Since 1961, ASPIRA of New York, Inc. has been dedicated to helping New York City youth pursue their educational aspirations b ... y developing their potential for leadership. ASPIRA has served as an effective advocate in fighting to improve education in the Puerto Rican and Latino communities and has provided young people and their families opportunities that would otherwise not be available to them. In the 50 years since it was organized by a group of concerned community leaders led by Dr. Antonia Pantoja – a 1996 Presidential Medal of Freedom Awardee – ASPIRA of New York has served thousands of New York City children, youth, parents, schools and other community based organizations establishing a record of providing high quality, comprehensive programs and services. Some notable alumni include ACLU Executive Director Anthony Romero, Former US Small Business Administration Secretary Aida Alvarez, former Bronx Borough President and Mayoral Candidate Fernando Ferrer and award winning actor Jimmy Smits amongst many other successful individuals. read more