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June 2009 E-newsletter
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| Greetings! |
Happy Summer! We are certain the last month has been filled with celebrations of your graduates' success. Please extend an extra "congratulations" to your students from your friends at SoCal CAN.
This month's edition of our e-newsletter includes a summary of our wildly successful KnowHow2Go event at the Grammy Museum, the announcement of the KnowHow2Go mini-grant awardees, a listing of our upcoming professional development opportunities and programs, as well as other valuable resources for college access professionals.
SoCal CAN members are continuing to connect on a daily basis through our online networking site. Keep up-to-date on the latest resources available to college access organizations and students in Southern California, connect effortlessly with your SoCal CAN colleagues, and post questions or resources you'd like to share with our vibrant network of college access professionals. If you haven't created your profile, we strongly encourage you to do so. Contact Alison or Victoria for more information.
Sincerely,
SoCal CAN's Information Resource Committee
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IN CASE YOU COULDN'T MAKE IT .... RECENT SOCAL CAN EVENTS
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KnowHow2Go Event at the Grammy Museum is a Smashing Success!
On May 30th, 2009 9th -11th graders gathered at the Grammy Museum for SoCal CAN's KnowHow2Go extravaganza. Organized by the KH2Go Committeee under the leadership of Kim Thomas-Barrios (USC-NAI), the program attracted students from Bright Prospect, Creative Education Partners, Community Build, Fulfillment Fund, Inner City Struggle, USC-NAI, Project GRAD Los Angeles and Young Black Scholars. Participants received a warm welcome from SoCal CAN Chair, Timothy Sandoval (Bright Prospect), and Vice Chair, Denise Davidson (Community Build). Steering committee member John Mitchell (Fulfillment Fund) served as the emcee for the day, engaging the students and keeping the program rolling. SoCal CAN's Peer Ambassadors for College Knowledge shared the work they're doing on their middle and high school campuses and played a leadership role throughout the event. In addition, current and recent college graduates also passed along words of wisdom to the aspiring college go-ers. Distinguished guest, Councilmember Bernard C. Parks of Los Angeles Eighth Council District, shared his commitment to student success and provided inspiring advice for Los Angeles' youth. Our colleagues from the Campaign for College Opportunity shared information about the Save Me a Spot in College Scholarship Contest. Finally, SoCal CAN in conjunction with our fiscal sponsor, Community Partners, announced the recipients of our KH2Go ground campaign mini-grant program. The event concluded with a tour of the Grammy Museum. Thank you, SoCal CAN KnowHow2Go Committee, for a meaningful and memorable day!  Peer Ambassadors with Councilmember Bernard C. Parks SoCal CAN College Access Professionals Meet with Highly Selective Colleges
On May 21st, SoCal CAN members had the opportunity to meet with admissions professionals from Brown University, Cornell University, Colubmia University, The University of Chicago and Rice University to learn more about selective admissions. Participants walked away with solid relationships with the university representatives and information to engage students and parents in the college search and admissions process. Based on the success of the event, SoCal CAN will continue to partner with college and university admissions staff to provide relationship and knowledge building opportunities. Contact information for the college representatives in attendance is available on the SoCal CAN networking site. Many thanks to our college representatives for making the journey to SoCal to meet with us!
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KNOWHOW2GO MINI-GRANT RECIPIENTS
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On behalf of SoCal CAN and our fiscal sponsor, Community Partners, we are excited to announce the recipients of our KnowHow2Go ground campaign mini-grant program! These small grants will help SoCal CAN members intensify the KnowHow2Go ground campaign to communities throughout the region. We congratulate the following organizations: Bright Prospect, Children Youth and Family Collaborative, Fulfillment Fund, Project Grad Los Angeles, United Friends of the Children, USC Neighborhood Academic Initiative and Young Black Scholars. We'd like to extend a special thanks to the Lumina Foundation for Education for making these mini-grants possible!
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UPCOMING SOCAL CAN EVENTS
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SoCal CAN Membership Meeting and Best Practice Session
Wednesday, July 15, 2009, 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM, The California Endowment, Suite C.
Connect with fellow SoCal CAN members and sharpen your skills as a college access professional at our mid-year membership meeting. The SoCal CAN Program Committee will be planning an event that you don't want to miss. Mark your calendar and stay tuned for details next week!
Save the Date! Connecting SoCal CAN's College-Bound Freshmen
Monday, August 3, 2009, 3:00 PM - 10:00 PM, The California Endowment, Yosemite A
Building on the success of previous years, SoCal CAN will be bringing together college-bound freshmen this summer. SoCal CAN will add a twist to the program this summer by forming teams of students headed to the same college or university. An adhoc committee of SoCal CAN members are working to design a program that would provide an incentive for student teams to support one another in their first year (and hopefully throughout their academic career). The desire is that by connecting students prior to their arrival on campus and encouraging on-going communication among them, retention rates of the participating young adults will be improved. The afternoon/evening program will include a cultural or sports event (possibly a Dodger Game). Again, please mark your calendar and stay tuned for details!
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OTHER PROGRAMS OF INTEREST
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Taking the Courageous Conversation to the Next Level: Pedagogies and Practices for Successfully Reaching African American Students - Models of ExcellenceJune 24-25, 2009, UCLA, Moore Hall 100The California Alliance of African American Educators (CAAAE) will be hosting its 8th Annual Summer Professional Development Institute in Los Angeles. Presentations will include Through Ebony Eyes: What Teachers Need to Know But Are Afraid to Ask About African American Students and African Americans Students: Culture, Learning and Achievement Strategies for Success. For more information, click here.
National DREAM Graduation, with Solidarity Events in Los Angeles and Orange County
June 23, 2009
Next week, to highlight the importance of moving the DREAM Act forward, Dream Graduations will take place around the country. The main ceremony will be in Washington D.C.; however, concurrent events are being planned in Los Angeles, Orange County and other communities throughout the U.S. For more information, click here. You can also contact local organizers by clicking on the highlighted text below.
Los Angeles Dream Team Event - 11:30 AM - 2:00 PM, Los Angeles City Hall
Orange County Dream Team Event - 6:00 - 8:00 PM, Teamsters Hall Local 952, Orange, CALAUSD Report Card Redesign Community Stakeholders MeetingJuly 9, 9:00 - 11:30 AM, United Way of Greater Los Angeles
The California Community Foundation and United Way of Greater Los Angeles invite SoCal CAN members to lend our input on redesigning the next iteration of the LAUSD Report Card scheduled to be published in January 2010. If you are interested in participating, RSVP to Sandy Mendoza by June 24th at [email protected].
Register Today! National College Access Network 2009 Annual Conference
September 15-17, 2009. San Francisco, California
Join NCAN as college access practitioners, researchers, and policy-makers network with colleagues, share best practices, and learn more about important issues in college access and success. SoCal CAN has been invited to speak at the conference during a session titled Emerging Regional and Statewide College Access Networks on Wednesday, September 16th from 3:30 - 5:00 PM. For full details, including the tentative agenda, hotel information and registration, visit NCAN's website. We strongly encourage you to attend. And if you do, please let us know so that we can connect Southern California colleagues on site. |
COLLEGE ACCESS AND SUCCESS RESOURCES
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Important Student Loan Changes July 1
The first of July is an important date for individuals with federal student loans: it's when interest rates and other terms change each year. On July 1, 2009, in addition to Income-Based Repayment becoming available, Pell grants are getting bigger, and the interest rates on new Subsidized Stafford loans and existing variable-rate loans are going down. Your students may be able to lock in rates as low as 1.88% by consolidating variable-rate loans after July 1. Read the press release and learn more about the changes.
Ditch Your Debit Gremlin
The Project on Student Debt now has information on Income-Based Repayment in cartoon form! Check out the first-ever video, "Ditch Your Debt Gremlin," a two-minute animated introduction to IBR. You and your current orrecent college graudates can post it to your Facebook page, email it to everyone you know, link to it from your blog, etc to help get the word out about income-based repayment. Watch the video!
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COLLEGE ACCESS POLICY UPDATE
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New Spanish Language Equivalency Exam Announced
Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) officials announced the establishment of a Spanish Language Equivalency Exam to determine if students meet the "E" requirement-World Languages-for California State University (CSU) and the University of California's (UC) freshman admission under the "A-G" requirements. Students who demonstrate equivalency will be awarded 10 credits for Spanish for Spanish Speakers 1A and 1B, and they will also meet the District's World Languages and Cultures graduation requirement. Both the University of California (UC) and the California State University (CSU) systems require high school students to successfully complete a 15-unit pattern of courses known as "A-G" subjects as a condition for meeting admission requirements as a first-time freshman. The "E" subject requires high school students to successfully complete at least two years in a language other than English. The Spanish Language Equivalency Exam, now being administered at high school sites in the LAUSD, measures students' proficiency focused on reading and writing skills. It also provides guidelines for placing students within the current program once proficiency has been assessed. It is estimated that a significant number of students in the District will be able to meet the "E" requirement through this new test.
The Campaign for College Opportunity has released its position on proposed cuts to California's higher education budget. Their letter which has been distributed to the Governor's Office and each member of the legislature can be found on SoCal CAN's online networking site. Visit CCO's website for updates.
The Institute for College Access and Success (TICAS) released its position on the Governor's proposed elimination of the Cal Grant Program which would potentially impact more than 200,000 students this fall. The press release can be found on TICAS' homepage.
The Advisory Committee on Student Financial Assistance is encouraging the public to help identify Title IV higher education regulations that are duplicative, no longer necessary, inconsistent with other federal regulations, and/or overly burdensome. The Advisory Committee will use this information to provide a comprehensive report to Congress and the Secretary of Education on streamlining regulations from all sectors in higher education. The initial focus of this review will be on Title IV. Preliminary analysis of public comment will begin on July 15, 2009. In addition to the public forum on the website, the Advisory Committee has, to aid the report, convened a review panel of experts from the higher education community who are experienced with federal regulations. |
GRANT OPPORTUNITIES
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The Bank of America Charitable Foundation is accepting applications from local nonprofits working to promote vibrant neighborhoods. In 2009, the foundation will allocate a total of $20 million globally to its Neighborhood Excellence Initiative, which is designed to recognize, nurture, and reward organizations and local heroes who are helping to strengthen and revitalize their communities. More details available here.
Build-A-Bear Workshop Bear Hugs Foundation is currently accepting grant applications as part of its annual giving program. Grants are being given in the areas of health and wellness, literacy and education programs, and for animals and the environment. More details available here.
Career & College
Clubs are accepting grant request
to support implementation of the Career & College Clubs program. Open to
all California
schools, nonprofit organizations, and governmental agencies serving middle
school-age youth, the initiative provides grant funding to support
implementation of the Career & College Clubs program. Career &
College Clubs are designed to help young people gain the information,
resources, and confidence they'll need to continue their education after high
school. The program complements the State of California's Early Commitment to College
initiative, and is a simple, inexpensive way to further the Early Commitment
to College goals. Grants of up to
$500 will be awarded to the first 100 eligible entities that commit to
implementing the Career & College Clubs program in 2009-2010. All
sponsoring entities also receive free access to the Career & College Clubs
curriculum and handouts, membership to the online Network, and access to
technical support. Deadline to submit an application: June 30, 2009. Grants will be awarded on a
first-come, first served basis until funds are exhausted. For more
information about Career & College Clubs, and to apply for a grant, please
visit their website.
The James Irvine Foundation's Creative Connections Fund provides grants of up to $50,000 to small and midsize arts organizations with projects that support the creativity and expansion of diverse, relevant cultural offerings in local communities across California. The deadline is August 3, 2009. More details available here.
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SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
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Funding Your Future Scholarship. Futuros Educational Services will be awarding $500- $1500 scholarships to undocumented immigrant students. Graduating high school students and current college students are eligible for scholarship dollars. High school students must attend a LAUSD high school, have a GPA of at least 2.5, and be available for future participation in Futuros College Access Mentoring Program. The application deadline is Tuesday, June 30, 2009. The application is available on SoCal CAN's online networking site. It can also be obtained by emailing Alison.
Mexican American Legal Defense and Education Fund Scholarship List. This document provides an extensive list of scholarships that may not inquire about immigration status or require a valid social security number to redeem the award. An updated list is now available on the SoCal CAN online networking site.
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YOUTH LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
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2009 Summer Institute: FREE Summer Opportunity for Students. The Academy of Business Leadership is looking for 5th-12th grade students to apply for the 2009 Summer Institute, a summer enrichment program that prepares students for college and encourages students to pursue a career in business. Scholarships are available to cover 100% of the costs for families with household incomes under $150,000. The application (email Victoria for the application) must be postmarked by June 20th (transcripts and recommendation forms may be submitted after the deadline). For more details, visit http://goabl.org or call Aaron Childress at (626) 302-1141.
Become a Public Ally. Public Allies Los Angeles is currently accepting applications for a new class of Allies. Since 1999, Public Allies has developed more than 190 young leaders. Allies are young, diverse, and passionate social change makers who support community projects in partnership with hundreds of local nonprofit organizations. They are between the ages of 18 to 30 and over 91% are people of color, 36% are LGBT and 58% are college graduates. They undergo an intense 10-month Apprenticeship Program. The application can be found on the Public Allies Los Angeles website and is due on June 30th, 2009.
Summer Jobs for Foster Youth. Los Angeles County's Foster Youth Summer Jobs Program is seeking recommendations for eligible students. Youth must live in the City of Los Angeles. To receive an application and instructions for obtaining a letter from their social work, contact Phil Stripling at [email protected]. |
MEMBERS IN THE NEWS
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USC Neighborhood Academic Initiative: Chemistry Student Finds Formula For Success, May 15, 2009, USC News
Eric Zuniga's defining moment in college occurred just a few days after
he arrived here in 2004. During his first chemistry lab, the fledgling
engineer discovered just how seriously behind he was.
Despite having taken Advanced Placement chemistry in high school, he
had never been in a chemistry lab. His high school, Foshay Learning
Center, did not have one. He - like everyone else in his high school
chemistry class - received a one, the lowest grade, on the AP exam.
"It's the grade you get just for signing your name," Zuniga said. The full article, and mention of USC NAI, can be found here.
Project GRAD Los Angeles: 180 Latino, LAUSD Seniors Receive Nearly $1 Million in Project GRAD Los Angeles College Scholarships
June 10, 2009, San Fernando Valley SunIn a time of shrinking budgets and graduation rates, 180 Project
GRAD Los Angeles Scholars from the San Fernando High School (SFHS)
graduating class of 2009 are not only graduating from high school, but
they are also earning a scholarship and enrolling in college.
Supporters of the successful program were proud to announce that one
third of this year's San Fernando High School's graduating class were
Project Grad receipients.
"I am thrilled that so many students will graduate from San Fernando
High School with our college scholarship," commented Ford Roosevelt,
Project GRAD Los Angeles President and CEO. For the full article, click here. Has your organization been in the news? Please let us know so that we can include it in our newsletter. Your colleagues love to hear about your work!
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MEMBER INQUIRY
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Community Build is seeking former foster youth ages 21 to 25 for their Foster Youth Alumni Program. Participants will receive free/no cost services for vocational training, counseling and enrollment; college admission and financial aid application; case management; among other services. Contact Dana Harris at 323.789.9950 or Tracee Green at 323.596.2277 for more information.
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CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
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Los Angeles Area
Chamber of Commerce is one of the nation's leading regional business advocacy
organizations has a position opening for Public Policy Manager. Public policy managers serve in the Public
Policy Department of the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce and report to the
vice president of public policy. This is a salaried exempt position with full
benefits, including paid sick leave, vacation, 401(k) participation, health,
vision and dental. Salary range is commensurate with experience. If interested,
please submit resumes
and cover letter to Samuel Garrison, vice president of public policy via fax to
213.580.7511 or [email protected].
The California State University, Office of the Chancellor, is seeking an Executive Director to act as the senior employee for the California State Student Association (statewide student organization). The Executive Director's purpose is to provide administrative oversight for the organization's activities, including the operational oversight to the Office of Governmental Relations in Sacramento and Office of University Affairs at the Chancellor's Office in Long Beach. The Executive Director is accountable for the internal operations of the organization, including: audit processes, board development, budget management, contract administration, tax-filings, strategic planning, and personnel actions. The Executive Director reports to a voluntary student board of directors composed of at least two representatives from dues paying campuses, via the Chair of the board. The board transitions every year and this position ensures the organization has continuity. The ED serves as an ex-officio board member and has the responsibility to advise the board of directors on all matters. Go to the website and click on External Candidates then Executive Director to apply.
Strategic Actions for a Just Economy (SAJE) is conducting a serarch for a new Executive Director. SAJE focuses its efforts in the Figueroa Corridor of Los Angeles on organizing tenants against slum landlords and illegal eviction, helping connect local residents to jobs and first source hiring agreements resulting from the fast and furious development surrounding the Staples Center, and on urban planning that places residents at the center of the dialogue about how to improve their own neighborhoods and protect themselves from gentrification of the downtown area. For more information about the position, visit the SAJE website for details.
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SOCAL CAN ONLINE NETWORKING SITE
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We are delighted to announce that 40 SoCal CAN colleagues have joined our online community. All SoCal CAN members received an invitation to the network from Alison De Lucca. If you haven't done so already, create your profile today! It's a quick and easy process and should take no longer than 3 minutes. If you did not receive an invitation, please check your spam folder. If you would like for it to be resent, please contact Alison. We hope the web-based forum will enable SoCal CAN members to more readily share resources, foster dialogue and facilitate collaboration.
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We would like to thank The Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert Foundation for their steadfast support which has made our monthly e-newsletter possible!
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