Great moments occur every day - our students speak of dreams and commitments as they express their path towards graduation; our teachers create access to content knowledge and skill building to reach “a-ha” feelings of discovery; our principals receive recognition for leadership and service; and many partner organizations celebrate their commitment toward equity in L.A. Unified.
College application season is here and college and career awareness is present everywhere! Our 18-year-old student leaders are building power as voters with Power California and early voting with L.A. County; through our Great Outcomes (GO) initiatives, our kindergarten to high school students are exploring what college preparation looks like with vision boards, personal statements and beautiful college graduation caps from our youngest Class of 2035! From the Young Women’s Conference to the Chicano Youth Leadership Conference to Girls' Village at Wilson HS, our student leaders are woke and engaged. This month alone, student leaders were recognized for leading national and local conversations about race, gun violence, intersectionality and equity. These are powerful stories and movements.
When you wonder or worry about the direction of this district, this state or this nation, engage a young person. I am confident that the generation rising is not hesitant about the need for change. They are ready to be the solution builders, the negotiators and the force for justice this moment needs. L.A Unified students are filling out applications for college and financial aid, registering to vote in record numbers, building their political voice to understand the connection between public service and voter turnout. Our students and their allies will continue to lead the dreams and demands of the truth-tellers in our community.
I stand with them and invite you to join us. We have much work to do!
In the Spirit of Hope,
Mónica García
