Niñas Del Corazón
Niñas Del Corazón is an after school and summer program benefiting Latina Youth ages 8 to 15, living in Kalamazoo’s Edison neighborhood. The program is a partnership with the Community Healing Center. The program addresses issues such as low academic performance, substance use, and acculturation. Educational curriculum is in Spanish and program staff are culturally competent, bilingual, and come from relatable backgrounds. The program aims to build respect and trust, boost academic performance and social emotional development, and empower young Latina women to excel.
For more information please contact Esmirna Amaya at eamaya@chcmi.org or call El Concilio’s Office at (269) 385-6279
Danza Folklórica
Our Danza Folklorica aims to create a space for youth to explore and connect with their culture through dance. The program is offered for any youth in the community ages 5-17. Danza Folklorica started as an initiative by two sisters who were passionate about teaching traditional Mexican dances. As our program continues to grow in numbers. We offer two groups, Corazón y Alma (Youth 5-12) and Ballet Folklorico de Mi Tierra (Girls Ages 13-17).
Ballet Folklorico de Mi Tierra (Girls Ages 13-17)
Ballet Folklorico de Mi Tierra consists of 10 young ladies. The group can be seen performing a variety of Traditional Folklorico dances from places like Jalisco, Chiapas, Sinaloa, and Veracruz. With the commitment of the youth and the support of parents/staff, Ballet Folklorico de Mi Tierra can be found performing at different events across Kalamazoo & Southwest Michigan.
Interested in Joining?
If you are interested in joining Corazón y Alma or Ballet Folklorico de Mi Tierra, please contact Jessica at cortes@elconciliokzoo.org or (269) 359-7277.
Interested in Booking our Danza Folklorica Group?
If you are interested in booking Corazón y Alma or Ballet Folklorico de Mi Tierra, please contact Jessica at cortes@elconciliokzoo.org or (269) 359-7277.
Aztecs FC
What started as a pilot program for youth in 2015 is now a soccer academy that provides new opportunities for kids in our community. The academy teaches kids great values and good health habits. The community and El Concilio are working hard to continue this academy and its efforts for many years to come.
The parents, volunteers and children are witnesses to the success of the creation of this academy. There are no words to express the joy of the kids, or of the parents when they see their children play. We invite you to be part of something great for our community. Your support is important to the Aztecs FC. Your sponsorship will give the opportunity for more children to be a part of the great sense of community our league has to offer.
For more information Irving Quintero at irving@elconciliokzoo.org.
Tutoring Program
Our Tutoring Program is an after-school program designed to help children in the Latinx Community with their homework or any academic assistance. Our program focuses on education success, socio-emotional development, and cultural identity development. Youth who participate in our tutoring program will be paired with tutors who will assist them with their homework.
Our Program Schedule is homework time from 5:00PM – 6:00PM. Then from 6:00PM – 7:00PM, our youth engage in activities/programming with our Staff and Community Partners. Throughout each session, youth are able to develop their social, leadership, team-working, and social emotional learning skills through various activities being offered.
Program Schedule | Mon – Thurs | 5:00PM – 7:00PM
Mondays & Wednesdays: Grades 1st – 4th
Tuesdays & Thursdays: Grades 5th – 9th
Mondays: Kalamazoo Public Library – WSQ’s Branch Manager, Steve visits us every Monday to host Book Club with our youth at El Concilio. Currently, our youth are reading the book, Mexikid by Pedro Martín.
Tuesdays: We collaborate with both the Kalamazoo Public Library – WSQ and the Gilmore. Sandra from Library visits us once a month to do Arts & Crafts with our youth. The Gilmore also visits us once a month to provide Music Exploration for our youth in Middle & High School.
Wednesdays: On Wednesdays we have weekly visits from the Kalamazoo Civic. The Civic provides programming for our youth to expose them to Music, Theater, and Art.
Thursdays: We partner with MSU Extension to offer programming for our youth that focuses on STEM and Mental Health.
If you are interested in enrolling your child, volunteering, becoming a community partner, or wanting to learn more about our Tutoring Program, please contact Jessica at cortes@elconciliokzoo.org or call 269-359-7277.
To encourage personal success, as well as the success of others around the student, it is the student’s responsibility to remain respectful of other people’s property, and especially to respect and respond to the instruction of the teacher. Students are expected to be positive and encouraging towards their peers. Students will avoid the use of foul language towards each other and towards instructors.
For more information, please contact Samantha Ascencio at ascencio@elconciliokzoo.org or Jessica Cortes at cortes@elconciliokzoo.org.
Spanish As Second Language
El Concilio currently offers Spanish Classes for those who are interested in developing their proficiency. We have two 10-week sessions starting in January 2024 & September 2024. The classes are twice a week for one hour each session on Tuesdays & Thursdays. The classes are located at El Concilio (930 Lake St. Kalamazoo, MI 49001). The cost for the 10-week program is $250.00.
If you are interested in registering for our classes or interested in learning more about our Spanish Classes, please contact Jessica at cortes@elconciliokzoo.org or (269) 359-7277.
ESL (English As A Second Language) For Adults
ESL (English As A Second Language) For Adults
In partnership with the Kalamazoo Literacy Council and Kalamazoo Public Schools – Adult Education we offer ESL Classes for Adult Learners.
Kalamazoo Public Schools – Adult Education
Are you interested in signing up for classes? Calls us at (269) 385 6279
