After three years of stories, the Hermanos program has finally extended to Harmanas.

This program originally started in South City High School, with a purpose to help young Latino males at risk of not graduating from high school.

At South City High, students are to enroll in a class, in which they will receive high school and college credit. The main goal of this class is to help students cope with different social issues.

All students have an agreement with the program, which consists of mentoring, after-school academic activities, and family engagement. Students must meet these requirements, in order to be in the program. All students accepted in the program are recommended by their high school academic counselor.

This program expanded due to the high demand and success achieved throughout the years of existence. Hermanos is now extended to Capuchino High, and in support to the ladies, the club Hermanas is now available.

According to Pablo Gonzalez, one of the founders of the program, the change was previously thought of, but due to lack of funds, it had been impossible. It was not until the President’s Innovation Fund provided students with a grant to expand the program.

With an additional school, the chance of Latino students attending to college is now much greater.

“I suggest everyone try to help bring more Latinos to college,” said Karim Torres, a Hermanos member.

The Hermanas program provides the same opportunities for females; which gives our community a sense of equality. The Latino culture has always set differences between genders; this is a positive cultural change.

“The guys are welcoming to the girls, and it is an equal opportunity for community involvement” said Alma Garcia, the Hermanas counselor.

Hermanos and hermanas are supported continuously all the way through college. Here at Skyline College, the club is available for genders and any ethnic background. The club is mainly a support club for students in Skyline.

Hermanos club members are engaged in various school activities and community. “It is important for us to be involved in community because this is not only a Skyline College program, but a community effort,” Gonzalez said.

Hermanos are considered a role model for younger high school students. Each member of the club, mentors a high school student in trouble.

“We are here to help others, not only for our selves”, said Arturo Rodriguez, a member of Hermanos.

According to Gonzalez the program helps students use their leadership skills in a positive way.

All students are invited to join and promote Hermanos and Hermanas. According to Gonzalez, this program is very beneficial to students, by providing community service hours, which can be used for college applications.

Therefore, students will benefit themselves by helping others.

“It is a give and take situation, they help younger students and indirectly students help them,” Garcia said.

Hermanos hold meetings every Wednesday at 1:30 pm in building six. All students are invited.