Programs for Children and Youth

¡Adelante! America Youth Leadership Program

This program provides youth in high school with the appropriate support for dealing with the challenges of adolescence in immigrant families and prepares them for the independence and responsibilities of adulthood. This program encourages students to build leadership skills, improve their academic performance, participate in community service projects, and reduce risky behaviors. Further, it helps them to learn the necessary skills and tools to succeed after high school, in college or vocational school, and on the job. In partnership with the PowerUP program, students also have the opportunity to explore career options and learn workforce readiness skills.

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

A representative from CONNTAC Inc., along with a bilingual staff member from the Spanish Community of Wallingford, offer one-on-one assistance to help students and their parents complete the FAFSA application, remotely and in person.

SCOW School of Music and Dance

The SCOW School of Music and Dance (“the School”) provides training in music, singing, and dance to students aged 7 – 18. The school was founded in 2008 as the Escuela Guadalupana de Música by Evangeline Mendoza Bourgeois. In 2010, the Spanish Community of Wallingford invited the school to move to its present location, where it became the Mariachi Academy of Connecticut.

During a decade of growth, the Mariachi Academy distinguished itself as the first student Mariachi ensemble in Connecticut, performing in venues throughout the State of Connecticut and in New York City in collaboration with the Mariachi Academy of New York.

In 2009, the beginning students in the Mariachi program were given the opportunity to receive private and group lessons in violin, guitar, piano, trumpet, and voice in a collaboration between the school and Choate Rosemary Hall, called Teach Music. Advanced student musicians at Choate volunteer weekly to provide instruction. This program outgrew the capacity of SCOW, at which point Choate generously offered to house the program on its own campus, where it continues to date.

The COVID-19 pandemic brought the operation of the school to a halt for one year.

In 2021, a new chapter began, revamping the program as the SCOW School of Music and Dance. Saúl Olivas, a professional Mariachi harpist, was invited to teach and train a new generation of student mariachis. Shortly afterward, Julieta Rodriguez, a professional Mexican folkloric dancer and instructor, assumed the role of instructor of the dance program. The Mariachi and Dance groups perform frequently, both separately and together, throughout the state.

The mission of the school remains the same: to strengthen children’s knowledge and appreciation of their heritage through music and to bring awareness of this culture to the greater community.

In addition to the Mariachi program, the SCOW School of Music also offers a monthly Saturday morning drumming class led by professional drummer Mark Zarrillo. These classes consist of a relaxed exploration of the rhythms of West Africa, the African Diaspora, and beyond. Participants learn the fundamental language of the drum, rhythmic concepts, and how to create meaningful dialogue, along with essential playing and listening techniques.