Generational Change through Investment in Education

Income Inequality

San Fernando Valley

Expand existing project, program, or initiative

Over the last two years since the onset of the COVID-19 Pandemic, students from low-income communities have been adversely impacted. These students also experienced the job loss of parents creating a loss of income and increased food insecurity. With many family members being at home and limited private space, learning became a greater challenge resulting in lower academic performance. Students self-selected themselves as not qualified to pursue higher education or eligible for scholarships. We seek to increase the number of new and continuing applicants. During the 2022 Student and Parent Orientation, students and parents expressed their need for support to navigate the college journey. They requested in-person sessions to learn more about the college and the need to develop a network among parents and scholars. The Foundation is committed to responding to student needs to ensure the completion of their education and successful transition to the workforce.

Today’s students need more than financial support. The Foundation has established the priority of a robust outreach and engagement plan for the 2022-23 academic year, increasing its presence at its partner high schools by participating in college-related events and developing relationships with school counselors. These activities include back-to-night, college night, and career fairs. The recommended ratio for students to high school counselors is 250 to 1; however, the reality is that schools in the North San Fernando Valley are closer to 500 to 1. Working together to leverage resources is more conducive to a positive outcome for the students. Through these combined efforts, our goal is to increase our scholarship application from high school students by 30%. In addition to financial support, our existing Scholars attending college are requesting more points of contact. We will be implementing two in-person events: Back-to-School Day and Midway Check-in. During these sessions, students will receive guidance and subject matter experts to navigate their challenges, including access to financial aid, accessing college resources, and addressing health and mental well-being. In addition, the Scholarship Program coordinator will reach out to connect with students at least two to three times a year through a phone call or video meeting. The goal is to maintain the 95% graduation rate and have 100% of continuing students apply and receive the scholarship.

Los Angeles County will be a better place because of the success of the work done by the Foundation. Through education, the Foundation wants to break the cycle of poverty for its Scholars and make Los Angeles a better place because of their contribution. Ms. Leticia Rodriguez was a scholarship recipient during her college career at Stanford. She obtained her undergraduate and graduate degrees from Stanford. Today, she has returned to the North San Fernando Valley as the Executive Director of DIY Girls, a non-profit organization that provides STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math)-based programs for girls in low-income communities in Los Angeles. At DIY Girls, we create opportunities for girls to explore STEM in a supportive community designed to inspire exploration and positive confidence-building. Ms. Rodriguez is one of many of the Foundation’s alumni who have come back to make their communities better and have a positive impact on the lives of others.

The Foundation has provided over $1 million in scholarships since its inception. Today’s students need more than financial support. The Foundation has established the priority of a robust outreach and engagement plan for the 2022-23 academic year, increasing its presence at its partner high schools by participating in college-related events and developing relationships with school counselors. We aim to increase our scholarship application from high school students by 30%. Also, our existing Scholars already attending college are requesting more points of contact. We will be implementing two in-person events: Back-to-School Day and Midway Check-in. In addition, the Scholarship Program coordinator will reach out to connect with students at least two to three times a year through a phone call or video meeting. The goal is to maintain the 95% graduation rate and have 100% of continuing students apply and receive the scholarship.