Youth well-becoming, leadership ability, and cultural identity in an educational program integrating cultural immersion, career mentorship, and advocacy training

Community-based youth development programs have the potential to promote youth self-efficacy and well-becoming while strengthening the communities in which they are embedded. Hyde Square Task Force (HSTF), a Boston-based organization established in the 1980s, supports Afro-Latin youth through arts-based cultural immersion, college and career mentorship, and opportunities for youth advocacy. Its flagship program, Jóvenes en Acción (JEA), serves students in grades 8–12 and places strong emphasis on the arts and community connection. In this study, we analyze qualitative and quantitative student feedback to assess the associations of JEA participation with youth identity development, cultural identity, career aspirations, skill building, capacity for advocacy, and sense of belonging. Our findings indicate that greater program participation and older age at participation are positively associated with scores in these domains, particularly participants' cultural and personal identity development. Results from free responses highlight the importance of trusted adult mentorship, culturally grounded arts programming, and inclusive community environments in fostering youth leadership and well-being. These findings support the value of integrated, arts-centered youth development models and offer insights for similar community-based programs.