Make A Difference: Growing Connections Christa Harrison Bridget Estrada Jasmyne Marshall Hannah Sullivan Jan Ross Piedad 2009

Why? According to the National Survey of America’s Families, up to 17% of youth in the US are high in risk. Texas was ranked third highest and is above the national average for high risk urban youth. We believed that all kids should have great opportunities, like learning about the things that affect the world that they live in.

Globally 1 in 5 children around the world are not enrolled in primary school. [Global Fund for Children] Social inequality affects learning opportunity in any country. [UNESCO] A child’s quality of life can be attributed to a good education.

Locally Many San Antonio families face financial difficulties, negatively affecting their children. Without which, many children can develop unhealthy or dangerous habits and lifestyles. Local organizations provide a safe, educational, and fulfilling environment for high-risk urban youth. [San Antonio Youth Center Staff]

Called San Antonio Youth Centers Dan Cook Branch Helped with “Birdies for Charity” fundraiser Talked with SAYC staff and kids Planning Process

Called Boys & Girls Club Calderon Branch Helped tutor kids Conducted interviews with staff Planning Process

Leaves!

Interviews Boys & Girls Club Staff What do you try to accomplish with these kids? Try to cater to their needs. Our Core Values are : Education, Art, Health & Fitness, Recreation & Sports, Leadership & Character Development. - Freda Perry Boys & Girls Club Volunteer What keeps you coming back here to help? I think it’s the enjoyment of knowing that kids are able to succeed…it’s important because these kids are the future. - Veronica, Freshman Student at OLLU, Reading Skills Tutor

Interviews Boys and Girls Club Staff What unique programs are here? I teach quite a few: There’s Smart-Moves (about Drug Prevention & Peer Pressure); City Group (about money handling, sponsored by banks); Emersions (about science and math); and Healthy Habits (about Nutrition). -Susie Saucedo What are the results you see from these kids? Personally, I see respect…by reaching out to them, and knowing where they’re coming from. - Sal Tellez

Interviews San Antonio Youth Center Children What is your favorite subject at school? Science, Art, Reading What is your favorite thing to do at SAYC? Making art, clubs, computer class, music What do you wish you could do at SAYC? Scavenger hunts, gardening, cooking, science lab

San Antonio Youth Center Follow their science curriculum Teach the kids about the importance of trees Talked about tree formation, products, and deforestation

Boys & Girls Club Introduced them to how to reach out to other people Helped their technological skills Taught them form and propriety of formal and informal communication

Video

Impact For both activities, we were challenged to “ THINK GLOBALLY, ACT LOCALLY” And decided to offer that to kids too! At the Boys and Girls Club, we helped the kids think globally and ponder the lives of other children in different cultures. At SAYC, we tried to have the kids think about how trees affect their lives as well as the world they live in.

Personally… Jan

Personally… Hannah

Personally… Bridget

Personally… Jasmyne

Personally… Christa

Branches & Locations San Antonio Youth Centers Dan Cook Youth Center 1215 W. Poplar St. Jude's Youth Center 130 S. San Augustine Laurel Heights Youth Center 227 W. Woodlawn Eastside Youth Center 227 Eross Jefferson Youth Center 758 Donaldson Ave Southside Youth Center 379 E. Petaluma

Branches & Locations Boys & Girls Clubs of San Antonio Calderon Branch 600 SW 19th Street Teen Center 2626 Perez Street Crestholme Branch 1602 Goliad Rd. Eastside Branch 3503 Martin Luther King Dr Candlewood Branch 3635 Candleglenn

Work Cited “School & Scholarships.” Global Fund for Children Web. ren.org/pdfs/gfc_schools_sc holar.pdf “Underprivileged Children: ‘Doubly Disadvantaged at School. United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization < “A Positive Place for Kids.” Boys and Girls Club of America. National Survey of America’s Families html “When the School Bell Rings...” San Antonio Youth Centers. Video Song: MGMT – “Kids” Clip Art From: School.discovery.education.com

SPECIAL THANKS FROM US TO:

Ricardo Cantu Our Supportive Parents Taryn Nasis & SAYC Dan Cook Center Staff Sal Tellez & The B&G Club Calderon Branch Staff