Since our founding in 1973, fostering learning, growth, and connection among local youth has been central to NSNP’s mission. Through our Semillas del Futuro after-school program and Raíces de Cambio apprenticeship program, we promote youth leadership while focusing on entrepreneurship, technology, arts, gardening, and Puerto Rican culture.

Recently, our Raíces de Cambio youth celebrated their final farm stand of the season. And our Semillas del Futuro youth brought their families together with NSNP to help host a delicious Thanksgiving feast at Norris Square Senior Center. Seeing these incredible young people in action inspires us every day.

One young person sparking inspiration is Isaac R. Colón; since joining our apprenticeship and after-school programs this past September, Isaac has brought so much to the NSNP community.

“Learning new things is what I wanted to do in my last year before college,” said Isaac.

Isaac joined our after-school and apprenticeship programs after hearing about NSNP from his friend and fellow Raíces de Cambio apprentice, Emelin. From the start, he enjoyed getting the chance to explore new experiences with friends. For example, his favorite event this year was the field trip to Linvilla Orchards, where he picked apples at an orchard for the first time.

These new experiences keep Isaac coming back. Isaac thinks, “It’s fun to do new things every day,” whether it’s bee-keeping, weaving, planting, harvesting, or cooking.

His favorite garden is Las Parcelas because he can pass by every day to check on the plants and be actively involved in the process from seed to harvest.

“I just want to learn as many skills as I can so I can figure out what I want to study in college,” said Isaac.

Unlike other jobs that Isaac previously held, NSNP helps Isaac build on existing skills and experiment with new ones. As a senior at Kensington Health and Sciences Academy, Isaac’s favorite classes are engineering and mechanics, and he is known as the handyman of the Raíces farm stand.

Isaac’s family shares his love for building and mechanics, which is how he became interested in the field. Due to this shared love, he has considered a career as a mechanic but is keeping his options open.

“I want a job where I can still learn new things throughout the year,” Isaac shares.

Beyond broadening Isaac’s horizons and helping him determine future plans, he creates rich, rewarding bonds with his peers and NSNP staff, providing him with community and support.

“They [peers and staff] provide somewhere to distract myself,” explains Isaac, “takes me out of things I don’t want to think about. It’s like a second home for me.”

Through highlighting Isaac this month, we wanted to acknowledge how our youth bring unique perspectives and expertise to shape and enrich our Semillas del Futuro after-school and Raíces de Cambio apprenticeship programs.

Thank you, Isaac, and thank you to our youth – you are the future.

If Isaac’s story inspired you, you can learn more about our after-school programs here and donate to expand our capacity to encourage our youth to learn and grow in this season’s spirit of caring and giving back.