El Futuro Leadership Program
HACE’s El Futuro (The Future) High School Leadership Program is a college and career development program for high school students. The program provides robust programming that helps students define career goals and develop postsecondary plans. HACE partners with various organizations and companies to prepare El Futuro students for success in their lives (college, career, and/or civic lives).
All are Welcome: Read Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion for All .
%
applied college & career readiness tools
%
found presentations aided leadership development
%
mastered financial aid application
%
broadened professional networks
%
exposed to new careers
Participant Profile
High school students (juniors and seniors) nationwide
Location may vary based on cohort season (ex. Fall and Spring cohorts). Refer to the cohort season dates and locations listed below. For the Spring 2025 cohort season, the program will offer services to high school students (juniors and seniors) in Arizona.
In general, I’ve learned the power of self-confidence — to trust in my voice, my story, and my ability to lead. I’ve learned that community is everything. Success isn’t just about personal achievement — it’s about lifting others as you rise. I’ve learned that representation matters. Seeing leaders who share my background has inspired me to dream bigger. Specifically, how to submit a resume, how to do interviews properly, how to balance work and college, how to seek out financial aid to pay for college, etc.
Program Goals
• Increase students’ financial aid knowledge
• Help students to create post-secondary education plans
• Prepare students for gainful employment
• Prepare students for leadership roles
• Develop and enhance students’ public speaking abilities
Program Benefits for Students
• Connect with high-caliber professionals representing HACE’s corporate partners & alumni
• Access to resource library with tools for college and career readiness
• Improve interviewing and networking skills
• Build professional employment networks
• Receive a $250 stipend upon completion of the program
Program Language
All sessions and materials are in English. Based on availability, bilingual (English and Spanish) guest speakers share their struggles, successes, and lessons learned. If there are any language barriers, please address with the Programs Department, programdept@haceonline.org.
- Participants will attend VIRTUAL sessions designed to help them prepare for college and/or the workforce.
- All sessions and program materials are in English.
- Dates are subject to change based on potential sponsor commitments
Spring 2026 Information
Onboarding
HACE Introduction & Program Overview
March 2, 2026 (Monday) & March 4, 2026 (Wednesday)
*Both sessions will be held 5:00-6:00PM CST/6:00-7:00PM EST via Zoom
Sessions
March 11, 2026 – Session 1: Setting Yourself Apart
March 18, 2026 – Session 2: How to Build a Resume & Cover Letter
March 25, 2026 – Session 3: College 101 – Post-Secondary Options
April 1, 2026 – Session 4: Applying to College & Other Post-Secondary Options
April 8, 2026 – Session 5: Applying for Work & Internships
April 15, 2026 – Session 6: Interviewing Skills & Showcasing Your Work
April 22, 2026 – Session 7: Personal Finance, Financial Aid, Budgeting & Credit
*Skipping a week due to HACE’s Annual Summit*
May 6, 2026 – Session 8: School-Life Balance & Goal-Setting
May 13, 2026 – Graduation Celebration
*All sessions will be on Wednesdays from 5:30-7:30 PM CST/6:30pm-8:30pm EST virtually via Zoom.
Attendance Policy
Participants should plan to attend all sessions. This is a fast-paced learning environment and the attendance policy allows for one missed session (maximum).
Tuition
The cohort’s tuition is complimentary for accepted students thanks to our sponsor.
Spring 2026 Applications
Open: December 1, 2025.
Deadline: February 20, 2026
Fall 2026 Information
Onboarding
HACE Introduction & Program Overview
September 14, 2026 (Monday) & September 15, 2026 (Tuesday)
*Both sessions will be held 5:00-6:00PM CST/6:00-7:00PM EST via Zoom
Sessions
September 23, 2026 – Session 1: Setting Yourself Apart
September 30, 2026 – Session 2: How to Build a Resume & Cover Letter
October 7, 2026 – Session 3: College 101 – Post-Secondary Options
October 14, 2026 – Session 4: Applying to College & Other Post-Secondary Options
October 21, 2026 – Session 5: Applying for Work & Internships
October 28, 2026 – Session 6: Interviewing Skills & Showcasing Your Work
November 4, 2026 – Session 7: Personal Finance, Financial Aid, Budgeting & Credit
November 12, 2026 (Thursday) – School-Life Balance & Goal-Setting
November 18, 2026 – Graduation Celebration
*All sessions will be on Wednesdays (except 1) from 5:30-7:30 PM CST/6:30pm-8:30pm EST virtually via Zoom.
Attendance Policy
Participants should plan to attend all sessions. This is a fast-paced learning environment and the attendance policy allows for one missed session (maximum).
Tuition
The cohort’s tuition is complimentary for accepted students thanks to our sponsor.
Fall 2026 Applications
Open: July 1, 2026
Deadline: September 8, 2026
Partner Sponsorship Information
El Futuro is meant to help high school students achieve better college entrance and completion rates by improving their prospects for fulfilling careers. HACE’s partners serve as guest speakers who provide college and career advice. Together, HACE and HACE’s partners guide students in reaching postsecondary success.
Contact partners@haceonline.org or call 312-435-0498