Rev. Luis Cortés Jr., the founder and CEO of Esperanza, discusses his path to service and his passion for supporting North Philadelphia Latino communities. A 2019 recipient of the Philadelphia Award, the Rev. Luis Cortés Jr., 67, has come a long way from working after school at his father’s grocery store, known as a “bodega”…

Who/What: Esperanza College will host a celebration with students, faculty, and stakeholders recognizing 25 years of providing accessible, faith-based higher education to thousands of students in North Philadelphia and beyond. Many of Esperanza College’s students are the first to attend college, Spanish speakers, working adults, traditional college students, dual enrollment, and early college students. Founded…

Today, during the 2025 Minorities in Health Sciences Symposium, nearly 400 young people from over a dozen high schools will come together to learn from doctors and healthcare professionals across the field. Among them is Dr. Jaleesa Jackson of Jefferson Health, who will inspire the next generation of leaders with a session focused on “A…

Esperanza College is proud to announce the ninth annual Minorities in Health Sciences Symposium, an event aimed at promoting diversity and representation in the healthcare industry. The symposium will take place on Friday, November 14, 2025, at the Esperanza College campus in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Minorities in Health Sciences Symposium will bring together approximately 400 high school students, educators, healthcare professionals, and community leaders to engage in meaningful discussions and…

Philadelphia, PA — On August 21st, Esperanza proudly announced the opening of the brand-new Esperanza Academy Charter School elementary building at 201 Hunting Park Avenue. This new facility was the culmination of an expansion project spanning several years, situated just down the street from the main Esperanza campus, which also included the Esperanza Academy middle…

  Working Together to Support Student Success Philadelphia, PA — Esperanza Academy Charter School (EACS) is excited to welcome City Year Philadelphia as a partner in supporting student success throughout the 2025-2026 school year. Led by Dawn McCray, Managing Director of Impact, and Deanna Johnson, Senior Director of Learning and Instruction, 112 City Year Student…

“Leguizamo Does America” an MSNBC production, kicked off its second season in la ciudad del amor fraternal y sisterly affection—Philadelphia—and Esperanza was honored to be part of it. During the visit, Rev. Luis Cortés Jr., President and CEO of Esperanza, had a profound conversation with John Leguizamo about the future of Latinos in America while they…

Yamilet del Carmen, Executive Director of the Del Carmen Foundation, interviewed Reverend Luis Cortés Jr., Founder and CEO of Esperanza, about his faith, vision, and work. In this podcast interview, Reverend Cortés shares his lifelong dedication to empowering underserved communities, promoting equity, and strengthening the Latino voice in Philadelphia and beyond. See the entire interview…

In a compelling interview with Jennice Fuentes of Fuentes Strategies, Rev. Luis Cortés, Founder and CEO of Esperanza, reflects on how his early experiences shaped his mission to uplift underserved communities. He discusses the role of Latino mentorship, the importance of local knowledge, and the responsibilities of faith leaders in today’s polarized environment. Read the…