Promesa Vision, Needs, and Strengths¹: Voices of Children, Youth, and Parents

We examined the needs and assets of the La Zona de Promesa (ZdP) community and how aspiration capital is developed and influenced by members of its social network (i.e., peers, family, and community). During this phase, we interviewed and surveyed youth, their parents, teachers, and community stakeholders to understand better their funds of knowledge and goals, and how family and community resources can be tools to achieve Mexican descent students’ educational aspirations and goals. The findings of our research highlight the necessity to look at this population through an asset-based framework and approach to recognize the potential of Mexican descent and low-income students. The evidence allows us as educators and policy-makers to create meaningful and impactful solutions and opportunities for educational equity.