This story was made possible thanks to information and content shared by Xena Stearos.
Every fall, Hispanic Heritage Month invites us to celebrate the histories, cultures, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities. At the Norris Square Neighborhood Project (NSNP), this celebration isn’t limited to a single month; it’s woven into the everyday experiences of Philadelphia youth.
As an Out-of-School Time (OST) site offering Career Connected Learning (C2L) programming, NSNP utilizes programs rooted in art, culture, and community that uplift identity and tradition while preparing the next generation to thrive.
Founded in 1973, NSNP has been a vital part of the Norris Square neighborhood for more than 50 years. Its youth programs are designed to help young people discover their passions, develop leadership skills, and connect with their cultural roots. One of its cornerstone initiatives is Semillas del Futuro, a six-week summer program where high school students rotate through photography, art, and gardening workshops. In each space, they not only gain practical skills but also learn about Puerto Rican history, traditions, and community resilience.
Partnerships are key to this work. Collaborations with organizations such as Photography Without Borders, Los Bomberos de la Calle, Mural Arts Philadelphia, and other local artists and gardeners allow youth to learn directly from professionals. These connections show students how art, agriculture, and cultural traditions, especially Puerto Rican ones, continue to shape Philadelphia today and can open doors to future careers.
The impact of NSNP is best seen through its students. In 2023, Dominick Nieves, then a student at Bodine High School, joined Semillas del Futuro as a quiet and observant artist. After completing the summer program, Nieves joined Raíces de Cambio, NSNP’s year-round garden apprenticeship program that teaches farming, food justice, and the cultural role of green spaces. Through NSNP’s C2L opportunities, he was able to gain hands-on work experience, develop leadership skills, and explore potential career paths, turning his summer and apprenticeship experiences into real-world professional growth.
Because of his demonstrated leadership qualities, Nieves was offered internship opportunities at NSNP after graduation. Through multiple internships, he gained experience as a professional gardener, mentor, and program leader. With confidence and skills gained at NSNP, Dominick went on to apprentice at the Fabric Workshop and Museum and now works with the Mural Arts Philadelphia CAICU program, leading neighborhood mural tours.
Another student, Liliana Colon, a senior at Central High School, has deep generational ties to NSNP. This summer, she found new meaning through Bomba and Plena, traditional Afro-Puerto Rican music and dance taught in the art group. For Liliana, learning these dances became a form of empowerment and self-expression, helping her find her voice as she prepares for college:
“My skirt sways in one hand, the other raised in defiance. The rhythm isn’t just music, it’s memory, it’s emotion, it’s everything I’ve been too scared to say out loud. This is Bomba, the traditional Afro-Puerto Rican dance. And for me, it became my lifeline.”
Stories like Dominick’s and Liliana’s show how NSNP’s programs plant seeds of confidence, creativity, and cultural pride. The lessons may begin in the classroom, garden, or dance circle, but they carry forward into the lives and futures of every participant.
As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, NSNP reminds us that heritage is not only honored, it’s lived. By empowering youth through culture, art, and community, NSNP continues to carry Puerto Rican and Latino traditions forward, ensuring they remain vibrant for generations to come.
About the Norris Square Neighborhood Project
Norris Square Neighborhood Project (NSNP) is a cultural hub committed to uniting and inspiring the surrounding community through programs that cultivate young leaders, preserve Puerto Rican cultural heritage, and promote stewardship of community land and environmental practices.
