Mission Statement: FLA develops youth resiliency and leadership to create long-lasting systemic change by empowering and mobilizing youth leaders to advocate for policies that improve their lives and the lives of their peers and their communities.
Purpose: The organization was first founded as a grassroots response to concerns about the high incidence of destructive behaviors in Latinx youth including high school dropouts, gang activity, substance abuse, lack of parent involvement, and limited civic engagement, amongst other high-risk behaviors. Our purpose is to fill the void of Latino/a leaders and role models for youth. FLA’s envisions a world where every youth regardless of where they come from is empowered to take responsibility for their own destiny by becoming leaders in their own lives, their families, and community. In service to the community, Future Leaders of America provides leadership training, educational experiences, and promotes the personal development of youth and families, for the purpose of fostering a greater awareness and participation in responsible leadership in a global and democratic society. Today, Future Leaders embraces its rich and longstanding history by renewing its commitment to helping Latinx youth achieve their full potential in school, their career choices, and in life. Our peer-to-peer model continues to provide youth opportunities to succeed in leadership and in school.