Immigrant and refugee teens, Apolina, Abigail, Juliana, and Djaly, came to Hartford Public Library’s (HPL) The American Place (TAP) and found a welcoming community and life-changing opportunities.
Apolina Jerome: A Scholar and Citizen
Apolina Jerome, originally from Tanzania, Africa, and her family arrived in the United States as refugees. She was a member of the inaugural class of immigrant and refugee teens to attend HPL’s after-school program for English learners.
She graduated from Bulkeley High School, where she played on the varsity girls’ soccer team, and was recognized as a Hartford Promise Scholar. At CT State Capital, Apolina was inducted into the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and earned an Associate of Health Sciences. She is now pursuing a bachelor’s degree in human biology at Central Connecticut State University.
Abigail Contreras: Future Educator
Abigail Contreras and her family immigrated from Peru. While attending Bulkeley High School, Abigail participated in HPL’s after-school English program. She continued her education at CT State Capital balancing her studies, work and responsibilities as a devoted mother to her young daughter.
Abigail earned her Associate of Early Childhood Education and will begin her studies at Central Connecticut State University this fall to become a teacher. Abigail is now a U.S. citizen with the assistance of HPL’s immigration staff.
Juliana Yanarico: Mentor and Advocate
Juliana Yanarico came to the U.S. from Peru with her mother during her junior year at Hartford Public High School. She quickly became an active member in TAP’s after-school program, even remaining connected to the Library during the COVID-19 pandemic.
While studying at CT State Community College Manchester, Juliana returned to HPL as a volunteer and mentor, encouraging immigrant high school students to pursue higher education. She also interned with the City of Hartford’s Office of Families, Children, and Youth. Juliana earned her Associate of Human Services and will begin her studies in social work at Central Connecticut State University in the fall. Juliana is now also a U.S. citizen, thanks to the help of HPL’s immigration staff.
From the left are Djaly Venero and Juliana Yanarico.
Djaly Venero: Creative Leader
Djaly Venero and her family immigrated from Peru, arriving in Hartford just before her senior year at Hartford Public High School. She quickly became a standout leader in TAP’s English program, excelling academically and mentoring in HPL’s YOUmedia.
Djaly began her college career at CT State Community College Manchester, where she earned an Associate of Graphic Design. Throughout her studies, she often held two or three jobs to cover tuition costs. In the fall, Djaly will begin her studies in marketing at Central Connecticut State University.
Looking Ahead
These graduates are examples of what is possible when given the support, resources, and encouragement needed to thrive. We are so proud of our graduates and we cannot wait to see what they accomplish next.
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