by April | Community
Watching the San Diego State State Aztecs dominate Wyoming 38-3 after tailgating was a perfect way to celebrate the 2015-2016 SDSU homecoming . The young men participating in the H.E.A.R.T. mentoring program were truly in for a treat on this beautiful Saturday afternoon. The victory in front of an announced crowd 
of 38,761 at Qualcomm Stadium showed flashes of how good the team could become.
The same could be said of the young men of H.E.A.R.T. of which 18 young men with unlimited potential will come together and devote themselves towards aspirations of a higher education. Many of these young men could “fall through the cracks” due to lack of resources and/or opportunities afforded in the public education system. What we address are the other needs that young men need to make better decisions, learn to be goal oriented as well as focus on character development.
We were joined by the Men of the Omicron Iota Sigma Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity inc… Together each and every gentleman both young and old got to know each other and build a familial bond. This is an exciting time in these young men’s lives and we are looking forward to watching and tracking the growth of these ten young men as they work to achieve success together. Be sure to watch their growth and cheer them on as they strive to reach their potential and beyond.
by April | Career Development, Community
Our November Workshop focused on Engineering & Technology
from 8 AM – Noon we covered the following:
Hour One – Workshop Kickoff – Check in strategy for better grades
Hour Three – Professional Development – Careers in Engineering and Entrepeunership
Dameon Bryant – Entrepreneur & Senior I phone Developer at GadLight –
Dameon Bryant has been a software developer for 14 years and 100% self taught. Among his accomplishments are the following:
– Developed navigation system for 2010-2012 General Motors vehicles
– Developed software to enable rapid movie production for the Avatar sequels
– Developed software to display fantasy stats on displays in all NFL stadiums
– Won 2nd place in San Diego Startup Weekend “Tech Innovations for the Fashion Industry”
Anthony Winston III Electrical Engineer (Business Owner) and Jason Witt – Community Affairs Engineer (Business Development) both discussed the drive and focus it takes to make it through college as well as life.
Hour Three – Social Skills/Educational Development – Q & A with Kendrick Dial on know in your voice and Personal Empowerment
Hour Four – Discussing core fundamentals such as SAT, ACT, and Essay Writing with some additional classes like FAFSA & Financial Aid and College Careers & Majors.
by April | Career Development
Our October Workshop focused on Personal Branding and Careers in Law Enforcement and from 8 AM – Noon we covered the following:
Hour One – Workshop Kickoff – Expectations and Filling out paperwork
Hour Two – Social Skills/Educational Development – Discussion on Personal Branding by Pastor Eddie Baltrip
– Importance of First Impressions
– How to Dress for Each Occasion
– Impact of Social Media
Hour Three – Professional Development – Careers in Law Enforcement and Federal Agent Opportunities
Officer Akaan Thomas & Lieutenant Steven Hutchinson from The San Diego Police Department stopped by to speak to the young men on career opportunities in law enforcement. They also talked about the current climate of what’s going on in the world and openly answered any and all questions asked. The officers also offered the opportunity to take the guys on a ride along to which many of the young men ecstatically accepted
Ehren Thompson also stopped by to discuss what it takes to become a Federal Agent. This a long checklist including a degree, detailed background check and long drawn out test. He emphasized that the job is not for the feint of heart and is very detail oriented.. After all you are responsible for the security of our Nation.
Hour Four – Discussing core fundamentals such as SAT, ACT, and Essay Writing with some additional classes like FAFSA & Financial Aid and College Careers & Majors.
by April | Volunteerism
We volunteered and providing water for participants in the San Diego Hip Hop 5k fun run. The overall goal of this 5k is to create a surge of positive energy and forward thinking in the residents of southeastern San Diego. We intend to accomplish this by demonstrating the wonders of physical activity, creativity and imagination with a combination of ART, FITNESS, CULTURE and COMMUNITY. Through this event we hope to rejuvenate the spirit of the people
With over 250 participants people trekked a 3.1 mile walk/run through Southeast San Diego together through our neighborhoods in a show of solidarity, health and innovative thought. The goal of this 5k was to encourage both and youngest and old to participate. This is a call to combat the numerous preventable illnesses that plague Americans today: diabetes, heart problems, high blood pressure and obesity.
There were numerous activities throughout the day including a wonderful line up of local artists from the jazz and neo soul, world to the hip hop and R&B world gracing the stage. a Calisthenics group from Harlem called the Bartendaz coming out to do some pull ups and push ups with us. Pull ups and push ups like you’ve never seen before, the skill level of this group was simply amazing.
There was also a vegan soul food truck t along with about 30 other vendors selling cloths, oils, soaps and handing out information. A 20 foot climbing wall to use, a fire truck for the kids, face painting, competitions like dodge ball and tug of war. So much stuff, dancers, an art gallery, CPR classes, yoga classes, massage tables and much more!
San Diego is home to many fitness enthusiasts and hosts numerous marathons every year. This year, was the first ever 5k marathon in the southeastern area. Named the Hip Hop 5k, its purpose is to combine fitness with art, and also educate people about the importance of exercise and healthy eating. We were thrilled to be a part of this phenomenal event and thank Dawud Tarley and Corina Rose for allowing us to volunteer and be a part of such a wonderful event… See you next year!
of 38,761 at Qualcomm Stadium showed flashes of how good the team could become.
