Our Mission

To empower Latino immigrants and low-income individuals to achieve personal and financial success, pursue their dreams, become community leaders, and advocate for racial and economic equity.

History

The Latino Educational Training Institute (LETI) was founded in Snohomish County in 1998 by Rosario Reyes, a first-generation immigrant from Peru, as a response to the lack of information and resources available to Latino immigrants. LETI’s focal point is supporting and uplifting immigrant individuals to realize their full educational and employment potential despite the overwhelming disparities and inequities experienced daily. LETI’s mission is to facilitate the personal and financial success of Spanish-speaking Latino immigrants and low-income individuals to pursue their dreams and become leaders in their communities.

Our operations specialize in serving first and second-generation Latino communities in South Snohomish County. Since 1998, LETI has established itself as an anchor for social equity in Hispanic and Latino communities. Through education, empowerment, encouragement, and resiliency LETI provides a communal safe space, both in-person and virtually. LETI has served those in need regardless of racial or ethnic background, financial status, or creed in areas of higher education, rental assistance, food bank distribution, financial and health literacy, community advocacy, and cultural events – all programs that help build community while reinforcing social equity.

Next Steps: Incubator for Family Success

In August 2024, LETI purchased an additional building in Everett and we are currently seeking funding to support our Incubator for Family Success which is a holistic and evidence-based initiative that promotes self-sufficiency and provides a dedicated community space for the Latino and low-income residents of Snohomish County for generations to come. A place to share their culture and life events, as well as offices and classrooms for LETI to continue its mission to strengthen and empower Latino families with resources and services to advance educational equity, provide business development training, improve family health, and build economic security.

Our goal is to have a cohort of 20 families that we work with for two years. The first year will focus on language acquisition and computer skills and the second year will focus on matching families with apprenticeship programs to transition to a higher income level. The remaining of our 27 programs will be available as wrap around services so we can fully support everyone in the families to achieve their goals.