CREATING CONDITIONS FOR STRONG COMMUNITIES (Fall 2022). Founded in 1991, Hyde Square Task Force (HSTF) began as a coalition of neighbors and community leaders that felt an urgent need to address the growing violence, economic inequality and social unrest facing the residents of the Hyde/Jackson Square neighborhood in Jamaica Plain. Although the livability of what is now recognized as Boston’s Latin Quarter has improved since that time, HSTF’s community continues to be adversely impacted by high poverty levels, community violence and lower educational attainment. HSTF believes communities are strongest when they create the conditions youth need to succeed and thrive. HSTF’s mission is to amplify the power, creativity and voices of youth, connecting them to Afro-Latin culture and heritage so they can create a diverse, vibrant Latin Quarter and build a just, equitable Boston.

The primarily Latinx and/or Black-identifying youth participating in HSTF’s core Jóvenes en Acción/Youth in Action (JEA) program face daunting barriers to success. JEA’s integrated, in-depth programming combines Afro-Latin Arts (dance, music, or theatre), Education and Career Pathways, and Civic Engagement and Youth Organizing supports to tackle these barriers and guide youth in pursuing their goals. Through the Afro-Latin arts component of JEA, youth train in their art form and work on challenging artistic projects like composing songs or devising plays. Through the Education and Career Pathways component of JEA, youth work closely with mentors to plan their next steps after high school and work through the college application process. Through JEA’s Civic Engagement and Youth Organizing component, youth participate in workshops on topics such as Boston City Government, Voting 101, and the history of Boston’s Latin Quarter. They also identify issues impacting them and their communities and work to bring about change through organizing campaigns. As part of this innovative year-round model, targeted social-emotional support is also available to all youth.

JEA youth have a long history of achievement: in the close to 20 years since JEA’s inception, 100% of high school seniors have graduated, and an average of 90% of those youth go on to enroll in college. Through JEA, youth also develop soft skills like communication and leadership that contribute to their success in school, careers and life. JEA youth have created powerful artistic work that they have shared with their community over the years and have made their communities better with their organizing and advocacy efforts. JEA youth make an impact across Boston. HSTF currently has five alumni on the Board of Directors, which is a testament to their leadership and commitment to our mission even into adulthood.

In the image, HSTF youth perform live during Ground Up, an open mic event that they hosted in the Fall of 2021 (Photo credit: Mark Saperstein).

Clowes Fund Field(s) of Interest: Workforce (Youth) Development

Grantees