Beyond the Classroom, We're Building Brighter Futures

Our Story

ISLA was born from a mother’s dream to keep her children connected to their roots—a dream that blossomed into a movement of love, language, and belonging.

Founded in 2012, what began as a single classroom of twelve children learning through stories and joy has grown into a vibrant community of more than 400 families. Through heritage language immersion, cultural learning, and educational advocacy, ISLA nurtures pride, identity, and resistance—ensuring every Latine child grows up grounded in their roots while families deepen their understanding of North Carolina’s educational systems.

Our Vision

We envision an equitable society strengthened by the knowledge, power, and value of Latin American languages and cultures.

Our Mission

To build a vibrant, thriving Hispanic/Latino community in North Carolina through Spanish heritage language immersion, cultural learning and literacy, and educational advocacy.   

At ISLA, we measure success not just in numbers but in lives transformed. Since our founding, we've:

Engaged 700+ students in immersive Spanish and cultural programs.

Delivered 800+ hours of Spanish language and cultural instruction annually.

Launch ISLA Impact, empowering youth ages 12 to 17 to develop their leadership and civic engagement skills.

Reached Latine families across 7 counties in the Triangle area and 12 counties statewide through our community research and educational advocacy initiatives.

Through programs like Los Sábados, ISLA Verano, and ISLA Padres, we connect families from Latin America, fostering understanding and respect for each unique culture.

The challenges are clear!

18% of North Carolina students are Hispanic or Latinos

Latino teachers make up only 3% of the teaching workforce

Our community faces racial linguistic, Latine families face cult

These students often face systemic barriers that undervalue their multicultural identities. At ISLA, we create welcoming spaces where students and families can celebrate their heritage, embrace their bilingual skills, and confidently share their stories.