D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 0 | I S S U E N O . 1 N E W S L E T T E R 2 0 2 0 - W H A T A Y E A R I N T H I S What a year, indeed! 2020 posed challenges unlike any other year. I S S U E : Despite those challenges, however, our organization was able to adapt and continue to provide support services to students and families in need. Meet our Executive Director Here is the year in a nutshell: Page 2 In July, our organization distributed over 5,000 personal protective equipment to families in rural communities. Self-Care for Leaders Our organization partnered with Migrant Education Program, Page 3 Region V, to deliver academic and STEAM related packets to K-12 students in Kern County to enhance their learning experiences. Cash for College We developed our annual Summer Pathways Program, Math Page 4 Foundations Institute, and College Admissions Camp in a virtual format. Scholarship Winners We created bi-weekly webinar series to provide personal and Page 5 professional development to high school and undergraduate students! Our immigrations services have expanded to provide community Serving for Humanity members with free DACA screenings, application assistance for Page 6 first-time applicants, and virtual bilingual study sessions for individuals wishing to prepare for the naturalization test. Ways to Support Page 9 We are thankful for the support of our partners, educators, and students that made our work possible! Page 1 Y2LEF Newsletter Jessica Trejo is a first- generation Latina who believes in the power of education. Growing up in the agricultural city of Salinas, California, she recognized the opportunities higher education would provide her and her family. As a result of her educational aspirations, Trejo attended California State University, Bakersfield where she majored in History and minored in Criminal Justice. In April of 2018, Trejo started as a Program Coordinator for Youth 2 Leaders. Showing leadership and great potential, she became the foundation's Assistant Director. On June 30, 2020, Trejo assumed her new M E E T O U R E X E C U T I V E position as Executive Director. D I R E C T O R As an Executive Director, Trejo is passionate about creating "I am honored to be Youth 2 Leaders Education Foundations' equitable opportunities and new Executive Director. In my new position, I plan to continue resources for our community of supporting the foundation's goals of servicing students. I want students. She hopes to inspire to provide students with the tools they will need to feel students to strive for greatness! empowered. As Executive Director, I see myself reflected in these students, and I hope they see themselves reflected in me Thank you, Jessica, for your and realize 'Sí, Se Puede!'" dedication! -Jessica Trejo N E W R E S O U R C E S A V A I L A B L E We have expanded our online has also developed the Migrant resources! You can now access Alumni Blog! Former Migrant the information you need to Education Program students share support your students and their stories as they transitioned families as they navigate the into college as first-generation college admissions process. students. Gain insight and tips directly from students! We have created an "UndoUYouth" page to guide Are you or someone you know on educators and students with the the path to become a U.S. Citizen? AB540 requirements, California We can help you prepare for the Dream Act Application, citizenship test! We designed 10 scholarship opportunities, and free, bilingual modules to test much more! your knowledge. Our study modules were developed directly Through our partnership with from the U.S. Citizenship and Migrant Education Program, Immigration Services (USCIS) Region V, our organization website. Check it out today! Page 2 Y2LEF Newsletter 4. Participate in Activities that Inspire You Although many social activities may be held in a virtual setting, you can still participate in virtual conferences and video chat hangouts with friends and family. Connecting with others through thoughtful conversations can help you destress and gain motivation without even realizing it! Make note of an activity or event that sounds fun and empowering to you. You are more likely to follow through if you assign a date and time to the event. Whichever self-care strategies you decide to take on, your routine is unique to you. Inspire 4 S E L F - C A R E S T R A T E G I E S those around you to dedicate some time to themselves as F O R L E A D E R S well. Self-care is worth the investment! You need self-care too! Practicing self-care is the best way to revitalize your mind and become more efficient in your day-to-day tasks! Investing time in yourself is not a waste of time or a sign of weakness. It is most beneficial to slow down when we are feeling stressed or overwhelmed. As a leader in your organization or community, you can also influence those around you to maintain mental health wellness by engaging in self-care practices. Here are 4 ways to start incorporating some self-care in your day- to-day: 1. Develop a Daily Wellness Routine Eating breakfast, working out, reciting positive affirmations, and listening to motivational podcasts are examples of simple wellness activities that can get you feeling empowered and ready to take on the day! What can you add to your daily routine to make you feel more energized? 2. Set Boundaries If you've worked from home at any point this year, you know the importance- and difficulty- of separating your work life from your home life. The lack of boundaries can create more stress in your life. Even if you are working from home or on-site, you can develop boundaries by understanding your limitations, being transparent about your limitations to others, and respecting your set schedule. 3. Schedule Breaks Believe it or not but fifteen to thirty minute breaks have a HUGE impact on your productivity. Take a break and rest. Yes, these breaks do include naps! By taking a step away from your work, you can regain focus and feel refreshed. Page 3 Y2LEF Newsletter The California Cash for College (CCFC) program is an initiative that promotes FAFSA and CADAA completion among high school seniors. The series of free workshops provide students one on one assistance with the financial aid applications. Local organizations partner with high school districts to host these workshops. Our organization has been the CCFC Regional Coordinating Organization for Kern County since 2007. In the 2019-2020 year, we hosted 68 in-person workshops and were able to Y2L staff members promoting the 2020-21 application period for financial aid. serve over 2,000 students. Since October of this year, we have V I R T U A L C A S H F O R assisted over 800 students virtually. C O L L E G E Students can access a list of On October 1, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid scheduled workshops and Zoom (FAFSA) and the California Dream Act Application (CADAA) was links through their high school made available for students to complete online. More than ever, counselors. If students are students that are planning on attending a post-secondary unable to participate in a virtual institution are being encouraged to apply. workshop, they can schedule free, one on one appointments As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, students have experienced with our staff members. shifts in their college plans. Financial concerns have been a main Appointments can be requested cause for the unexpected change. A recent survey conducted by by calling (661)374-8817 or the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) showed that over emailing [email protected]. 70% of current college students lost some or all of their sources of income, and 71% of high school seniors expressed concerns about financial hardships in their family. In 2018, it was estimated that $246.0 billion was awarded to undergraduate and graduate students. Completing financial aid applications this year will be crucial for students to obtain funding to continue their education. U P C O M I N G E V E N T S Jan. 16, 2021- Community Cash for College Virtual Workshop 10:00AM-12:00PM | Free and open to the public Click here to register! Jan. 23, 2021- Community Cash for College Virtual Workshop 10:00AM-12:00PM | Free and open to the public Click here to register! Page 4 Y2LEF Newsletter FUTURE LEADERS SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS Stephanie Gallardo - Arvin High School Daniela Moreno - Arvin High School Alexia Ruiz - East Bakersfield High School Paola Caballero - Foothill High School Diana Caballero - Foothill High School Ashley Ramirez - Golden Valley High School Marilu Cortes - Golden Valley High School Carolyn De La Cruz - Mira Monte High School Ramon Zuniga - Mira Monte High School Mya N. Hooper - South High School Andrew Thomas Chavez - South High School Esmeralda Castro - Shafter High School Serena D. Cisneros - South High School Youssef Salib - Independence High School Lisset De La Rosa - California State University, Bakersfield YOUNG MEXICAN LEADERS SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS Maria Del Carmen Hernandez - Orange Cove High School Jasmine Ibal-Notasco - California State University, Fresno Carolina Ramirez Moreno - University of Jennifer Huerta, 2020-21 College Dream Fund Scholarship Recipient California, Santa Barbara Tomas A. Garcia Gallardo - Clovis Community College Merici Ulloa - Roosevelt High School S C H O L A R S H I P W I N N E R S Fernando Hernandez - University of California, Los Angeles For more than 20 years, our foundation has awarded over $2 Roxana J.