Supporting access to education, college preparation and success, educational enrichment, and programs that support diversity in the life science sector.
About the organization: Monarch School has served as a place of hope and belonging to thousands of unhoused students since 1987. The unique and innovative Kindergarten through 12th grade school provides students with the stability and security they need to heal and learn.
Nearly 300 students attend Monarch School each day and are provided a holistic education designed to meet their academic, social, emotional, and life skill needs. Monarch School is a trauma-informed and strength-based community where students can persevere through the trauma of homelessness that has affected them and their success in education. At Monarch, they give students the skills and tools they need to overcome these odds. From increased attendance and academic performance to emotional wellness and earning a high school diploma, students are defining success on their own terms and thriving at Monarch.
Program funded by Life Science Cares: Life skills and college readiness programs for high schoolers experiencing homelessness as well as multi-year scholarships for students in post-secondary education.
About the organization: The Links to STEM program addresses the significant under-representation of African American students pursuing STEM related college degrees and careers.
Links to STEM is a year-round program for fourth through eighth graders who want to deepen their knowledge of STEM subjects, develop their oral presentation and teamwork skills, and have fun while they’re at it. The program consists of students mostly from low- to moderate-income households. Students have opportunities to meet and learn from young professionals working in STEM-related fields. They participate in laboratory science, computer programming, special projects, and field trips. Links to STEM also has a competitive robotics team made up of seventh and eighth graders.
Program funded by Life Science Cares: Support for a science teacher and general administrative support, as well as funding for robotics team students to attend a national STEM convention.
About the organization: Access Youth Academy inspires underprivileged youth to excel via a program combining academics, physical fitness and the sport of squash, and community service. Its vision is to provide opportunities for enrichment and excellence to motivated, low-income youth so that they may fulfill their potential.
Access Youth Academy provides after school enrichment programming for young people in San Diego that come from families that qualify for "Free or Reduced Lunch" Title One Federal assistance. Program services include specialized academic tutoring, mentoring, physical fitness and sport of squash training, and organization of community service projects.
Students receive 12 years of support through Access Youth Academy, from middle school until 2 years out of college as graduates enter the workforce.
Program funded by Life Science Cares: Academic support for high school students in Southeast San Diego, working to become first generation college students.
About the organization: SD2 focuses on increasing diversity in STEM careers. SD2 strive to inspire, support, and mentor students at every stage of the talent pipeline.
As part of their programming SD2 has a Fellowship Program. The program is a 10-15 week, rotation-based, mentorship program for underrepresented 10th-12th grade high school students in San Diego County who are interested in STEM. In this immersive program, Fellows connect with a network of advocates and have front-row access to some of San Diego’s most innovative companies – all dedicated to empowering tomorrow’s STEM leaders today.
Program funded by Life Science Cares: General operating support for programming to engage students in STEM.
About the organization: Reality Changers prepares youth to become first-generation college graduates and agents of change in their communities.
Their free programs support students from backgrounds that are typically underrepresented on college campuses, advancing equal education opportunities in our region and beyond. Services include: High school tutoring, College application guidance, Scholarship and financial aid training, Career exploration, Post-high school coaching, Professional mentorships and more!
Program funded by Life Science Cares: Support for underresourced students to be prepared for college and professional careers.
About the organization: Barrio Logan College Institute's mission is to break the cycle of poverty by preparing underserved students to be the first in their families to go to college through after school programs that begin in third grade.
Low educational attainment in the neighborhoods BLCI works in has directly led to high poverty rates. Students in these neighborhoods are at-risk of failing to successfully transition into adulthood and become financially independent. BLCI works to reshape the very fabric of these communities as students graduate with Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees, and promote these outcomes in their communities. BLCI has created a college readiness model that has positive, proven outcomes in enrolling students in college and helping them be successful while there. To date, 100% of BLCI students enroll in college. A statistic like that is almost impossible to achieve given the social and economic resources impacting our students and their communities.
Program funded by Life Science Cares: College readiness program for first-generation college students, and support the development of the alumni network with a focus on connecting college students with life science internships.
About the organization: The mission of MANA de San Diego is to empower Latinas through education, leadership development, community service, and advocacy.
One of the ways MANA achieves its mission is through their Hermanitas program. This is a year-long, practical and inspirational “how-to” curriculum for Latinas, ages 12 to 18. The Hermanitas program is designed to promote higher education, leadership development and peer support – all facilitated by a carefully selected one-to-one mentor. The Hermanitas receive monthly educational and skill development workshops, college preparation support, and one to one mentoring form a female professional.
100% of the girls in this program receive an admission to a college or university, with tens of thousands of dollars in scholarships being earned.
Program funded by Life Science Cares: Educational and workforce development support for Latina students.
About the organization: The Mission of Horizons is to advance educational equity by building long-term partnerships with students, families, communities, and schools to create experiences outside of school that inspire the joy of learning.
Committed to the development of the whole child, Horizons at Francis Parker School provides experiences to underserved youth that enhance self-esteem, build character, foster responsibility, cultivate problem-solving skills, and encourage a lifelong interest in learning. The program emphasizes academic enrichment, social and emotional learning, cultural experiences and the arts, leadership training, and health and wellness—including swimming.
Every student, regardless of their socioeconomic background, deserves to have a well-rounded education. By providing the resources, support, and inspiration they need to succeed in school and beyond, we can help close gaps for students in San Diego.
Program funded by Life Science Cares: Tuition-free year-round academic program for 15 students to close the educational achievement gap for low-income students.
About the organization: The Wesley House student residence is an innovative example of how an institution can assist college students, particularly low-income and first-generation students to succeed in higher education. Studies show that the dropout rate for these students can be drastic. With assistance and mentoring, they can graduate to have richer, more productive lives. They have been providing affordable housing as well as wraparound student supportive services since 2005.
Program funded: Basic need support for low-income college students, including access to a food pantry and affordable housing units.
About the organization: Words Alive's mission is to open opportunities for life success by inspiring a commitment to reading. Words Alive was founded on the belief that if you value reading and understand its fundamental connection to all aspects of your life, then you will be better equipped to thrive as a lifelong learner and productive member of your community.
Words Alive operates three main programs:
Family Literacy Program Nurturing the Power of Reading through Play
Read Aloud Program in Elementary Schools
Adolescent Book Group
Program funded by Life Science Cares: Educational programs to improve literacy levels for low-income students through engaging both students and their families in learning.
About the organization: PiCS guides low-income, first generation students to college acceptances, graduation, and career success. PiCS is committed to help ensure their admission to college, support them to degree completion and equip them with the skills and experience to excel in careers that contribute to San Diego’s prosperity.
Their PiCS High School is their ACCESS program levels the playing field by providing free assistance to high school students through ACT/SAT prep, college essays and applications, resume and interview training, college visits and fairs.
Their PiCS College is their SUCCESS program supporting degree completion through workshops to transition to college, scholarships and emergency aid, resumes, LinkedIn, and interviewing, paid internships, securing permanent career employment, and graduate school applications.
Their PiCStem brings their college STEM majors to model and inspire college and career dreams to at-risk middle schoolers with PiCS college mentors, Hands-on STEM activities, field trips, academic advising, tutoring, and career exploration.
Program funded by Life Science Cares: Support college students from low-income backgrounds to complete their college degree programs.