From Our CEO | The Future Is Bright | Jill Jacobson
Spotlight on Staff | Alison Andino & Darlene Ku
Highlight on Specialized Student Support Services | Student-Led Programs Emphasize Service & Learning
Highlight on Afterschool | Curiosity, Learning, and Fun!
Highlight on ACE | Where Students Thrive
Fund Development | Bridging the Gap
From Our CEO:
The Future Is Bright
Jill Jacobson
As the 2024-25 school year comes to a close, we warmly congratulate our graduating seniors as they head into their next phase of life! We also applaud our matriculating 5th and 8th graders as they move on to middle and high school.
I am thrilled by what EduCare has accomplished this year. Our Expanded Learning, as well as our Special Programs Departments, have created engaging and meaningful programs and activities for our young people that embrace skill building, college and career access, social-emotional learning, and leadership development – as well as lots of fun. Our ACE Programs have continued to create caring and supportive learning environments, with rich opportunities for students to thrive.
This year has seen important transition, change, and growth for EduCare in many areas. Our team is energized and enthusiastic, and overwhelmingly optimistic as we look ahead to the 2025-26 school year. Our Board is revitalized, with stronger, more active committees and a deeper work commitment. The number of schools requesting our programs and services has grown, and our staff is expanding to meet the need. Our relationships with our schools, our community partners, and our supporters remain strong.
We continue to bring innovation to the fore as we grow EduCare into its bright future. We are in the process of renewing and upgrading our website, which will include a virtual service platform as an exciting addition. Reflecting our appreciation for our exceptional staff, our Leadership Team has introduced two new annual staff awards: the Rookie of the Year Award and the Heartset® Award. (You'll be hearing more about this soon.)
We are happy to welcome Valerie Ali as our new HR Senior Manager. We look forward to working with Valerie as she strengthens and enriches relationships, communications, and development for both current and new staff members.
Throughout EduCare, we are deepening our mutual commitment to our mission, our vision, and our values; these remain the foundation which supports our growth in every way. I look forward to continuing to share all the bright spots with you during the year to come.
Have a wonderful Summer!
Spotlight on Staff:
Alison Andino & Darlene Ku
We are delighted to introduce you to two of EduCare's outstanding staff members!
Alison Andino
ACE Facilitator
Special Projects Coordinator, Take Action Campaign (TAC)
We’re proud to recognize Alison, who has stepped into the interim role of Take Action Campaign Coordinator with exceptional dedication and professionalism. Since joining our team in this capacity, she has brought not only a wealth of experience but also a positive, can-do attitude that has made a noticeable impact. Whether it's managing day-to-day operations, supporting colleagues, or keeping key projects on track, she has gone above and beyond expectations.
Alison loves her work with EduCare – and EduCare loves her back! Officially she is an ACE Facilitator, a position she has held and found deeply meaningful since 2022. Unofficially, she coordinates TAC for EduCare's Specialized Student Support Services. In this role, she helps to plan field trips, trains TAC facilitators, works closely with Afterschool Site Coordinators, and really enjoys the behind-the-scenes activity that makes everything run smoothly.
Service has always been an integral part of Alison's life. As a little girl who had to grow up fast, she became a caregiver for her mother at the age of 11. Now, in addition to her work with ACE and TAC, she spends one-on-one time with a dozen foster youth each month. She also tutors two students with learning disabilities, assisting them with math, English, and social skills.
With her intense schedule, Alison has made the wise decision to prioritize health and sleep. She relaxes with friends and is close to her family. She hikes whenever she can (often with her two beloved German Shepherds), and enjoys tennis, running, and working out at the gym.
Alison meets with one of the parents attending a recent ACE Family Night celebration.
We're all so glad you're part of the EduCare team, Alison!
Darlene Ku
Special Projects Coordinator, CyberPatriot
We are proud to highlight Darlene, whose dedication, resilience, and innovation have made a profound impact on our organization through the CyberPatriot program. Darlene’s ability to lead with purpose, adapt quickly, and inspire those around her has been nothing short of remarkable. Her work has not only expanded opportunities for our students, but also strengthened the foundation of our organization’s digital literacy and security education efforts.
Darlene joined the EduCare team three years ago, following several years at LAUSD (Los Angeles Unified School District). Trained as a dance coach, student enrichment was her initial focus. Within two years, she was dance program supervisor, and ultimately was responsible for creating all LAUSD middle school enrichment programs (dance, recreation, and education for more than 100 schools), and coordinating student dance camps.
Through colleagues, Darlene met long-time EduCare staff members Geneva Barba and Daniel Cortez. When the opportunity arose, she made the decision to apply to EduCare. She started with TUPE (Tobacco Use and Prevention Education). When EduCare began to manage the CyberPatriot program for LAUSD in 2024, Darlene became the Special Projects Coordinator for CyberPatriot.
With its focus on highly technical skills – coding and cybersecurity – she admits that the program didn't grab her at first. But as she took ownership of the challenge, she began to appreciate the opportunities CyberPatriot offers.
Darlene with EduCare colleagues this year at the annual BOOST conference for educational professionals.
CyberPatriot gives students who may not be drawn to arts or recreational activities a vehicle to lead with their own creativity and shine. Darlene is now in the process of revamping the program to give it the prominence it deserves, which means she is learning everything she can about it, with an eye to enhancing it and effectively presenting it to schools and students.
Darlene grew up in the San Fernando Valley, and her superpower is igniting passion in both coaches and students. Her dream is to get her Master's degree in school administration at UC Berkeley.
When it's time to relax, Darlene loves to hike and take spinning classes. Spending time with her family is essential. So is traveling a few times a year; her last trip took her to Cleveland for a special concert, she'll be heading to New York in August, and Mexico beckons down the road.
We're thrilled to have you on board, Darlene!
Highlight on Specialized Student Support Services:
Student-Led Programs Emphasize Service & Learning
EduCare’s Specialized Student Support Services focus on case management, leadership and service learning, English language learners support, and substance abuse prevention and intervention. Our programs include TAC (Take Action Campaign), TUPE (Tobacco Use Prevention Education), LAP (Language in Action Program), CyberPatriot, and Case Management.
Tobacco Use Prevention Education (TUPE)
On May 19, at César Chavez Learning Academies, we celebrated students who worked hard all year to encourage fellow students to stay away from smoking and vaping. Students received Culmination Certificates to reward their significant efforts in the TUPE campaign.
At Maya Angelou High School, on the day of World No Tobacco Campaign (May 27th), TUPE participants secured more than 100 pledges from their peers to say no to tobacco.
Above: César Chavez Learning Academies Left, For the World No Tobacco Campaign, students advocated about the dangers of smoking and vaping and for healthier lifestyles. Right, Students proudly display their culmination certificates, celebrating their work with TUPE.
Right: Maya Angelou High School For the World No Tobacco Campaign, more than 100 students signed a pledge to say NO to Tobacco. Maya staff, BTB staff and EduCare staff were in attendance.
CyberPatriot
As we begin to promote CyberPatriot across the schools we serve, we have been interviewing students who have enjoyed being part of the this tech- and cybersecurity-focused program. Here is just one of the inspiring stories we have collected:
Hello! I came from Bangladesh in 2022 as a sophomore. I was always interested in technology and innovation, which paved my way to joining robotics. I also learned about CyberPatriot. This was a golden opportunity for me to boost my Linux and Python skills and to serve the USA one day, to protect me and others from cyber attacks! It’s been a pleasure to be a part of this great opportunity for high schoolers like me. I am the Valedictorian for the class of 2025, and will be attending Vanderbilt University's College of Engineering.
Take Action Campaign (TAC)
Our TAC students created and implemented some great events during April and May for Denim Day and Earth Day!
At San Fernando High School (April 23) and Sylmar High School (April 25), students organized events to bring awareness to both Denim Day and Earth Day. 40-50 students attended each of these events, designed to raise awareness of sexual harassment, while also educating students about ways to create a more environmentally-friendly campus by going green.
At Augustus Hawkins High School, on April 23 their Earth Day celebration encouraged student awareness of the importance of taking care of the planet. Taking the theme local, students spent time cleaning up their campus and planting seeds in the school garden.
Denim Day took place on April 30 at South East High School. As with all Denim Days, the event was designed to raise awareness of sexual harassment on campus, as well as the importance of both consent and respecting boundaries.
Top row, left: San Fernando High School raised awareness on Denim Day; right: Students at Augustus Hawkins beautify the campus garden and show off Earth Day T-shirts.
Bottom row, left: More Hawkins Earth Day T-shirts on display; right: South East High School stood up for boundaries on Denim Day.
Highlight on Afterschool:
Curiosity, Learning, and Fun!
Our student-inspired, EduCare staff-guided Afterschool Programs never fail to foster creativity, enhance curiosity and learning, and encourage social engagement. Every month, there are tons of options for students; for a taste of what's been happening, read on!
Cooking clubs & classes
A standout success at Ánimo Jefferson Charter Middle School has been their Cooking Club, which has quickly become a student favorite. Hands-on learning, collaboration, and, of course, delicious results happen every Friday, while students build practical life skills and strengthen community.
More delicious cooking took place at Locke High School and at Ánimo Compton Charter Middle School, which hosted a cooking class with Parker Anderson Enrichment – and many more students regularly participate in Ánimo Compton's ongoing Cooking Club. Wrapping up the yummy treat theme, Washington Prep High School's Munch Club created mouthwatering Oreo Dirt Cups!
Top: Locke students create and share delicious things to eat.
Bottom: Want a taste of Washington Prep's Munch Club creation, Oreo Dirt Cups?
Outings
Walnut Park Middle School students had a blast at their recent In-N-Out adventure. While awaiting freshly prepared meals, students enjoyed active games and terrific music from a talented student DJ, making this an engaging, delicious outing for everyone.
Walnut Park also hosted a Happy Ice experience, offering a delightful (and much-needed) break from the heat. Students enjoyed some very refreshing ice cream, and many enthusiastic young people returned for second, and even third, helpings.
Ànimo Elleo Ochoa Charter Middle School launched its successful BFF Club this year with 15 students, and it made an impact both during and after school! Students went on both a picnic and a camping trip, where they met and made friends with students from other Green Dot schools. The BFF Club helped students with their English language skills, while providing ongoing support throughout the school year.
Members of Ànimo Elleo Ochoa's brand-new BFF Club gathering on a sunny day.
Arts & Creativity
Students at Robert F. Kennedy Community Schools had a great time at Art Space, where they learned how to apply their own unique designs to one-of-a-kind tote bags. Augustus Hawkins High School put on a special Branded Arts Fest, where students displayed their work at a pop-up art gallery created in the library. Students and Hawkins community members enjoyed the display, featuring both student artwork and Branded Arts artists' personal pieces.
Floral creativity came to the fore in May, as well. A Nurture & Nature event took place at Washington Prep, giving students the opportunity to use their creativity by making beautiful flower arrangements. Lincoln High School held a Mother's Day Floral Event, where students created fresh bouquets to share with their families.
Above, left: A custom tote bag being created at RFK Community School's Art Space. Above, right: A Hawkins student shows off his artwork at the Branded Arts Fest pop-up gallery. Right, top & bottom: Nurture & Nature participants at Washington Prep created these lovely bouquets.
San Fernando Institute for Applied Media (SFIAM Middle School) students mounted a successful (and outstanding) production of SpongeBob the Musical, skillfully led by Ashley, SFIAM's talented drama instructor.
The talented cast of SpongeBob the Musical sparkles post-performance.
Ánimo Compton Charter Middle School introduced the Gel-X Club, garnering lots of student attention and engagement. (Gel-X is a nail decoration method combining the best aspects of gel- and acrylic-based nails, without the harsh chemicals – think of it as grown-up press-on nails.)
Special Events
Firebaugh High School held Falcon Fest in March, featuring the Harmony Club – who performed a ton of songs that absolutely wowed the crowd.
Sports
The VOCES (Valley Oaks Center for Enriched Studies) Middle School Boy's Soccer Team advanced to the playoffs with a perfect – undefeated! – record, an outstanding team achievement!
The Vaughn MIT (Vaughn Middle School for International Studies and Technology) sports program has been thriving this year, with strong student participation and great results across multiple sports.
Robert F. Kennedy Community Schools held their annual Soccer Tournament for a very enthusiastic audience!
Top: Vaughn MIT's enthusiastic soccer team.
Bottom: Athletes at RFK Community School's annual soccer tournament.
Highlight on ACE:
Where Students Thrive
EduCare's nationally recognized program, ACE (Achievement and Commitment to Excellence), includes the ACE Program, ACE Initiative, and ACE Heartbeats. Based on EduCare's decades of expertise in Social-Emotional Learning (SEL), ACE provides a foundation for safe, positive learning and growth, as well as comprehensive student success and character building.
Inside the ACE Initiative’s Lasting Impact
In continuation high schools* across Los Angeles, students often face challenges that extend far beyond the classroom. EduCare's ACE Initiative is meeting those challenges head-on, creating learning environments where students are supported, seen, and given the tools to succeed.
As we gear up for summer – our busiest season of the year – we’re thrilled to announce a partnership with Linked Learning to bring ACE to their School Summer Bridge Programs.
ACE Initiative is a year-round program that weaves together three essential components:
Student services that meet young people where they are
Professional development that equips educators to center SEL in their teaching
Parent engagement that strengthens the connection between school and home
By integrating SEL into daily school life, ACE helps to build positive school cultures supporting academic growth and personal development. Students aren’t just staying on track—they’re finding purpose, confidence, and direction. AI work is grounded in partnership with educators, families, and communities. It's about creating a space where students can grow into who they’re meant to be, supported by adults who believe in them.
This Year’s Impact
Already, during the current school year, ACE teams at four Los Angeles Unified School District continuation high schools (Amelia Earhart High School, Mission High School, Stoney Point High School, and Zane Grey High School) have connected with 415 students and 295 parents and caregivers!
As a result, our teams have:
Helped students navigate college applications and financial aid
Facilitated restorative circles and wellness support groups
Hosted mental health resource fairs in collaboration with community partners
Offered cultural enrichment and self-care activities that affirm student identity.
*In California, continuation high schools serve students 16-18 years of age who are behind in credits needed for graduation, or who need a flexible educational environment due to employment or family obligations.
New School Participation in the ACE Program Community
ACE has officially been introduced to the 118th Street Elementary School community! Already, a positive impact has been achieved via two powerful professional development sessions for school administrators, a 3-day ACE Program for 77 fourth graders, and an emotional Family Night celebration honoring students' completion of the program.
Additionally, we’ve partnered with Fleming Middle School through our ACE Program to support sixth and seventh graders. We witnessed a remarkable transformation. By the third day, students were not only fully engaged, but proud to attend their own ACE Family Night Celebration!
A moving Family Night celebration on the last night of the 118th Street ACE Program.
Bridging the Gap:
Summer Programs Ensure Student Success for the Fall
Students Urgently Need Your Support This Summer!
As the school year rapidly comes to a close, we are actively turning our attention towards the summer months. While it may seem like downtime, summer marks a crucial transition period for students and families. Academic resources, emotional support, even meals – the services EduCare's students rely on during the school year do not disappear at the end of the school year! But all too often, the very programs our students and their families request during the summer face significant budget shortfalls.
We are committed to providing robust summer programs, including enrichment activities, meals, and workshops – not to mention our successful Summer Bridge ACE Programs. But without adequate funding, we risk falling short in our mission to serve our students.
Our goal is to bridge the summer gap, giving every child the strongest support so that they return to school ready to learn, grow, and thrive. This means we are reaching out to you, our community, to help us sustain our essential summer programs.
You've probably seen our Spring/Summer Appeal emails this month. Please, won't you help us ensure that all our students are prepared to succeed when school begins in the fall?
Thank you for being a vital part of our mission!
P.S. We're very happy to announce that our March Gladness campaign – celebrating gladness for EduCare's essential support for students, staff, teachers, and parents – was a success! You've shown that when we come together, we can create meaningful change for our students.