I’m Latoya Brown. I spent 20 years as a teacher, mainly working with English as a Second Language (ESOL) students, especially refugees and immigrants. Now, I’m the Education and Youth Manager for after-school programs at four schools in Dekalb County. I’ve been with New American Pathways for just over a year, which feels like a natural next step in my teaching career. I’m passionate about supporting refugees—it’s something I’ve always felt driven to do. In my last years in the classroom, I worked with students from all over the world, many of whom were just starting their journey in the U.S. I found that they thrived with a strong support system and with confidence in their abilities.
Our Bright Futures After-School Program is fantastic, filled with activities and support for students. We currently serve about 180 kids, and the waitlist keeps growing. We start with literacy lessons to help students, especially English Language Learners, succeed in the classroom. The program also focuses on social skills and teaches students important life skills for school success. We encourage self-exploration through project-based learning, with students working on at least two projects each year based on their interests. Our STEM component includes hands-on science lessons that spark curiosity and promote self-driven learning. All students get involved in fitness activities, like soccer or ultimate frisbee. We design our program around getting the kids prepared, keeping them involved and making sure they’re excited about their education.
In an academic enrichment program like ours, educators often face the unique challenge of connecting the school with the family. Many refugee and immigrant parents don’t fully understand how our public school system works, or their role in it, which can make it hard for them to advocate for their child’s education. Our school liaisons help guide parents through a sometimes complex landscape. We also assist with securing uniforms and school supplies to ensure students are fully prepared. Helping with enrollment and making sure students are properly registered and integrated into the school system is a key part of what we do.
Looking ahead, we want to expand beyond Dekalb County to support more students. We know some kids need help beyond traditional after-school hours, so we’re exploring options for virtual tutoring to offer more flexible support. Our goal is to make sure every student, no matter who they are or where they come from, has everything they need to feel confident in their education.