Adelante’s mission is to empower Hispanic/Latino youth to achieve their dreams and contribute as creative and educated world citizens.

Over the past two decades, Louisville’s Latinx student population has grown significantly, becoming one of the fastest-growing communities in Jefferson County and an essential part of the city’s future workforce, cultural identity, and economic vitality. The long-term success of Louisville as a welcoming and thriving city is directly connected to the success and well-being of these students and their families.

Adelante Hispanic Achievers (AHA) was founded in January 2004 by former JCPS School Board Chair Stephen Imhoff and a coalition of community leaders who believed that, with access to mentorship, education, and opportunity, every Latinx student could achieve their dreams. From its inception, Adelante has focused on empowering youth through holistic development — nurturing personal growth, cultural identity, academic success, and community leadership.

Today, Adelante’s mission remains clear: to empower Latinx youth to achieve their dreams and contribute as creative and educated world citizens.

Before the pandemic, Adelante operated multiple weekly programs — including Mentoring & Enrichment, After-School Tutoring, and College Corps — all offered free of charge to families. When COVID-19 forced the closure of physical program spaces, Adelante adapted quickly, shifting to virtual programming through smartphones, Chromebooks, and home technology to maintain connection, academic support, and community stability during an uncertain time.

As in-person programming resumed in fall 2022, Adelante experienced renewed growth, welcoming more than 80 students back into programs and expanding participation through culturally responsive programming and strengthened partnerships.

Today, Adelante continues to evolve to meet the changing needs of immigrant and first-generation families by integrating digital resources, mentorship models, career exploration opportunities, and social-emotional learning into its services.

Since 2005, Adelante has served more than 1,200 Achievers, guiding students from middle school through high school graduation and into college, skilled trades, or professional careers. Since its inception, 14 senior cohorts have successfully completed the program, many becoming first-generation college students.

Adelante’s early growth was shaped by founding Executive Director Mara Maldonado, who launched the first Mentoring & Enrichment program serving 25 middle school students. Through tireless advocacy, strong community engagement, and strategic partnerships with JCPS and local organizations, Adelante expanded to serve more than 135 students weekly across multiple programs.

Adelante has received national and local recognition for its impact, including:

Honors & Recognition

• 2012 CNPE Pyramid Award for Excellence in the Art of Governance
• 2015 White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanics — “Bright Spot in Hispanic Education”
  (AHA was the only Bright Spot in Louisville and one of only 230 nationwide.)
• 2017 & 2018 — “Example of Excelencia” Finalist, Excelencia in Education (Washington, D.C.)
• 2025 BBB Torch Awards for Ethics — Finalist, Small Nonprofit Category
• Recognized nationally as a leading community-based organization accelerating Latinx student success

These milestones established Adelante as a trusted leader in Latinx education and youth development.

Building on this legacy, Adelante continues to grow through innovation and deep community collaboration. Programs now emphasize college and career readiness, cultural enrichment, social-emotional development, and family engagement. Students participate in mentorship, college visits, workforce exploration, arts programming, and leadership development opportunities that foster confidence, belonging, and long-term success.

Adelante defines success not only through academic outcomes, but by helping students set personal goals, develop leadership skills, and build pathways toward higher education, skilled trades, or meaningful careers. Through partnerships with schools, universities, trade unions, and community organizations, Achievers gain access to resources, mentorship, and networks that strengthen their future opportunities.

As Louisville’s only organization dedicated exclusively to Latinx student success, Adelante remains committed to creating equitable pathways for youth and families — ensuring that the next generation grows into confident leaders who contribute to the cultural and economic vitality of our city.