The Hermanitas Program Story
Through its nationally recognized Hermanitas Youth Leadership Mentor Program, MANA de San Diego challenges Latina middle and high school students to reach beyond a high school diploma; to graduate from a higher education institution; enter the professional work force as Latina leaders empowered to affect positive change.
MANA supports these young Latina students in their life-changing journey, by providing them with an exclusive and constant one-to-one Hermanitas Mentor – a woman who has walked down similar paths, has a similar life story or faced similar challenges and is now successful, responsible and empowered. (Please click “Mentor Info” tab for Mentor Requirements).
Created in 1987, the Hermanitas Youth Leadership Mentor Program has served over 600 local Latinas, ages 12 to 18. The program features a curriculum of monthly educational seminars, community service and career exploration opportunities. Program participants in Hermanitas are also enrolled in Girl Scouts of America and earn several badges as part of the Hermanitas programming.
Recent Events:
The Hermanitas Success Stories
Questions?
Hermanitas Youth Leadership Mentor Program
Due July 8th, 2022
Due to high demand, only 7th, 8th and 9th grade applications will be accepted for the 2022-2023 Hermanitas Program.
**The Hermanitas Program is intended to serve Latina first-generation and/or low-income students. Eligibility for this program will be determined by both first-generation status and family income.**
Please email program coordinator Jlara@manasd.org for more information and to request an application
About Hermanitas
The Hermanitas Program Highlights
In 2016, Hermanitas was invited to participate in the “Fulfilling America’s Future: Latinas in the U.S. Summit” at the White House
Partnerships
Help us help Latinas achieve success

Together, through our mentorship programs, scholarships and leadership events, we can make a positive difference in the Latino community.