Senderos is a nonprofit creating successful pathways for the Latino community of Santa Cruz County and building cross-cultural connections locally and abroad. Latino culture and history are taught and celebrated through dance and music classes. Children, youth and adults represent countries of origin with pride in public performances throughout the year. Tutoring and scholarships for youth and adults promote biliteracy, biculturalism, academic skills, and higher education. Most of our youth participants will be the first in their families to attend college or university.
Senderos welcomes all Santa Cruz County residents to participate in our programs. Senderos is a volunteer-based nonprofit organization. All programs are free to participants.
Senderos offers the following pathway programs at no cost to community members:
- Centeotl Danza y Baile – After school dance classes for different age levels of traditional Mexican dances. Performances in a number of events and festivals throughout the year.
- Ensamble Musical – After school instrumental music class with the goal of creating a traditional Banda de Viento. Performances in a number of events and festivals throughout the year.
- Plaza Comunitaria – Academic tutoring, skill building classes, and scholarships for youth and adults to promote academic success and cultural competence. Classes include Basic English, Computer Skills, GED, Driver Education, and Citizenship.
- ¡Adelante Santa Cruz! – Support during middle and high school for selected students to help them on the pathway to higher education.
Senderos community events include:
- Vive Oaxaca Guelaguetza – a cultural dance, music, food, and crafts festival presented the third Sunday in April in Santa Cruz.
- Diosa Centeotl – a cultural contest for young women to be selected as the Diosa Centeotl (Corn Goddess) representing Oaxacan tradition at Vive Oaxaca Guelaguetza activities.
- Día de los Muertos – a community festival presented with the Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History (MAH).
- Winter Performance, December in Mexico – showcasing folkloric dance and music from different regions of Mexico.
- Latino Role Models – an annual conference inspiring students to achieve their dreams for college and career.
Senderos performers participate in a number of other community events in collaboration with other organizations, including: Friends of State Parks Mole & Mariachi Festival, Santa Cruz Dance Week, Tannery Ethnic Dance Festival, Nopal Fes
Senderos performers participate in a number of other community events in collaboration with other organizations and schools, including Santa Cruz Dance Week, Arts Council Ebb and Flow Festival, UCSC IndigeFest, and many others.