by April | Uncategorized
Treated to a Private Tour by the Admissions Dept of the University of San Diego HEART along with Dr. JAM and FANCY were treated to hands-on workshops, class lectures, campus tours and interaction with UCSD faculty and undergraduates, over 50 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 UCSD’s Admission Department and the Black Resource Center invited our organizations 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 UCSD has to offer.
And from UCSD, the event enjoyed the participation and support from the Chancellor’s Office, faculty, staff, the Black Student Resource Center and other undergraduates. “It was truly both a community and university effort,” reported Azizi James Special Assistant to the Assistant Vice Chancellor, Admission & Enrollment Services. The event immersed 8th 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 UCSD Black Student Union on overcoming peer pressure.
Meanwhile, parents attended informative and motivational sessions that addressed their particular needs and concerns including workshops on how to be advocates for their children’s education, negotiating college for their children, and a special stage reading and panel discussion on how to speak to children about the importance of college.
by April | Community, Team Building, Uncategorized
The Blue Heart Foundation in partnership with the Old Globe Theater treated a night out for the youth and families to a viewing of Shakespeare’s “Comedy of Errors”. We are a locally based mentoring program that is focused on the empowerment and education of under-served children and foster youth. Our program is based on three categories: 1) Abilities, 2) Applications, and 3) Character which are developed by education, empowerment and teamwork.
As part of our program we feel it important to expose youth to events they may not normally have the opportunity to see and in this instance we viewed 
Shakespeare’s “Comedy of Errors”. The Comedy of Errors tells the story of two sets of identical twins that were accidentally separated at birth. This jazz-drenched New Orleans setting of the Old Globe’s just-opened production was presented with a ‘20s makeover, with brass bands marching through at scene breaks and the cast busting out such old-time jazz standards.”
There were points throughout when musicians saunters about onstage to play soulful accompaniments that kept the entire crowd engaged and excellent ensemble work all around. However, certain moments that stood out were: A barn-burning, revival-meeting scene featuring a hilarious turn by Austin Durant as a faith-healing Dr. Pinch… “Youve been healed!” of every issue from baldness to gout … He just couldn’t cure bad credit.
We believe culturally enriching field trips matter. They produce significant benefits for students on a variety of educational outcomes that schools and communities care about. The effects of field trips to see live theater demonstrates that seeing plays is an effective way to teach academic content; increases our youth’s tolerance by providing exposure to a broader, more diverse world; and improves the ability of students to recognize what other people are thinking or feeling. These are significant benefits for students on specific educational outcomes that schools pursue and communities respect. Especially when considered alongside our community service efforts.
Lastly, you can never know what may impact a child’s life. Not all learning occurs most effectively within the walls of a school building. Going on enriching field trips to cultural institutions makes effective use of all of a community’s resources for teaching children. You can never know what may impact a child’s life.
by April | Team Building, Uncategorized
On the campus of San Diego State University, Saturday July 18th it was a busy day for The Blue Heart Foundation. A day that will continue to develop the minds 
and determination of the young men of HEART (H.E.A.R.T) as they begin to prepare for the 2015-2016 school year. Focusing on their personal and professional future today was an important piece in learning to market them both visually and on paper. Jacques Morgan (HEART Member) would go on to say “Saturday’s event was a great experience, it really opened my eyes into possibilities and opportunities in the world. All the presentations were great and made me want to achieve more.”
The day started with a professional magazine photoshoot with the team of RLM – Real Legit Magazine and Valerie Johnson (The Multi MediaDiva). A two time “Hollywood Award Winning” Magazine, Real Legit Magazine was co-founded by Ron Morales and Latricia R. Price showcasing unique high fashion styles with Celebrities nationally as well as internationally on the red carpet beautifully captured the essence of our young men.
After what was an exciting photoshoot our guys will never forget, it was time to take care of business with our education empowerment workshops. These Interactive college prep workshops presented by Shana Collins and Anthony Haile Jr. from San 
Diego’s HBCU network and Cal SOAP included:
– The Morehouse College Experience
– Value of Education
Shana Collins of San Diego’s HBCU Alumni Network stated “Thank you so much for allowing us to be a part of this program, the young men from the Blue Heart Foundation are both sharp and talented gentlemen.
Followed by a Meet and Greet and lunch with Yousef Abraham Assistant Coordinator of San Diego State University’s Center for Intercultural Relations
The day’s events closed with a workshop on preparing your personal statement when applying for college admission presented by Karla Whitaker from CalSOAP. This workshop is critical to defining how young men perceive themselves as well as learn the ability to market themselves as an assert to universities in which they apply. Dallas Edge would later say “The college entry essay workshop provided me with information that I was not previously informed on, and I am glad to have attended it.”
We firmly believe in work/life balance and it is important to feed and build up all aspects of a young man. This includes Character, Service as well as Educational Empowerment. With these things in mind the belief is that each young man can be taught the value of education as well as the value of self-worth and esteem.
by April | Career Development, Education, Mentoring, Uncategorized
On Saturday, June 13th we had the privilege to participate in the The Urban League San Diego County Young Professionals event “Brothas With Ties”
This first installment of Brotha’s with Ties” hosted by the San Diego County Urban League Young Professionals is an engagement meant to teach, motivate and inspire the bright minds of young men in the City of San Diego. Ties were donated to all participants and each learned how to properly tie a tie (and or bow tie).
Mathew Gordon stated “The work doesn’t stop here, lets keep it going because there’s more work to be done… and today was a great start!!”
ULSDC Young Professionals wanted to provide developmental platform for young men ensuring a successful future. The “Brothas in Ties” program consisted of:
Interactive Workshops – Activity filled workshops on Social issues & other activities challenging students to think quick on their feet and learn from their peers.
Self Empowerment – By the end of the event, participants will have a better understanding of how to manage and succeed in the real world.
Mentorship – The event is packed with interactions with Young Professionals and Community Leaders alike who have experience in their respective fields. Participants will also have the opportunity learn about past their mentors past experiences or inquire about what to expect becoming a young professional.
Special guest speakers and adult supporters whom really showed they care about our young men kudos! It was amazing to see so many organizations get behind such a worthy cause. Participating organizations included but are not limited to:
Reality Changers
Never Knew a Father’s Love
Urban League
Justice4SD33
National Society of Black Engineers
San Diego Black Police Officers Association
Phi Beta Sigma-Omicron-Iota Sigma Chapter
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority
San Diego Chargers
Freshly Faded Barbershop
NuWay International Christian Ministries
Family Resource Center Inc.
Tiffany Harrison summed the entire event perfectly “This event was clearly not about the clothing, but building and developing the young man under the suit and tie. S/O to Jessica, Ben, Aaron, Lisa, Calvin, and Grady Gordon who turned it all the way UP and ensured that our young men know their value and lineage. Again to everyone who donated ties, time, giveaways, and support…thank you. Thank you for being the change, and not just donating some change.”
by April | Community, Education, Uncategorized
This month’s workshop was highlighted by a visit from members of Outdoor Outreach, Each year Outdoor Outreach collaborates with, and acts as a resource to community-based organizations working with at-risk youth and their families. Outdoor Outreach tailors partnerships for maximum impact, customizing outings and programs to fit the needs of each group. With our partners, we make long-term investments in each participant’s development and growth. In partnership with Outdoor Outreach we have scheduled the following upcoming activities: kayaking in May, overnight surf camp in August and a weekend in Big Bear January 2016.
We also had a full SAT Prep Test administered by Karla Whitaker from CAL Soap. Cal-SOAP test preparation programs provide students with test-taking strategies and encourage students to take all their college entrance exams in a timely manner. To qualify for admission to a four-year university, students must take an SAT or ACT. It is recommended they take the test during the spring semester of 11th grade. We are currently preparing for the June 13, 2015 and worked on practice questions from the ACT and learn strategies specific to the ACT English, Math, Reading and Science sections, as well as strategies for the ACT Writing.
CALSoap works under the direction of the California Student Aid Commission, the California Student Opportunity and Access Program (Cal-SOAP) has represented the educational community throughout the state since 1978. The program is operated in partnership with the University of California system, the California State University system, local non-profit agencies and public elementary and secondary school districts. For more information on CAL Soap please contact Karla Whitaker at kkwhitaker@ucsd.edu or 858-569-1866 ext. 216.
by April | Education, Uncategorized
Today we had a visit from Wendy Alem’an has asked to present a special program called SWAG (Student with Academic Goals). Students interested in pursuing college will have access to SAT preparation and an opportunity to learn more about college during this two week summer program.
SWAG: Students With Academic Goals. SAT Prep Academy, Weekdays June 16-July 2. SWAG provides a FREE, intensive SAT test preparation 
program for San Diego area 9th and 10th grade students (going in to 10th and 11th grade over the summer.) Accepted students must attend every weekday June 16-July 2, plus have opportunities for field trips to UC San Diego, San Diego State University and Pt. Loma Nazarene University. Lunch will be provided daily. Daily attendance is MANDATORY! The application forms for SWAG 1 (for new students) are posted below and will be due April 10. Acceptance is not guaranteed; we have limited spots. Applicants will be notified after April 10 regarding whether or not they are accepted. The essay prompt is at the bottom left of the application page. SWAG 2 applications (for returning students) must be requested directly from Karla Whitaker.
She will be reviewing applications on this opportunity, SWAG is available at free of charge for low-income students. The program is co-sponsored with UCSD, Cal-Soap, and San Diego State University.
We also had a full SAT Prep Test administered by Karla Whitaker from CAL Soap. Cal-SOAP test preparation programs provide students with test-taking strategies and encourage students to take all their college entrance exams in a timely manner.
SAT/ACT Preparation Workshops for juniors are offered in the spring and emphasize test-taking strategies. Workshops are also offered in Sweetwater and San Diego Unified Districts; check the with Karla for specific events.
Contact Karla Whitaker at kkwhitaker@ucsd.edu or 858-569-1866 ext. 216 for more information.
Indeed, the message of early academic preparation and active parental involvement were important goals when UCSD’s Admission Department and the Black Resource Center invited our organizations 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 UCSD has to offer.
And from UCSD, the event enjoyed the participation and support from the Chancellor’s Office, faculty, staff, the Black Student Resource Center and other undergraduates. “It was truly both a community and university effort,” reported Azizi James Special Assistant to the Assistant Vice Chancellor, Admission & Enrollment Services. The event immersed 8th 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 UCSD Black Student Union on overcoming peer pressure.
