On the campuses of the middle and high schools, Chula Vista Promise Neighborhood (CVPromise) Academic Advocates work one-on-one with students including his/her family, school counselor and teachers to provide not only emotional and informational support but help create a personal plan for a successful pathway to college and career. Advocates provide and connect students and families with internships, scholarships, workshops and other resources to remove barriers and help students through their academic journey.
CVPromise does not do this alone. Partnerships are key.
A Bridge for Kids is a San Diego nonprofit organization helping hundreds of teens each year. They are dedicated to the raising and distribution of funds to underprivileged teens in need, through a child sponsorship program. Scholarship funds can provide basic necessities, computers, school supplies, musical instruments, tutoring, college application fees and more.
A Bridge for Kids believes these impressionable years are a “make or break” period and without outside support, many are at risk of becoming another statistic.
Recently, A Bridge for Kids selected three CVPromise students from Hilltop High School as scholarship recipients. Hazel Vidrio, 15, and Eliana Chabner, 14, will each receive a four-year scholarship of $4,000, with $1,00 distributed each year. Kevin Longoria, 16, received a one-year $1,000 scholarship. All students will also receive SAT prep courses, tutoring, and weeklong campus crawl opportunity to California or East Coast schools.
Each student submitted an original essay about their biggest challenge and how it has impacted their lives.
In her essay, Eliana shared she has big plans for higher education. She says any Ivy League will do. She has always loved school and has excelled academically year after year. However, it was not always an easy journey.
“My mom and dad are currently separated but still always do their best to make sure my academics are on task. Yet somehow, some of our struggles are out of their hands to solve,” Eliana shared. “Due to financial issues, there were points in my life when I wasn’t able to afford school supplies.”
One of those items was at-home Internet. Consequently, Eliana said that when the school provided new IPads for homework and research, she could not fully utilize it. Her grades began to drop, and it caused stress in her life.
“Often we could not afford certain programs, and I was left behind while other experienced things I couldn’t,” Eliana said.
Eliana plans to use some of her scholarship funds to purchase her own Cello so she can become a more advanced player in her orchestra class. “It has always been a dream for me to learn how to play an instrument and maybe with the scholarship, I will be able to afford my own personal Cello to help me practice. When I play the Cello, it takes hold of me and brings me to a world of music and sound. I don’t think I will ever stop playing since the Cello is part of my heart.”
For more information on A Bridge for Kids visit www.abridgeforkids.org or call (858) 812-3150.
Chula Vista Promise Neighborhood (CVPromise) is coordinated by South Bay Community Services and is proud to partner with Castle Park Elementary, Castle Park Middle, Castle Park High School, Hilltop Middle and Hilltop High School to bring new opportunities and pathways of success for their students and families. For more information, please visit CVPromise.org or call 619-422-5005.
