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: $50,000 to support life skills and college readiness programs for high schoolers experiencing homelessness.
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: $10,000 to hire a science teacher and provide general administrative support.
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: $50,000 to hire additional teachers to scale program to engage 100 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: $25,000 to provide safe, reliable transportation to allow 40 Fellows to go on site visits at STEM focused organizations.
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: $50,000 to support 150 students in City Heights become 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: $160,000 to support the 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: $100,000 to support STEM Pipeline Project for Latina students.