The TAG Latino Program Proyecto ALERTA help students excel academically, socially and personally. February's academy is modeled after the Saturday Academy.
The TAG Latino Program of UMass Boston has served the academic, personal and social needs of Boston Public Schools (BPS) Latino and immigrant students since 1985. Through a partnership between UMass Boston and BPS, and the support of local foundations and donors, TAG offers academic and youth development enrichment programming to approximately 400 students annually. Integrated in each of TAG’s com
ponents is intensive parental outreach and involvement as well as leadership development. Students who participate in TAG and successfully complete high school are guaranteed admission to UMass Boston, when meeting minimal criteria, and have the opportunity to obtain a scholarship through the Lucia Mayerson-David Endowment, named after the program's founder. TAG has helped thousands of students access higher education and excel, developing much of the young leadership in Boston and beyond. TAG Components include:
- SATURDAY ACADEMY: Enrichment programming on Saturdays that combine academic classes focused on English Language development, recreational activities, and field trips that expose students to Boston's various cultural and historical offerings.
- WINTER & SPRING ACADEMY: Enrichment programming during the weeklong vacations in February and April, Tuesday through Friday. April's academy hosts the Pa'lante College Tours that offers students opportunities to visit college and meet with TAG Alumni who are either successful college students or professionals.
- PANAS Mentoring: Students are paired with a volunteer mentor age 18+ who offers friendship, guidance, and support- the pair with time become "panas" or "pals" and develop a relationship that often lasts beyond their high school years.
- TAG CLUBS: Student-led, school-based clubs are a powerful vehicle for the cultivation of social support, student leadership and activism, and the positive promotion of the Latino culture at the schools. Clubs have been active since the inception of the program at Boston Latin School, Boston Latin Academy, and John D. O’Bryant School of Math and Science. New clubs are forming at the Burke High School and TechBoston Academy.
- TAG in ARTS: TAG in Arts is newly established musical theatre program acquired through a Boston Cultural Council grant. Through these efforts, Talented And Gifted students will participate in acting and music workshops, professional theatre experiences and the opportunity to produce two musical theatre productions each year. TAG in Arts is proud to provide students with first hand experiences to develop themselves as excellent orators, charismatic performers and artistic creative thinkers.
- PA'LANTE COLLEGE & CAREER EXPLORATION: TAG offers bilingual workshops, opportunities and events for students and families to explore college and careers. Activities include bilingual workshops, college tours, speaker series, career-focused conferences, and college fairs.
- SUMMER TAG: Summer TAG offers an intensive five-week summer program at UMass Boston that prepares 300 students for the following school year. Students take academic classes in the morning and recreational activities in the afternoon. Classes are taught by highly qualified, culturally competent and diverse teachers, and are supported by teaching assistants, most of whom are TAG Alumni. The Summer TAG TA program not only offers 24 junior or seniors in high school and college students a summer job, but also gives them a meaningful experience with rigorous training in teaching and youth development, with the hopes that they will pursue a career in education. The program is specially designed for Latino students, but open to all BPS students, with a component dedicated to English Language Learners (ELL), who can also receive summer school credit in Math and English. Summer TAG has been recognized nationally as a “Best Practice Model” for ELLs
06/17/2026
Summer TAG | ALERTA 2026 still has seats available! We are serving Boston Public School 8th-11th graders (raising 9th-12th graders in September). One group of 8th/9th graders and one group of 10th/11th graders. From July 7th-August 7th (9AM-3PM) at UMass Boston. *First day for everyone is on a Tuesday.
Any 8th or 9th graders interested: families will have to apply through the BPS Avela Site: https://tinyurl.com/2r4cy5cx Our program is listed under Gastón Institute - TAG/ALERTA. Once the seat is confirmed, we can then share the next steps!
For our 10th and 11th graders, we are offering a PAID learn-and-earn opportunity funded by the City of Boston's SuccessLink and Immigrant Youth Advancement (IYA) Programs. These 10th- and 11th-graders will take academic classes in the morning and then serve as student leaders in the afternoon. We still have paid positions left! So if you know a 10th or 11th grader who demonstrates a desire to learn, engage, and serve, and who thinks they would make great mentors and role models for others, please encourage them to apply! More information, including eligibility and dates, is listed in the interest form as well.
Interest Form Application for 10th/11th graders: https://forms.gle/1cVJhjazzLMfS1x18
If you want to know more information or ask any questions, feel free to visit our website, https://www.umb.edu/tag/summer/, send us an email at [email protected], or call/text us at 857-301-7850.
05/06/2026
We've been gathering, reading, and connecting since January — and now we're officially introducing the TAG Association Book Club! 📚 Reading is one of the ways we grow — as individuals and as a community. This May, TAG alumna selected All About Love: New Visions by bell hooks. Swipe to learn more and scan the QR code to sign up. New and familiar faces are always welcome — come read with us! 💛
12/24/2025
🎥 The celebration continues on YouTube! 🎥
From honoree tributes and community reflections to powerful performances and moments of joy, the El Jolgorio Navideño videos are now live on the TAG Association YouTube channel. Watch, share, and subscribe to stay connected to TAG events, celebrations, and community stories throughout the year.
¡Gracias, ! 💛✨ What an unforgettable night at the 36th Annual El Jolgorio Navideño. Thank you for bringing your alegría, your cultura, and your love for community. YOU made this celebration magical.
And it’s not over yet… 🎁
Our Silent Auction is still open until 11:45 PM TONIGHT!
Bid on incredible items and experiences while supporting TAG Association’s mission to:
celebrate our culture, educate our youth, and elevate our community.
From the bottom of our hearts — gracias for being part of this beautiful tradition.
12/13/2025
💃🏽¡Se asoma El Jolgorio!🕺🏽
Doors open at 7 PM! Check in with your advanced ticket by 7:45 PM for your FREE drink (while supplies last)!
💛 Can't come? Donate: bit.ly/tagassociation
You can STILL support TAG Association’s mission to celebrate our culture, educate our youth, and elevate our community.
✨ Get ready for a magical night…
12/13/2025
Tonight, we honor leaders who embody the heart of our community. At the 36th Annual El Jolgorio Navideño, we proudly celebrate:
✨ Dr. Steve Fernández – Lucia Mayerson- Lifetime Achievement Award
✨ Vania Arroyo & BlackBrownBoston – Community Champion Award
✨ Steve Osemwenkhae – TAG Alumni of the Year
These honorees have uplifted generations through their leadership, art, advocacy, and commitment to justice, culture, and comunidad. We are honored to celebrate their legacy tonight.
Admission-only Door Tickets are available! If you can’t join us in person, you can still support TAG Association’s mission to
celebrate our culture, educate our youth, and elevate our community.
💛 Donate here: bit.ly/tagassociation
Every contribution fuels culturally sustaining programming and community empowerment.
12/13/2025
🎶 TONIGHT'S ENTERTAINMENT 🎶
El Jolgorio Navideño 2025
✨ Boris All Star Band
🥁 Jorge Arce & Raíz de Plena
🎧 DJ Baby Boricua
🎤 Hosted by Cecy del Carmen
💃🏽 Cultura, música y baile all night long!
🎟 Admission-only Door Tickets available!
💛 Can't Attend? DONATE!
✨ Your support still makes a difference! Donate at www.jolgorio.org
12/13/2025
🎉 IT’S JOLGORIO DAY! 🎉
Tonight we celebrate 36 years of culture, community, and joy at El Jolgorio Navideño!
🎟 Ticket Update:
Dinner tickets are SOLD OUT, but Admission-only Tickets are still available at www.jolgorio.org and can be purchased at the door.
🍹 Early Arrival Bonus:
Advance ticket holders who check in by 7:45 PM will receive a FREE drink ticket (while supplies last).
💛 Can’t Attend?
Your support still makes a difference. Donate at bit.ly/tagassociation.
Let’s make it a magical night of Latino leadership, culture, art, raffles, and community celebration.
12/12/2025
🎉 SOLD OUT! Dinner tickets for El Jolgorio Navideño 2025 are officially gone! 🎉
But don’t worry — you can still join the celebration!
🎟 Advance Door Tickets (admission only) are now available at www.jolgorio.org. Use promo code Gracias25 for 25% off your ticket when purchased in advance.
🍹 Early Arrival Bonus:
All advance ticket holders who check in by 7:45 PM will receive a FREE drink ticket (while supplies last)! Start the night with alegría y comunidad.
We’re gearing up for a magical evening filled with Latino leadership, culture, music, art, raffles, silent auctions, and the joy that has defined El Jolgorio for 36 years.
🎶 ¡La música está lista y la fiesta también! 🎶
We’re thrilled to announce the entertainment lineup for the 36th Annual El Jolgorio Navideño—a night full of cultura, energía, and alegría.
Featuring:
✨ Boris All Star Band
🥁 Jorge Arce & Raíz de Plena
🎧 DJ Baby Boricua
🎤 Hosted by Cecy del Carmen
From salsa to a parranda navideña—and the best fiesta mixes—this is a celebration you don’t want to miss.
🍹Your first drink is on us when you arrive early with an advance ticket!
06/17/2026
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12/09/2025