by April Ray | Education
November 17th, 2018 University of California San Diego – The Blue Heart Foundation held our monthly personal/professional development workshop. This month we focused on Careers in Politics, the importance of image and the UC application process. Our presenters came with a wealth of knowledge and we believe both sides grew from the experience.
Tony Young and Omar Passons discussed the political process and importance of civic engagement. Both advised our youth that their political attitudes are shaped by their unique experiences and diverse backgrounds, so it’s essential that they learn more about politics and get involved so they can channel their energies towards effecting a positive change.
Touching on the point that if they are engaged in politics, they will be more likely to serve in their communities in areas such as health, education and charity work. This level of involvement will continue as they grow older and the years of experience will refine their understanding of how civil engagement in our country works—especially when they are able to vote, sign petitions, and even run for office themselves.
Taryell Simmons presented on the importance of image and discussed “code switching”. Code-switching is a fundamental and even vital component of the human language. There are both social and professional benefits to changing the way in which you speak based on who you are speaking with. It is important for people to feel comfortable throughout all of the different groups in their lives, and code-switching is they a way to stay connected to all of these groups at once. Even the Past President of the United states President Barack Obama understands the importance of code switching. Back in January of 2009, president elect Barack Obama went to get lunch at Ben’s Chili Bowl. Ben’s Chili Bowl, is a famous restaurant in a historically black neighborhood. After paying for his food, the cashier asked the President if he would like his change, to which he replied “Nah, we straight”.
Kyler Nathan IV (UCSD Admissions) provided information on the UC Application Process. The college application process can seem intimidating, especially if students don’t have parents or siblings who have already been through it and can offer advice. Mr. Nathan noted that since there are so many steps, such as writing an essay and obtaining letters of recommendation, a good way for students to get started is to create a to-do list during their junior year of high school.
“Once you can see it visually, the number of tasks and a schedule to do them, it simplifies a lot of things and It will take away a lot of the anxiety.” Though there is often prep work that happens beforehand, students generally begin filling out college applications the summer between their junior and senior year of high school. Though today was an overview of the process for all, one can never start preparing early enough for the steps required to move towards higher education.
by April Ray | Education
California Western School of Law held the 4th annual Prepare to A.I.M. for Law Youth Conference June 2, at the Moot Court Room, 350 Cedar Street in San Diego.
A.I.M. for Law, which stands for “Achieve. Inspire. Motivate,” is an outreach program that prepares high school and undergraduate students, primarily from underrepresented communities, for the law school application process and the first year of law school.
During the one-day conference, that was themed #Dare2See, students engaged in interactive activities that address a successful transition to and through college, with an eye toward law school, as well as key tools needed to get into law school. They spoke to current law students, practicing attorneys/judges, law faculty, and staff, and got a taste of the first year of law school by performing an oral argument before judges.
“The youth conference responds to a growing gap in education particularly for young people from underrepresented groups,” said A.I.M. Program Director P
rofessor Leslie Culver. “That is, an ability to envision an educational/career path beyond high school. In particular, the legal field suffers from a lack of diversity, as many students – primarily racial students – do not see lawyers that look like them, so for many, it is not a desirable or thought of career choice.”
The successful June conference had 22 attendees and ran from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
“Often waiting until college to introduce a legal career to students can be too late if students have not been academically successful in college,” added Professor Culver. “Turning grades around midway through one’s college career can be extremely difficult, thus making it more difficult to have law school options.”
For more information on the A.I.M. for Law Program visit: https://www.cwsl.edu/student-life/campus-resources/diversity-services/aim-for-law
by April Ray | Education
Blue Heart had the opportunity to attend the San Diego Association of African-American Educators (AAAE) Youth Conference on the University of San Diego campus learning about professionalism, code switching, priority career sectors such as science, technology, and engineering, plus the history of HBCUs and prominent African-American educators from the past who still influence education today.
STEAM Education encourages young natural scientists and promoted critical thinking. By actively engaging in learning about their surroundings. It has been shown Active learning leads to increases in examination performance that can raise average grades within the STEM fields by a half a letter. Educators encouraged this type of engagement to remain critical thinkers and interested in the sciences. On this day there was a Q & A with our students touching on opportunities in education as well as STEM based careers.
Painful as some of these experiences were, I was grateful to have them in middle school and high school, so that when the time came to head for college, I already had some fluency navigating between different cultures (to make life even more interesting, I had a small crew of Latino friends from my hometown who I also spent time with in college, enjoying getting to know another group who were so much like young, African-Americans in some ways and so different in others).
I watched as too many others from my hometown and other predominantly black cities struggled in a university setting where suddenly they really were a minority.
For these kids, being members of a minority group was an abstraction, because everywhere they turned in their own lives — from school to the corner store and their own street corners — they were surrounded by others who looked and acted like them. (I used to tell my private-school classmates that, before I joined their world, the only time I saw white people outside of a department store or gas station was when they got lost driving through my neighborhood.)
But once these students left those mostly black neighborhoods for top colleges such as Indiana University, Purdue University or Notre Dame, they were suddenly surrounded by a culture they hadn’t experienced firsthand. On top of the normal pressures of leaving home and family to take on a ramped-up academic challenge, they had to learn how to navigate white social structures while retaining their own sense of what it meant to be black.
I learned early on, thanks to that g-word nonsense, that expertly navigating another culture wasn’t a rejection of where I’d come from or a signal that I was any less authentically black. And returning to my roots wasn’t being phony or perpetrating a put-on.
It was being fully who I am. This is a lesson too many other young people from too many other cultures have to learn the hard way — making their way in an American culture that too often still demands assimilation or marginalization.
As more cultures join America’s melting pot, that’s why code-switching remains so valuable.
by April | Education
To often in society, the focus is on athletic prowess or celebrity; not so much on focusing on the growth of the youth and celebrating their academic accomplishments. In this vein The Blue Heart Foundation held its 3rd Annual Signing Day and Awards Ceremony. The purpose of this dinner is to acknowledge the dedication and drive of the members of the Blue Heart Foundation’s mentoring program HEART (Higher Education And Rising Together) as they work to improve the quality of life of themselves as well as community.
As Blue Heart graduated their second class of seniors the feel was that one that created a sense of celebration as well as community. These young men are the driving force for many successful community clean-ups, programs and events. Blue Heart feels it’s very important to acknowledge these young men for their accomplishments. Cassandra Irving exclaimed “Our son has had the wonderful opportunity to be part of such a great experience, The Blue Heart Foundation Inc., has given him various opportunities to better himself, and in doing so has extended his perceptions of how much he can impact others as well as himself, by showing compassion for others’ lives, and experiences. He has always had words of encouragement to share with others, but his participation with Blue Heart has allowed actions as well.”
As the awards portion of the event began with the recognition from: – Ashley Campbell – Community Aide to Susan Davis, U.S. Representative for California’s 53rd congressional District – Stephanie R. Allen – Assistant to U.S. Representative for California’s 51st congressional district Juan Vargas and our great friend – Mathew Gordon – Community Representative for San Diego City Council President Myrtle Cole Mathew’s beautifully compelling presentation filled the room with appreciation and love.
Now we get to signing day … Where will the seniors be taking the next step in their academic journey? First was Dylon Renee Irving who committed to Morehouse College followed by Quincy Ferebee (Southwestern College) whom stated “When Tracy trusted me, I has no choice but to give 110 %. Next was Shamari Linton (CSU San Marcos) followed by Kai Miller (CSU San Marcos), Julien Juju Bean Moore (Fullerton College and concluding with Xavier Tillis (CSU San Marcos) whom said “I’m not done with Blue Heart and going to come back to mentor” I’m proud to be a member of The Blue Heart Foundation.” For more on The Blue Heart Foundation visit their website at theblueheartfoundation.org
by April | Education
Saturday, March 11th, 2017 at the Oceanside Boys and Girls Club the young men from the Blue Heart Foundation’s Mentoring Program had the opportunity to participate in the 20th Annual Youth Symposium “YOUTH INVESTMENT: BUILDING A FUTURE FOR IMPACTFUL LEADERS”.
Thanks goes out to the ladies of Beta Nu Sigma Alumnae, Delta Gamma and Tau Lambda Chapters of ΣΓΡ Sorority Inc. whom presented this event focused on the importance of building leaders in our community. The belief is that these types of impactful forums will make impact and prepare the youth in San Diego County for future opportunities as well as making healthy choices.
Youth Symposiums create an environment for youth to come together and develop positive relationships with their peers, gain insight to professional and academic possibilities, and to build a strong network. These events are healthy, safe and positive recreational opportunities. Youth will leave with a sense of confidence, a forward-thinking frame of mind and new connects with peers, professionals, schools, employers and mentors; that they may have never connected with before.
All San Diego middle school and high school students were invited to attend this informative Youth Symposium which had workshops on what it takes to get to college, the importance of credit, a STEM workshop and healthy decision making.
by April | Education
Treated to a Private Tour by USD’s Black Student Resource Center campus tours and interaction with undergraduates, over 30 pre-college students, parents and mentors got more than just a savory taste of university life. “As an African American,” said one parent who participated, “I think this event not only challenged young Black students to dare to dream college and to go after that dream, but also challenged parents to get involved, and stay involved, in preparing their children for higher education starting in early childhood.”
Indeed, the message of early academic preparation and active parental involvement were important goals when USD’s Black Student Resource Center invited our organization to take part in this eye opening experience. The event was not only intended to help enhance college-going rates of African Americans in San Diego, but to also provide an opportunity to showcase the academic and career opportunities USD has to offer.
The event immersed 7th through 12th grade students in various interactive activities with faculty, staff and undergraduates based upon students’ grade levels and academic interest. These included workshops on why college is important, how to develop “mental toughness ” for college, a debate with the USD Black Student Union on overcoming peer pressure.
Tony Young and Omar Passons discussed the political process and importance of civic engagement. Both advised our youth that their political attitudes are shaped by their unique experiences and diverse backgrounds, so it’s essential that they learn more about politics and get involved so they can channel their energies towards effecting a positive change.
Taryell Simmons presented on the importance of image and discussed “code switching”. Code-switching is a fundamental and even vital component of the human language. There are both social and professional benefits to changing the way in which you speak based on who you are speaking with. It is important for people to feel comfortable throughout all of the different groups in their lives, and code-switching is they a way to stay connected to all of these groups at once. Even the Past President of the United states President Barack Obama understands the importance of code switching. Back in January of 2009, president elect Barack Obama went to get lunch at Ben’s Chili Bowl. Ben’s Chili Bowl, is a famous restaurant in a historically black neighborhood. After paying for his food, the cashier asked the President if he would like his change, to which he replied “Nah, we straight”. 
Kyler Nathan IV (UCSD Admissions) provided information on the UC Application Process. The college application process can seem intimidating, especially if students don’t have parents or siblings who have already been through it and can offer advice. Mr. Nathan noted that since there are so many steps, such as writing an essay and obtaining letters of recommendation, a good way for students to get started is to create a to-do list during their junior year of high school.
