As part of the Onward Scholars Program, Scholars are required to identify a program or activity to partake each summer to explore their interests, careers, colleges, or advance in their academics. This summer we had various Scholars participate in programs connected to STEM, leadership, and career exploration. Read below to learn about some of the summer programs.
The Youth Mental Health Academy
The Youth Mental Health Academy (YMHA) focuses on exposing students to various sectors in the mental health field in hopes of them pursuing a career in it. It is a 14 month commitment of hands-on, project based experiences with other high school students from the Los Angeles area. This summer, three scholars from Sacred Heart completed the program.
“I learned about mental health disorders that are stigmatized in today's society and I was able to understand how to assist people who experience these disorders. We practiced real word examples on how to assist and treat people with certain disorders. At the end of the program we collaborated with others to finalize information and practices we've acquired to present our understanding of a certain mental health focus. Overall, I enjoyed the interactive lessons and discussions of disorders and health inequities.” - Candace Sosa, OSP - Cohort 1, Class of 2026
“I had a lot of fun expanding my knowledge of the Mental Health field. YMHA helped teach my peers and I about the different illnesses and diseases that come with Mental Health. Our Capstone Project was a group effort that focused on one specific (healthy) coping mechanism. My group and I decided to choose Music therapy. I had a lot of fun making new friends and memories along the way.” - Samantha Torres, OSP - Cohort 1, Class of 2026
EPIC - Engineering Possibilities in College
EPIC is a week-long STEM program led by Cal Poly San Luis Obispo that educates students in engineering, leadership, and service through experiential learning. Students stay in the dorms on campus, build rockets, learn about different engineering skills at the same time meeting other like minded students with similar interests from various parts of California and other states. The Scholar, Grace Galvez, was accepted with a scholarship into this competitive program. In the program they built boats, launched rockets, and created a community with other high school students interested in STEM.
The Jaime Escalante Math Program
The Jaime Escalante Math Program creates the space for students to advance in their mathematical classes by taking a rigorous math course at East LA College. This program honors the work that Jaime Escalante has accomplished as a high school teacher. This year we have two sophomore Scholars, Princess Flores and Galilea Tamayo, who advanced in Math during the summer.
We are extremely proud of all of our Scholars taking initiative in exploring their interests and excelling not only during the school year. We look forward to more experiences next summer!
If you are interested in learning more about Onwards Scholars, visit our website.
