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 .

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applied college & career readiness tools

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found presentations aided leadership development

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mastered financial aid application

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broadened professional networks

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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 Winter 2026 cohort season, the program will offer services to high school students (juniors and seniors) in Chicago, IL and Dallas, Texas.

    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.

    Spring 2025 Alum

    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

     

    Winter 2027 Applications

    Open: October 12

    Deadline: December 11, 2026

    APPLICATIONS OPEN

    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.

    Winter 2027 Information

    Onboarding

    HACE Introduction & Program Overview

    December 15, 2026 (Tuesday) & December 16, 2026 (Wednesday)

    *Both sessions will be held 5:00-6:00PM CST/6:00-7:00PM EST via Zoom

    Sessions

    *Dates are subject to change based on potential sponsor commitments.

    • January 13, 2026 – Session 1: Setting Yourself Apart
    • January 20, 2026 – Session 2: How to Build a Resume & Cover Letter
    • January 27, 2026 – Session 3: College 101 – Post-Secondary Options
    • February 3, 2026 – Session 4: Applying to College & Other Post-Secondary Options
    • February 10, 2026 – Session 5: Applying for Work & Internships
    • February 17, 2026 – Session 6: Interviewing Skills & Showcasing Your Work
    • February 24, 2026 – Session 7: Personal Finance, Financial Aid, Budgeting & Credit
    • March 3, 2026 (Thursday) – School-Life Balance & Goal-Setting
    • March 10, 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 to help them prepare for college and/or the workforce. 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.

    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.

    Visit our Partners page to learn more.