K A L P U L L I L E A D E R S H I P P R O G R A M
Empowering LatinÉ Youth to Become Community Leaders
Program Overview
HOMEY’s Kalpulli Leadership Program is a vital initiative in San Francisco dedicated to educating, organizing, and empowering Latinx youth and young adults aged 13 to 24.
Drawing inspiration from the Nahuatl term “Calpulli” (large house), the program is rooted in honoring our ancestors by cultivating a powerful sense of community. Historically, a calpulli served as a fundamental social unit in Mexica (Aztec) society—a unified neighborhood with collective responsibilities and shared resources, often based on kinship or shared skills. We utilize this concept to foster a supportive, collective environment for the well-being and development of all our members.
The Need
Latiné youth in San Francisco confront significant systemic barriers. These include a persistent achievement gap, low college graduation rates, displacement, disproportionate incarceration, and challenges related to cultural shock, oppression, and mental health.
Our Approach & Goals
For nearly two decades, the Kalpulli Leadership Program has successfully developed leaders by offering a culturally affirmative space. Here, participants grow as critical thinkers, engage in dialogue on social issues, and evolve into community leaders.
Our approach is defined by four core goals:
The curriculum is structured around HOMEY's Four Pillars:
P R O G R A M S T A T I S T I C S
The Kalpulli Leadership Program is highly effective in preparing youth for long-term success. Last year, 74 youth participated, demonstrating marked progress in key life skills:
The program remains dedicated to developing the next generation of successful leaders and positive community contributors.
H O W T O A P P L Y T O K A L P U L L I ?
HOMEY’s Kalpulli Leadership Program is a vital initiative in San Francisco dedicated to educating, organizing, and empowering Latinx youth and young adults aged 13 to 24.
Drawing inspiration from the Nahuatl term “Calpulli” (large house), the program is rooted in honoring our ancestors by cultivating a powerful sense of community. Historically, a calpulli served as a fundamental social unit in Mexica (Aztec) society—a unified neighborhood with collective responsibilities and shared resources, often based on kinship or shared skills. We utilize this concept to foster a supportive, collective environment for the well-being and development of all our members.
The Need
Latiné youth in San Francisco confront significant systemic barriers. These include a persistent achievement gap, low college graduation rates, displacement, disproportionate incarceration, and challenges related to cultural shock, oppression, and mental health.
Our Approach & Goals
For nearly two decades, the Kalpulli Leadership Program has successfully developed leaders by offering a culturally affirmative space. Here, participants grow as critical thinkers, engage in dialogue on social issues, and evolve into community leaders.
Our approach is defined by four core goals:
- Cultura Cura & Critical Consciousness: Educating youth on Latinx and BIPOC social movements and social justice issues. Using popular education and Freirean methodology, we work to address and combat internalized oppression, discrimination, poverty, disenfranchisement and disinvestment, and other social issues prevalent in the community.
- 21st Century Skill Development: Equipping youth and young adults with the core competencies and life skills necessary for success in college or the workforce.
- Civic Engagement & Leadership: Teaching essential civic engagement, organizing, and leadership skills to youth and young adults.
- Wraparound Support: Building transformational relationships and opportunities. This includes providing comprehensive guidance, coaching, and cultural and enrichment activities to foster strong community building and socialization.
The curriculum is structured around HOMEY's Four Pillars:
- Cultural Identity
- 21st Century Skills
- Civic Engagement
- Post-Secondary Education
P R O G R A M S T A T I S T I C S
The Kalpulli Leadership Program is highly effective in preparing youth for long-term success. Last year, 74 youth participated, demonstrating marked progress in key life skills:
- 93% learned how to access the help needed to achieve success.
- 86% increased their ability to manage time and complete tasks effectively.
- 79% increased their ability to handle problems and challenges.
- 71% increased their ability to understand their desired career path.
The program remains dedicated to developing the next generation of successful leaders and positive community contributors.
H O W T O A P P L Y T O K A L P U L L I ?
- In the 2025-2026 school year, HOMEY has open enrollment for our Kalpulli Leadership Program. We are seeking committed young people (13-24 years old) interested in learning about culture, social justice, and making a change in the hood.
- You can fill out the application online (or download as PDF), and email, mail, or drop off to our address at: HOMEY - 2221 Mission Street, SF CA 94110.
- Care Managers, Probation/Parole Officers can also fill out a HOMEY Referral Form.
- You can call us to get more information about our program and services at: (415) 861-1600 or email us at [email protected] or visit us at 2221 Mission Street. We have an open door policy and welcome guests. We want to know more about why you want to be a part of HOMEY.
- Keep in mind being accepted to HOMEY can be an important step toward becoming a change maker in your community and for yourself.