Together for Education NCIt was born in September 2025 as a community group, in response to the need to strengthen the relationship between families, schools and the community so that all students can reach their full academic, social and personal potential.
Humberto Trejo, founder of Juntos por la Educación NC, told Enlace Latino NC, Its purpose is to serve as a bridge for Latino families and schools to work together. This often doesn't happen due to language barriers or fear related to immigration status.
“The main problems I’ve noticed are language and fear. Many times families feel intimidated by the system. Some don’t have regular immigration status and think they can’t advocate for their children,” Trejo said.
Therefore, their focus is on the vulnerable Latino community; those who have been in the state for years and don't really know how to navigate the system.
“There are people who unfortunately have no idea how to use a computer, so those are the people we are targeting, the ones we want to help improve,” Trejo stated.
Related: I graduated, now what? Navigating the job market in North Carolina
Spaces for learning in community
To fulfill his purpose, Trejo carries out several community programs focused on giving the Latino community a space to continue learning and growing.
“In our programs, we offer English and computer classes. We also support young people with FAFSA workshops. We accompany them on their path to college,” he explained.
“In addition, we offer a workshop called 'Together for Academic Success,' focused on parents. It's a space to help them navigate the school system and support their children in achieving both academic and personal success and creating positive change in their lives,” she added.
These are the opportunities, in workshops or courses, that the organization offers:
- English courses (levels 1 to 6)
- Computer workshops
- Workshop “Together for School Success”, on how to navigate the North Carolina education system
- FAFSA workshops for students
- Vocational guidance workshops for students
- Orientation workshops for parents with children heading to university
- Other occasional workshops (such as the one on the Infinite Campus application, a student information platform)
In addition, so far this year, the organization has delivered around 60 computers so that learning does not end with the workshops, but so that people have the technological resources at home to help their children continue learning and achieving their goals.
By June, Trejo reported that he expects to receive a new batch of 40 computers, which he plans to distribute between the end of June and the beginning of July.
Success stories
Since its inception, Together for Education NC has supported approximately 487 people.
Through FAFSA workshops and career guidance, Trejo estimates that the organization has supported about 12 students on their path to higher education.
One of them is Josua Figueroa, a student at Durham Public Schools (DPS), who recently received a full scholarship to attend Eastern Connecticut State University.
Trejo recalled that a few weeks ago he received a call from Figueroa.
“Humberto, I’m so happy. I got a full scholarship. I’m going to Eastern Connecticut State University,” the student told him.
For Trejo, moments like that are proof that the work is paying off.
“That is a source of pride for Juntos por la Educación NC, because it is something we did,” he concluded.
The challenge of building an organization from scratch
For now, Trejo is the sole organizer of Juntos por la Educación NC. He is responsible for planning the workshops, securing the venues where they are held, and promoting them through social media.
“It’s very hard because I’m alone, but it’s a dream I’ve had and I know I’m going to achieve it,” he said.
However, she relies on volunteers to teach her English classes. She is currently looking to expand her network of volunteers in the Raleigh area.
“We are looking for volunteers to work in the Raleigh area because we want to expand our English classes. There is a great need, and our classes are in person, not online,” Trejo said.
If you are interested in volunteering for Juntos por la Educación NC, please contact Humberto Trejo at juntos.porlaeducacionnc@gmail.com
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After the storm
A year ago, Hurricane Helene struck western North Carolina. The Latino community responded with something stronger than the storm: solidarity.
🎧 In this episode, learn how Latino organizations transformed crisis into resilience.
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