February 2022 Newsletter
Happening at BLCI
Fun On Fridays
If there is anything we have all learned in the last two years it's that some things can't be replicated over Zoom!

While the majority of BLCI workshops have been held virtually during the month of February due to the surge in COVID-19 cases, students at our Chula Vista site still made sure to stay connected with outdoor events happening every Friday this month to give students a chance to engage with each other through fun activities and some fresh air!

Throughout the month, each grade was invited to participate in dynamic activities exercising soft skills centered around team work, communication and creativity. Seniors used this opportunity to decompress after a long and rigorous college application and financial aid season by taking a moment to reflect on who they were when they started high school, who they are now, and who they want to be in college.

As of Tuesday, 2/22, BLCI has returned in person for all programs. We are so excited to be back together again for the remainder of the school year!
San Diego Loyals: National Anthem & Cleat Drive
BLCI student Diana Garcia wowed the crowd on Saturday, February 19th when she sang the Mexican National Anthem at the San Diego Loyal vs. Tijuana Xolos soccer match.

Diana came to BCLI in 4th grade after witnessing how much the program had helped her older brother academically and emotionally. Here, she was exposed to different career paths, college majors and universities and shared she has learned to seek out more for herself and not settle where she currently is. Now, in 11th grade, her goal is to attend the University of San Diego where she hopes to do something impactful, like become an immigration lawyer, business administrator, a doctor or a Spanish interpreter.

She said that while it has always been a dream to sing in front of a stadium, she was nervous the day of, especially when standing in front of the crowd. After it was over, she had a much different feeling:
"I didn’t really care about what people were thinking, just how I was feeling. I had just sung the Mexican National Anthem, which was huge! It was like I was telling my story, that American Dream my family has always had. Being able to sing the Mexican National Anthem here in the U.S. is an example that there are opportunities in this country, just like my mom and dad have always told me. When I saw my sister and my dad and my friends and staff from BLCI that have always been there for me since I was learning English, and they are still there for me. It was very beautiful and BLCI was a big part of that moment. Without them it would not have been the same. Their reassurance that I did well made me feel good and proud. I won the battle against my fears."
In addition to Diana's win, San Diego also won the match 3-2. While the game went on, the San Diego Loyal team was also hard at work at the entrance collecting gently-used soccer cleats, which will be donated to BLCI's El Cajon soccer program.

If you have cleats that you would like to donate, they can be dropped off at the San Diego Loyal Headquarters located at 655 Camino De La Reina, San Diego, CA 92108 before March 10th. Thank you to all of those who donated and to the San Diego Loyals for your continued support of BLCI!
Helpful Tips from SDG&E
Lower your winter natural gas bill with these energy-saving tips. Check out these quick and easy ways to lower your bill while staying warm and comfortable. 

1.     Control humidity:
Dry winter air pulls moisture from your skin, making you feel colder. Instead of reaching for the thermostat, use a humidifier to keep your home humidity between 30 – 50%. You’ll feel warmer with some humidity in the air.

2.     Heat efficiently:
You can save as much as 10% per year on heating and cooling by turning your thermostat down 7° – 10°F for 8 hours a day in the winter.

3.     Use a space heater:
Today’s portable space heaters are energy efficient and can warm the room you’re in so you don’t have to heat the whole house. Make sure your model has a tip-over safety switch, always operate it on a solid, flat surface and turn it off when you leave the room. Plug space heaters directly into wall outlets, not extension cords or power strips. Also, keep space heaters at least three feet away from items that can burn like furniture. 

Visit sdge.com/winter for more savings tips.
Thank You Sponsors!
Thank you to all of our supporters that have already signed on as Opportunity for Impact Sponsors!

Title Sponsor
K. Andrew Achterkirchen

Presenting Sponsors
Ann Hunter & David Welborn and The Stiefel Behner Donor Advised Fund

Doctorate In Philanthropy Sponsors
Susy & Pedro Villegas

Masters in Philanthropy Sponsors
Cox Communications and The de Llamas Family

Bachelors in Philanthropy Sponsor
Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation

Associates in Philanthropy Sponsors
Kaiser Permanente and The San Diego Foundation.

Sponsorship and Honorary Committee levels can be found by clicking here. If you or your business are interested in this opportunity, please contact Teresa Contreras: teresa@blci.org
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