high school or college student in good academic standing.

• Participate in local ministry setting (a church, campus ministry, etc.).

• Be a member of the United Methodist Church or Episcopal congregation.

• Have experience or desire to serve in leadership of the Church.

• Desire to explore your relationship with God and potential for leadership.

• Have a sponsor (lay or clergy member of the church where you participate).

• Fill out the application form and submit by due date for participation in the summer leadership academies (applications are accepted until May 1st of each year if space is available). Those seeking a scholarship are encouraged to apply by March 30th of each year.

SCHOLARSHIPS FOR HOUSING, MEALS AND TUITION ARE PROVIDED FOR MOST PARTICIPANTS upon acceptance into the academy. Students need to find transportation support from their local congregation, church institutions, or family.

For more information contact Rev. Dr. Cristian De La Rosa cdlrosa@bu.edu or hyla.umc@gmail.com

• Did you know that the Hispanic population is the fastest growing population in the USA and is the largest minority group on college campuses?
• Did you know that the high school dropout rates among Hispanics (18-24 yrs) was 14% in 2003? only 9% from University and only 2% from graduate degrees?
• Did you know the Hispanic church is also growing and in need of young LATINX leaders?