Our students have been busy planning the first of their Thrive in Joy Collective impact projects that need to be completed in semester one. Each event is a reflection of what students care about and is designed to build a stronger sense of community on campus.
USC Hybrid High College Prep
Thrive in Joy Collective members at USC Hybrid High partnered with Citizens Business Bank (CBB) to bring three financial literacy workshops to their peers. On the final day, students competed in teams, answering financial questions tied to a soccer e-game where every correct answer moved their team closer to the goal. Just like in real life, the workshops reflected how showing up, planning ahead, and having a game plan leads to financial security down the road.
A huge thank you to CBB’s Jess Tirado, VP Community Development Officer of the Risk Management Division, and his associates German Torres (CBB VP, Credit Officer III) and Dave Nungary (CEO of California Council on Economic Education) for making these workshops possible.
The next big project is the Annual Winter Wonderland on December 9 made possible through Thrive in Joy’s partnership with USC’s Price School of Public Policy. Generous members of USC Price School’s Ambassadors program donate toys and the festivities are supported by USC’s Good Neighbor Grant program. We’re incredibly grateful for this partnership that brings joy to USC Hybrid High students’ younger siblings and truly brings the entire student body and faculty together in the spirit of holiday cheer.
University Prep Value High School
Students at University Prep Value High (UPVH) invited Tiffiny Reckley to campus to share her path from high school musician to Director of Community Affairs & Partnerships for Education Through Music - LA. Tiffiny talked about the many directions her love of music has taken her, from teaching to community organizing to connecting students with music as a gateway to opportunity. She encouraged students to stay passionate about music while focusing on their studies.
The visit was especially meaningful for Collective Co-Chair Jerry Ramos-Arevalo, who benefited from Education Through Music in grade school. He wanted to share what the program meant to him with fellow UPVH students who love music as much as he does.
Alliance Dr. Olga Mohan High School
Collective members at Mohan are planning their Winter ESIP for mid-December. They also have a Mohan Day of Service coming up on November 20th, where they’ll bring activities from the summer leadership summit to engage with local middle school students on their campus.
Esperanza College Prep
A drive to collect clothing, fundraise, and create homemade holiday cards is being organized by the Esperanza Thrive in Joy Collective members. All donations will go to a local shelter that provides services for veterans and others in need.
East Los Angeles Renaissance Academy (ELARA)
ELARA students felt education about food safety and nutrition could benefit students right before Halloween so they created a Facts 4 Food event. This character strength activity, tied in with the strength of “love of learning,” was held during lunch on campus using a Jeopardy Game format. Students earned prizes for guessing the correct answers. Now they’re switching gears to plan a winter clothing drive, which will function as a clothing swap/boutique for ELARA students with additional community-building activities and hospitality.