Showing posts with label Youth. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Youth. Show all posts

Wednesday, August 6, 2014

Summer programs updates




We are proud to congratulate Maria for earning the 
Fiesta del Sol Guadalupe A. Reyes Scholarship! 
Maria has participated in LOS Civic Engagement program, Writing Club, Scholarship Club, and volunteers at LOS helping young people. She is a leader in her community.

Follow our successes on Twitter using #youthinaction


The College Essay Club is coming to a close. After four weeks of intensive brainstorming and writing activities, youth are able to begin their college admission essays. 



And...our young people were inspired to consider a career choice during our
Be Who You Want To Be Parade
They took their chants to the streets, along East 63rd street, South Pulaski, and West 67th street to West Lawn Park. We'd like to thank the 13th Aldermanic Ward, the Chicago Fire Department, and all those who encouraged our youth to believe in their achievements. Thank you!



It's been a busy summer! 

Come out and celebrate with us and our families! 


Like us on Facebook for more up-to-date information! 




Wednesday, April 2, 2014

LOS takes students to UIC for a tour


On Friday March 28, L.O.S sponsored a tour to UIC.  The students that attended represented four different schools: Catalyst Maria H.S, Argo Community H.S, Pathways H.S, and Richard J. Daley College, and the students’ academic range is from high school freshman to college freshman.

The students were attentive to the admissions presentation in which the presenter informed the students of the enrollment requirements such as the ACT scores, GPA’s, and Financial Aid responsibilities.

The students liked the information that was given to them; specially, because one student is thinking of going into Bio-engineering and UIC has the college that deals with that field.  After the information session, we were given a tour of the campus which lasted approximately forty-five minutes.  The area that all the students liked was the recreation center where there is a three-story rock-climbing wall and a swimming pool with a lazy river.  On a not-so-good note, all the eateries on campus were closed due to spring break; we did not have time to go out to eat lunch anywhere else because the bus pick-up time was close.  Next time we go to tour during spring break, we know to pack our lunch, oh well, lesson learned.

Overall, I believe it was a productive day in which we learned something new.

--Luis Munoz, Higher Education & Job Readiness Coordinator







Friday, February 28, 2014

DREAMers can go to college

There are 1.5 million undocumented students under the age of 18 living in the United States, 65,000 graduate every year, most have lived in the US for most of their lives. One of the major challenges in obtaining a higher education faced by this population is the inability to apply for financial aid. 

On Thursday, February 20, 2014, LOS, in collaboration with Eric Solorio High School, presented a "DREAMers" Financial Aid workshop.  The main speaker was Ms. Leticia Moreno, a Financial Aid Officer from IIT University.

Undocumented students as well as parents were invited to listen to the information on how to successfully ingress into a Higher Education institution.  Ms. Moreno explained the process for enrollment and the different ways to achieve success in regards to acquiring institutional and private scholarships as well as student loans.  

Parents and students were very interested in the information that was provided, because there were many points of interest that the listeners learned.  

Ms. Alejandra Cabrera, from LOS, was also invited to speak on the process of how to apply for DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) which should help students maneuver through the job market to find employment.

This workshop was a success, and because of it, more workshops will be presented in the near future.     

--
Luis Muñoz, Higher Education & Job Readiness Coordinator







For more information go to:

Thursday, October 31, 2013

The LOS Fall Fest

 
Goblins and witches enjoyed an evening of games, face painting, and fun at the LOS Fall Festival.
 
The LOS Youth Club engages youth in activities such as math, science, reading, writing, and art. After school programs are held at neighborhood schools.  
 
For more information contact us at 773-581-1900
 
The inclement weather didn't stop us!
 
 




 
 
 
 
 
Have a Happy & Safe Halloween!


 

Tuesday, August 27, 2013

The quest for knowledge...

A note from our Higher Education/Job Readiness Coordinator


I am happy to report that this fiscal year has been very successful; we, as an organization, and as a group of students that were part of the college tours, took pride in our quest for knowledge and empowerment.  We took some valuable steps in going on eight college tours to find out what each school offered.  The colleges as well as the campuses differed from one to the next and this is what made them interesting. 

The range of the group of the students’ grades ranged from freshman in high school to sophomore in college and the interests differed from one student to the other.  I would like to think that the students learned how to maneuver through college admissions and financial aid; or at least how to find, and where to find, any necessary help to apply to a higher education institution.

We took our last college tour for the year at The University of Chicago August 21, 2013.  I was very excited that some students were genuinely interested in coming to this tour because it shows resolve and hunger to succeed in life.  The students engaged in the presentation with the admissions officer by asking questions and giving their comments.  We also learned that this is where the first atom was split in 1938 and this is where the first Heisman Trophy was born ; “Known initially as the DAC Trophy, it was first presented to Jay Berwagner, the legendary "one man gang" from the University of Chicago on December 9, 1935”.

One student said that “the best thing about the school is that they cater to students during finals by creating an environment where many learning tools are at the students’ disposition."  The second thing that the student liked was the campus itself.  She liked the combination of the Neo-Gothic with a few of the more modern structures such as the exercise facility and the open green spaces.  The least thing that the student liked, or didn’t like, was the "high price to attend this institution”.








I believe that after these college tour experiences the students have a better understanding of how and where to apply; they have a better rounded idea of how to build their future, and that’s what this program is all about. 

On a personal note, I wish that more students participate in the coming year because the more exposed to knowledge, the better prepared one is to succeed in life.

Thank you all
Luis Alberto Muñoz.
Higher Education Coordinator
For more information on our Higher Education program you can contact Luis at 773/581-1900

Friday, July 26, 2013

LOS Youth Job Program in full swing

With the looming prospect of the "workforce exodus" due to retiring baby boomers and the aging population, we need to look at our youth to fill that void. Preparing our youth to be skilled in the workforce is paramount for a healthy, sustainable US Economy.

So what's being done?

Youth unemployment remains high. Though in the summer of 2012 we saw a slight increase (1%) of youth in the job market, low income youth were the least likely to work summer jobs. One out of 5 teens from a low income family had a job. Last summer, only 16% of African-American low-income youth and 22% of Hispanic youth with a family income of less than $40,000 held a job.

Youth summer employment programs at LOS focuses on empowering our youth with tools needed to enter the workforce.



 
 




 
Workshops include:
 
  •   Interview Etiquette
  •   Team building acitivies
  •   Hands-on internship opportunity with local businessess
  •   and more...

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Teen Fridays!

Teen Fridays at LOS!
6:00- 7:30PM
 
Join us for...
 
Team building excerises
 
Movie Night
 
Book Club
 
Writing Club
 
 
On-going registrations all Summer long!
 
Contact us at...
 
773-581-1900
 

Youth enjoy a bit of roll playing.

Stand up and be heard--Stop Bullying

LOS presented a workshop on Bullying to 64 youth at Queen of Angels on Sunday, May 19. The presentation, led by youth volunteers, addressed the issue of bullying and how it affects our young people.

According to bullying statistics 200 million children all over the world are being bullied and not only at school.  And Cyberbullying has become another increasing concern.

How can we stop bullying?

STAND UP & BE HEARD-Be More than a Bystander!

Check out what you can do to stop bullying at StopBullying.gov


Wednesday, May 15, 2013

LOS Youth Storm the Capitol

Democracy in action!

LOS youth, together with other affiliates of the Chicago Area Project (CAP), took the Capitol by storm, all with one message...

"What about us?"

The event started with a rally at the State House Inn in Springfield where over 200 youth came together to share their stories of living in areas of violence and finding hope in youth programs across the state.

Many voices were heard throughout the day...

"...own your future."

"...Give voice to what you want."

"Make sure we (youth) are a priority."

"Youth are making a difference in our community."

"It is not over."

Two of LOS' very own spoke about their experiences in living the war against violence, and surviving. One clear message spread throughout the event...

Youth can make a difference.
They can influence their friends and their communities to build better, safer neighborhoods.
And they were ready to demand the resources to do just that.


with State Representative Elizabeth Hernandez

with State Senator Martin Sandoval
 
at the steps of the Capitol
 
 
Our youth deserve to live without fear...
 



Wednesday, April 3, 2013

Tutoring Potluck

The participants, staff, and volunteers of our tutoring program enjoyed their first potluck.




Tutoring is available Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 4p - 7pm; Thursday from 3:45p - 5:45pm; and Saturday from 10:30am - 1:30pm.

Contact Sandra Mosqueda at youthprograms@latinoorgsw.com 

Or come by the office to sign up!

Monday, April 1, 2013

Prepare for College

Join our Higher Education/Job readiness program! 

Get help with resumes, college applications, scholarships, writing your personal statements, and join a camaraderie of youth inspired to make a difference in their lives and in their communities! 


Getting into college can be a daunting task. Don't do it alone. College visits at LOS and fieldtrips to different colleges can give you and edge on choosing the college that is best for you.





The job market has become competitive. Get help with resume writing and interview skills and become better prepared for the job market.

For more information contact Sandra Mosqueda at
youthprograms@latinoorgsw.com

Thursday, March 28, 2013

ASTRRONGU Celebration

ASTRRONGU--offering youth tools to make better decisions against violence--celebrates the graduation of its paticipants.


Striving to better communities, LOS continues to engage young people to inspire positive change.

If you'd like to become part of the team contact Sandra Mosqueda at
youthprograms@latinoorgsw.com

Friday, March 15, 2013

A.S.T.R.R.O.N.G.U & Zumba

A.S.T.R.R.O.N.G.U participants practiced body movement with Zumba at Hurley Elementary.


A.S.T.R.R.O.N.G.U  encourages youth to make better life choices to minimize risk of violence.

Thursday, March 7, 2013

ILACHE Scholarships

Illinois Latino Council on Higher Education
 
Deadline: May 1, 2013
The Illinois Latino Council on Higher Education (ILACHE) will award a one-time $1000 scholarship to two eligible Latino/a students from Illinois. High school seniors and undergraduate students are eligible to apply.
Selection will be based on careful review of the following areas: 1) campus involvement, 2) community involvement, 3) academic achievements and goals, and 4) career aspirations.
To be considered, an applicant must be an Illinois Latina/o graduating high school senior or a continuing undergraduate level college student and enrolled full-time during the fall term of the upcoming academic year at a four or two-year regionally accredited college or university in Illinois. Past awardees are not eligible.

Illinois Dream Fund

Illinois Dream Fund: Scholarships

Welcome

We are witnessing a period of extraordinary growth within the undocumented immigrant community. The world is constantly changing, and with that change, come great challenges and opportunities. Regardless of what lies ahead, we are certain of one thing; access to education for undocumented immigrants, is essential for the growth of Illinois and this nation. ...Read More

For more information go here http://www.illinoisdreamfund.org/

ConnectEDU a great resource

About ConnectEDU


The world's largest education network, connecting learners to possibilities

Who We Are:

ConnectEDU is a privately held technology company, committed to preparing and transitioning 21st Century Learners on their pathways from school to college to career, helping them realize their potential, achieve a secure financial future, and ultimately connect to life's possibilities. ConnectEDU was created in 2002, by Craig Powell, an entrepreneur with a passion for ensuring that all students have access to the expertise and resources needed to realize and achieve their potential. Today, ConnectEDU serves more than 20 million registered learners, 5,000 educational institutions, and 130,000 employers throughout 40 countries; all engaging and supporting learners across their school-to-college-to-career pathway.

Our Mission:
Connect the world's learners to life’s possibilities through clear education-to-career pathways.
 
Check them out at http://connectedu.com/


Scholarship Match

Check out Fastweb: College and Scholarship search at http://www.fastweb.com/