By Luis Chacon
On February 16th, two members of our Salesian Family Youth Center, JC and myself, attended a Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce event at SoFi Stadium. In an unfamiliar place, we found ourselves lost in the parking lot. But in life’s mysterious way, we crossed paths with a kind elderly man who initiated a conversation. When he learned that we were from the Salesian Family Youth Center, his face lit up with recognition.
“I know you!” he exclaimed. Someone had told him about us. On behalf of Disney, he graciously offered a $10,000 grant to promote school and university attendance among our teenagers.
Several months later, we transformed this generous grant into an unforgettable experience for our students through our College Career Exploration Trip. Edison also joined as a sponsor, further enriching the endeavor.
This journey, organized by the Salesian Family Youth Center, unfolded from September 1st to September 4th. Our participants included students from Salesian High School Bishop Mora and Roosevelt High School, and it was nothing short of a resounding success!
Our trip had five clear objectives, each of which was resoundingly achieved:
- Comprehensive exposure to renowned universities.
- Inspiration and motivation towards higher education.
- Immersion in university life and culture.
- Valuable insights into college readiness.
- Building essential networks.
The impact of this trip on our young minds was evident:
- Increased college aspirations.
- Improved knowledge of higher education options.
- Enhanced personal and academic growth.
- Expanded network and support system.
We believe in the importance of feedback, and our students provided valuable insights:
- 86% were satisfied with pre-departure information.
- 71% confirmed a clear trip itinerary.
- Accommodation satisfaction varied.
- Opinions on college visits were mixed.
- Overall, the trip satisfaction averaged 6.4 out of 10.
As we grow, we aim to continuously improve:
- Better time management.
- Enhanced communication and coordination.
- Consideration of student opinions.
- Improved organization.
We invested a total of $15,000.00 in this journey, a testament to our commitment to providing opportunities for our youth.
Inviting You to Join Our Mission
In closing, I extend our heartfelt gratitude to Disney and Edison for their unwavering support. But this is not just our story; it’s a call to action for our Salesian community.
I encourage you, our cherished readers, to share your connections and acquaintances who may have the means and the heart to support the children and youth of our community. Together, we can continue to foster education, social interaction, and adventure, shaping the future of our youth and the Salesian spirit that guides us.
