La Escuelita Learning Hub
 

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Our History

In January 2021, Beechmont Presbyterian opened La Escuelita Learning Hub to support JCPS students during the district's Non-Traditional Instruction (NTI) period. This initiative was a partnership the Presbyterian Hispanic Latino Ministry of Preston Highway lead by Rev. Elmer Zavala. We began by serving 10 Spanish-speaking students, many of whom had recently arrived from Honduras. These children had faced educational disruptions due to the pandemic, making our learning hub an essential service.

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Through the summer of 2021, La Escuelita continued as part of the JCPS Backpack League, expanding to 18 students and providing both academic and social-emotional support. As the new school year began, families asked us to continue the program, helping them navigate education in Louisville amidst ongoing challenges, including coping with trauma and adjusting to life in a new country.

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In October 2021, we transitioned into a full-time after-school program offering homework help, enrichment activities, ESL assistance, and family support.

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Our Current Program

Today, La Escuelita Learning Hub operates Monday through Thursday afternoons during the school year, and we partner with JCPS Backpack League and EVOLVE 502 for our summer program. We now serve 28 children and youth, with a focus on trauma-informed care.

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Our partnerships allow us to offer a variety of enrichment activities, such as:

• Mindfulness and the Arts

• On and Off the Pitch (Lou City Soccer)

• Bookworks Educational Advocacy

• EVOLVE 502 enrichment providers who lead weekly activities in dance, art, and more.

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Additionally, we provide families—many of whom face language and educational barriers—assistance in connecting with the JCPS school system and essential social and health services. This work is especially crucial in winter when families often need support with rental, utility, and food assistance. We collaborate closely with South Louisville Community Ministries to meet these needs.

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Meet Our Team

Our dedicated staff includes:

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• Sylvette Rivera Pabon, full-time Director

• Part-time staff, including an administrative assistant and two drivers

• 15 volunteers, with four focusing on literacy and ESL support, providing an excellent adult/child ratio of 1:4.

 

Our volunteers are at the heart of the program, helping students with reading, life skills, art projects, transportation, parent-school communications, and much more. We are grateful for their dedication and support.

 

Get Involved

Interested in volunteering, or have questions?
Please contact:
Sylvette Rivera Pabon
LaEscuelitaLearningHub@gmail.com

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