Equitas Alumni Community Newsletter | Fall 2020
Recent Alumni Successes
  • Aaron R. (Class of 2025) joined the National Honor Society. The senior at Bishop Mora Salesian High School was selected among his peers for his scholarship, service, leadership and character.

  • Abigail M. (Class of 2025) is the Associated Student Body Vice President at Ted K. Tajima High School. She also serves as the Program Director of The Period Project, an organization that helps to combat period poverty by providing women access to proper resources.

  • Alejandra M., Areli S. (Class of 2025), Catherine G., and Irma P., (Class of 2026) gave public comment at the Council District 1 Community Forum on October 8th in support of the building permitting for EQ5 & EQ6.

  • Esmeralda J. (Class of 2025) participated in a 4-day state-wide leadership conference, Ed100, in which she developed leadership skills and gained tools to use her voice in conversations where decisions are made. The senior at Animo Ralph Bunche Charter High School learned how to get more involved in the shaping of her school and how to advocate at all levels of the education system.

  • Jennifer A. (Class of 2025), Catherine G., and Irma P. (Class of 2026) gave public comment at the Council District 1 - City Planning Commission meeting on October 21st in support of the building permitting for EQ5 & EQ6.

  • Catherine G. (Class of 2026) founded and serves as the president of the debate club at her high school, Bishop Conaty-Our Lady of Loretto.

  • Kevin S. (Class of 2026) was accepted to Minds Matter, a rigorous three-year program for students from low-income families that prepares students for college through writing/critical thinking skills development, ACT/SAT prep, and also helps them navigate the college selection, college application and scholarship process.

  • Jose H. (Class of 2026) serves as a School Ambassador at Brio College Prep, and maintains a 4.02 GPA.

  • Yashelyn H. (Class of 2026) serves on the leadership team of the California Association of Student Councils as the Outreach Director for Region 9. In October, she hosted a student-run Fall Leadership Conference, in which over 80 students attended virtually.

  • Yenifer X. (Class of 2026), a junior at University Prep Value High School, participates in the activism club, yearbook club, and cooking club, while maintaining a 3.96 GPA.

  • Julian I. (Class of 2027) is taking honors courses and is running for class Treasurer. The sophomore at Ted K. Tajima High school maintains a 4.29 GPA.

  • Madelyn M. (Class of 2027) participates in the Self Love club, Anime club, and has joined the school newspaper for her sophomore year at Downtown Magnets High School.

  • Jennzey H. (Class of 2028) is taking AP German and AP Japanese courses as a freshman at Orthopaedic Medical Magnet High School.

  • Yesemely M. (Class of 2028) scored in the top five students at her school for the High School Placement Test (HSPT). Yesemely attends Sacred Heart High School on a partial freshman scholarship.
Have a success you want to share? Email us at alumni@equitasacademy.org
Instagram Highlight: Meet Mr. Pacheco!
Meet the newest member of the Equitas family, Mr. Pacheco. He proudly serves as the High School Success Coordinator, and is already working closely with 8th grade scholars and families as they explore and navigate the high school selection process. Mr. Pacheco attended UCLA (go Bruins!) and is the first in his family to graduate from college. He aspires toward completing his doctoral degree in Education, and is a strong advocate for student/parent empowerment. He believes all students have the potential to graduate from higher education.

Mr. Pacheco's advice for alumni: Practice time management, organization and consistency. Seek help and ask questions. Your academic journeys do not need to be taken alone. You will always have access to mentors, counselors, or other support staff that want to help and see you succeed. When you look back one day, you will see a strong support system! College opens so many opportunities. Luckily, everyone’s experience is unique. Always dream big. Together, we all succeed.
The Latest for Alumni
The latest news, resources, and opportunities for Equitas Alumni.
FEATURED NEWS
Calling all alumni to join the 2021 Mentor Volunteer Program (MVP)! Alumni who apply are paired with a trusted adult mentor in a field of interest and check-in once a month for a year. We linked up with Esmeralda, a current senior from the Class of 2025, to learn a little more about her experience with the MVP program and how things are with her mentor, Cathy.

What is your favorite part of being an MVP mentee and having Cathy as your mentor? I like getting to learn more about college, what the experience was like, and how I can be prepared. The best part of having Cathy as my mentor is that I get to build a new connection and get advice on my college applications. We have developed a strong relationship and I know I can talk to her when I'm feeling stressed about my college applications. She helps me get out of my comfort zone and go for what I would never have done on my own.

What is one way being an MVP has helped you as you prepare for college?
Being an MVP has helped me prepare for college because I am pushed to do things out of my comfort zone and consider things I probably wouldn't have considered if I didn't have someone to give me that nudge and push me to go for opportunities. I am generally a person who overthinks and stresses about the future, and being a part of the MVP program has helped me to be more at ease and not to stress about college.

What would you say to other alumni considering being an MVP? Why did you decide to join the MVP program? I would say join. It's a great experience and you get to build a strong connection with your mentor. I decided to join the MVP program because I am a first generation student and I know I would need help with my applications and college stuff in general, and in life.

In partnership with UC Berkeley student organization Cub Support, Equitas is offering free virtual workshops for alumni. Past workshops include: College 101 in September, Financial Aid/Paying for College in October, and College Applications last week. Next up on Saturday, November 21st 11am: Pre-Health Career Fair. Sign up to join us!
We are now accepting nominations for the Commitment to Community Award for Equitas Alumni. Nominated by a teacher, counselor, or other community member, alumni are recognized for their leadership and dedication to their school, community, and neighborhood. The deadline to nominate is Monday, December 7. Share the nomination form today!

The Freshman Transition Survey is live, and we want to hear from you! Complete the brief survey and you could win one of three pairs of wireless earpods.


The annual "Home for the Holidays" Winter Social will go virtual in 2020! Save the date to join us on Wednesday, December 21. More details coming soon, but early registration is open now. Register to join us!

Comunidad means community, a group of people living in the same place or having a particular characteristic in common. Equitas aims to foster a feeling of fellowship with others in order to embark on a collective effort toward disrupting injustices. Visit our Comunidad hub, which aims to feature ongoing, youth-led efforts and resources for all to engage with.
Check out this webpage filled with online opportunities -- programs, webinars, extracurricular activities, and more. Updated multiple times each week and tailored just for alumni, this is your one stop for online learning opportunities and deadlines.

 
Visit over 600+ colleges and universities from the comfort of your home. Options include private and public options both in- and out-of-state.



Questions about college applications, financial aid, the FAFSA? Need help preparing for a test? Want to share a recent success? Just want to say "hi"? Text us anytime at (323) 546-6197. We're always here for you!
Support Our Alumni
Three ways for community members to help alumni stay on track toward a bachelor's degree.
Apply to be an MVP
Mentor an alum by joining the 2021 cohort for the Mentor-Volunteer Program (MVP). All you need is a bachelor's degree; no college advising experience necessary!
Join our Equitas College Database
Are you willing to answer questions about your college for an Equitas alum? Fill out this form and we will add your college(s) to a database that Equitas Alumni can access. They will be able to request the contact information of a trusted adult who attended that school, of whom they can ask questions and learn more about the school.
Donate to Equitas
Equitas Academy Charter Schools are free public schools for families who believe their children deserve a high-quality education and challenging school experience. We invite you to join our cause.