Results
•Improvement of School Grades
•Lower Drop Out Rate
•Lower Crime Rate
•Lower Pregnancy Rate
•Improvement of Attendance and School Commitment
Outcomes
•91% increase their school attendance
•77% increase their grades
•100% of Seniors in our program graduated from High School
•95% of Seniors in our program went on to college
Monica – 11th grade – Sanger High School – La Rosa
At age 17, Monica is a junior at Sanger High School. Her vision of education and her involvement in various clubs prove that she has exceeded expectations through education. Since first grade, Monica has been enrolled in special education classes due to her vision problems. As a sophomore, Monica joined La Rosa program and has been a member ever since. Starting her junior year, Monica decided to leave back the special education classes and was enrolled in the regular classes offered at Sanger High School. She made this important decision mainly to challenge her younger brother to improve his grades. Additionally, Monica has joined other clubs such as the Community of Caring Club, Interact Club, High CORP, and Youth in Focus. She also takes the time to serve the community as she did for the Senior Option Day. In every La Rosa meeting, Monica has something to offer and her participation in the program is constant.
Delia – 11th grade – Fresno High School – Dreams
Delia was one of the many students lacking college guidance. She believed for example, that students planning to attend college had to be involved in sports. Delia joined the Dreams Program on October of last year and since then she has not missed a single session. Even though Delia has witnessed friends drop out of school and group members leave the Dreams Program, her dream to be a teacher has become her drive. During every Dreams session, Delia demonstrates a passion for learning and capturing information that will help her achieve her dream. She is also involved in activities such as Link Crew and her church’s youth group.
Delilah – 11th grade – Fresno High School – Dreams
Although she is physically identical to her sister Delia, Delilah’s story differs in very interesting ways. When I first met her, Delilah’s attitude was that of a rebellious girl. Her lack of interest for the program’s activities was obvious. It was after the student conference at Fresno State that I began to notice some changes. She suddenly began to pay attention and ask questions in almost every session. Her attitude changed from defiant to high-spirited as she became the first student to wear her Encourage Tomorrow t-shirt every Tuesday. To this point Delilah has not joined other clubs or done any volunteer work. However, after discussing the importance of being involved, she asked for help to identify a police department where she can volunteer and which can guide her career as a Probation Officer.
Emily – 11th grade – Roosevelt High School – La Rosa
Emily joined La Rosa program at Roosevelt High School this year. She became interested in the program because it offers young Latinas the opportunity to develop career awareness. She has demonstrated academic success by keeping her GPA over 3.0 while taking 3 Advanced Placement classes. Emily has also been involved in programs such as AVID and C.S.F and has demonstrated her talent by being part of Los Danzantes de Roosevelt. After school, Emily volunteers at Lowell Elementary helping students complete their homework. As a La Rosa member, Emily is a very respectful and attentive student. Through La Rosa program, she expects to learn about the scholarship application process to be able to pay for her career as a veterinarian.
Patricia – 12th grade – Roosevelt High School – La Rosa
Patricia joined La Rosa Program this school year because she wanted guidance on the areas of Collage, FAFSA, and Careers. Now that she has been an active member for a year, the thing she loves the most about the program is the activities, because "they have a real message." She has kept her GPA over 3.0 and is taking two Advanced Placement classes. She will graduate this year to continue her education in Business Administration. Patricia is also involved in the Roosevelt High School’s Folklorico dancers. In addition to good performance in class, Paty has become the spirit of La Rosa Program at Roosevelt High School. Her positive attitude and a big smile are contagious at every meeting and create a very nice atmosphere. She demonstrates her committed to the program by attending every session and by recruiting more members.
Catherine – 7th grade – Parlier Jr. High School – La Rosa
Catherine attends 7th grade in Parlier Jr. High School. While she is very committed to school, she is also developing her artistic interests. Catherine is currently a member of the school’s band. She demonstrated her artistic skills at the Parlier Migrant Conference and volunteered for Encourage Tomorrow informing migrant parents of La Rosa Program. Catherine’s long term goal is to be a Fashion Designer. She plans to take care of her mom when she grows older just like her mom has taken care of her. The thing Catherine loves the most about the La Rosa Program is to learn about her Hispanic Heritage. At our meetings, Catherine is always on time and willing to participate in every activity.
Glenda – 9th grade – Parlier High School – La Rosa
Glenda is a freshman at Parlier High School. She has been an active member of La Rosa by attending all sessions and recruiting new members. She also encourages her friends in La Rosa to be present at every session. Although her family is facing economic difficulties, she remains focused in school and has achieved a 3.85 GPA. Currently she ran for president of La Rosa and even though she lost, she is preparing for next year’s elections. Glenda would like to be a president of the program to learn more about leadership and to be supportive of other Rosa members. Even without the president title, Glenda has always showed her support for the program and always offers to help me.
Erika – 11th grade – Parlier High School – La Rosa
Although she is a very shy person, Erika has exceeded expectations through education at La Rosa sessions. Every meeting at Parlier High School is distinguished by energetic voices all talking at the same time. While I struggle to catch the students’ attention, I see that the only person who pays attention to me, since the moment she enters the room, is Erika. Her respectful attitude towards the program and her group mates makes her a special person. Her attitude has helped her improve her GPA going from a 2.0 to a 2.6. She has also been involved with the Upward Bound Program from Fresno State and the soccer team at Parlier High School. Currently she is working hard to complete Fresno State’s admissions requirements. Erika’s career goal is to get her B.A. in Social Work to be better prepared to support her community.
SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS
Ada – 12th grade – Roosevelt High School – La Rosa
Ada is a senior at Roosevelt High School. She joined La Rosa Program since her junior year. Her commitment to education has increased her GPA from a 2.5 to a 3.0 and her good performance continues improving. Not only is she dedicated to her classes, Ada is also involved in the BEST Program at Roosevelt High. She has volunteered for the Community Food Bank’s Empty Bowls event and also attended the Minerva Conference last year. Ada is looking forward to attend next year’s conference to meet the governor personally. As a member of La Rosa, she has not missed a single session. Ada joined La Rosa mainly to be aware of college information and in addition, she is enjoying socializing with other students and getting to know her mentor from Las Hermanitas.
Juanita – 12th grade – Roosevelt High School – La Rosa
Juanita is a senior at Roosevelt High School. She joined La Rosa Program during her junior year. Although, she is a very shy person, her enthusiasm for the program is demonstrated by her attendance every week. Throughout this school year, Juanita has faced personal and family problems that have affected her performance at school. However, her desire to become a veterinarian has given her the strength to continue. Her dream is to attend UC Davis and be the first person in her family to achieve a post-secondary education.
Irlanda – 12th grade – Roosevelt High School-La Rosa
Irlanda is a senior at Roosevelt High School. She became a Rosa member this year. Irlanda is a natural leader. Aside from La Rosa, she has been a member of Californians for Justice, Ex-Libri, the Youth Leadership Institute, and her church youth group and choir. She has demonstrated dedication to the community as well as to her education. She has achieved a 3.9 GPA. Irlanda plans to attend Fresno State next school year to become a Social Worker and make a difference in the lives of students and their communities. Her motto is "Si Se Puede."