Friends of Latino Youth works closely with educators, mentors, and schools to bring a more equitable schooling experience to low income, POC, and other underrepresented students. Friends started in 2020 when students at a local school wanted to have a school prom but lacked the resources to do so.

Friends of Latino Youth was born because of unmet needs that other schools, districts, and demographics take for granted. Friends of Latino Youth believes that school trips, dances, workshops, visiting adults and assemblies, enriching opportunities and field trips should be available to all students, not just the students at the "fancy" schools. Having a sense of community and creating relationships with community, staff, and teachers is part of the vision of Friends. Students who have a connection to their school are more likely to stay in school, to see school as a positive experience, and are more likely to be a life-long learner.