As the world edges closer to the 2024 election, preparing future leaders has never been more critical. This urgency drove Mission Bay High seniors Cynthia Lopez Guerrero, Ayden Perez, and Derius McCovy to successfully complete an intensive summer and fall internship program aimed at developing significant leadership and community engagement skills. This unique program, collaboratively sponsored by The Organizing and Leadership Academy (TOLA) and Cesar Chavez Service Clubs (CCSC), selected 12 high school students from the San Diego Unified School District with an ambitious goal: to educate the community about local issues and prepare for the upcoming 2024 election. The interns not only devoted their time and energy to selecting a local ballot measure but also meticulously developed goals, strategies, and timelines to inform voters, showcasing the importance of an informed electorate and active civic participation.
The Organizing and Leadership Academy (TOLA)
Founded in 2010, The Organizing and Leadership Academy is dedicated to training individuals and communities in the essential skills of community organizing and civic engagement. Over the past 14 years, TOLA has built a reputation for offering rigorous hands-on training programs that are a blend of classroom instruction, extensive reading, reflective writing, and real-world organizing projects. This comprehensive approach ensures that participants are not only capable of understanding the theoretical aspects of organizing but also adept at applying these principles to real-world challenges, thus making a substantial difference in their communities.
TOLA’s mission revolves around empowering individuals with the knowledge and tools necessary to drive change. By providing a structured environment for both learning and practical application, the academy meticulously prepares participants to tackle complex community issues. Their emphasis on blending theoretical knowledge with hands-on experiences successfully equips interns with the discipline, skills, and critical thinking necessary to become influential community leaders. Through this multifaceted training, TOLA ensures that their graduates are well-prepared to confront and overcome the varied challenges they will face in their efforts to improve and organize their communities effectively.
Cesar Chavez Service Clubs (CCSC)
Cesar Chavez Service Clubs, distinct yet complementary to TOLA, focus on inspiring young individuals, primarily Latino students from elementary through high school within the San Diego Unified School District, to believe in their potential as change-makers. The nonprofit organization cultivates a sense of pride and responsibility in youth, encouraging active roles in community betterment. CCSC’s programs aim to empower the younger generation with leadership skills and a strong commitment to civic engagement, setting the stage for a ripple effect of positive community impact.
During the summer of 2024, the partnership between TOLA and CCSC piloted the dynamic internship program involving Mission Bay High seniors, effectively introducing them to the basics of community organizing. This collaborative effort provided an unparalleled opportunity for students to apply their end-to-end learning in real-world scenarios. The synergy between TOLA’s structured training and CCSC’s inspiring mission offered a comprehensive summation of theoretical principles and practical applications, guiding students towards a holistic understanding of leadership and community service. The program’s success has underscored the vital role of empowering youth as active contributors to societal development.
Cynthia Lopez Guerrero’s Journey
Cynthia Lopez Guerrero’s internship journey is a testament to the transformative power of community involvement and targeted educational programs. Her path to the internship began with First Gen Scholars, a program focused on supporting first-generation college students. After submitting robust references and succeeding in a challenging interview with TOLA’s staff, Guerrero was selected for the internship. Partnering with Keila Tolentino, Guerrero directed her efforts towards showcasing the importance of leadership and community engagement through social media.
Their project, emphasizing community voices and leadership, was translated into a series of interviews with local leaders, thoughtfully formatted and presented on Instagram. This innovative approach aimed to amplify the stories and efforts of community advocates, motivating others, especially the youth, to immerse themselves in leadership and civic activities. Guerrero and Tolentino’s work significantly contributed to the successful passing of Measure HH in the election, providing a tangible sense of accomplishment and demonstrating the profound impact informed and dedicated community members can have on local governance.
Guerrero’s dedication extended beyond her internship. Her commitment to community and leadership was clearly reflected in her academic pursuits, including rigorous International Baccalaureate (IB) courses and active participation in Associated Student Bodies (ASB). Her academic and extracurricular activities underscored her determination to foster meaningful change, both within her community and in broader societal contexts. Guerrero’s journey underscores the extensive potential of structured educational and community-focused programs in developing future leaders dedicated to community betterment.
Ayden Perez and Derius McCovy’s Experience
Similarly, Ayden Perez and Derius McCovy’s internship experience was marked by an unwavering dedication to their project and an intensive learning schedule. The internship, which began in the summer, demanded a full-time commitment initially and later transitioned to part-time, requiring the interns to balance their responsibilities with their school activities. Perez and McCovy’s project centered around creating a comprehensive voter education guide aimed at young and first-time voters, covering crucial areas such as voting rights, candidate research, required IDs, and addressing potential voter suppression tactics.
Their guide provided an invaluable resource for young voters, emphasizing the importance of being well-informed and proactive in the electoral process. McCovy’s background in The Language Academy Spanish Immersion Program and his pursuit of fluency through the IB Program at Mission Bay High further enriched his contributions. His aspirations in business and property ownership have motivated him to seize opportunities like this internship to enhance his understanding and actively contribute to community efforts. McCovy’s preparation for college reflects his strategic approach to his future endeavors, balancing his goals and community responsibilities diligently.
Ayden Perez, with a keen interest in real estate investment, also applied to several colleges, securing a place at Cal State San Marcos as a pre-business major. His experience in the internship was transformative, providing practical understanding and real-world application of his academic interests. Perez’s commitment to working hard and setting an exemplary standard showcased his inherent leadership qualities. Both Perez and McCovy’s participation highlighted the vital importance of well-rounded educational experiences, blending academic pursuits with hands-on community engagement to develop comprehensive leadership skills in young individuals.
Reflections on Being Role Models
Cesar Chavez Service Clubs (CCSC) complement TOLA by focusing on inspiring young people, particularly Latino students, from elementary through high school in the San Diego Unified School District, to believe in their potential as change-makers. The nonprofit works to instill a sense of pride and responsibility in the youth, encouraging them to take active roles in community improvement. CCSC’s programs empower these students with leadership skills and a deep commitment to civic engagement, preparing them to create a positive impact within their communities.
In the summer of 2024, TOLA and CCSC launched a dynamic internship program with Mission Bay High seniors to introduce them to the fundamentals of community organizing. This collaboration offered students a unique opportunity to apply their learning in practical, real-world scenarios. The combination of TOLA’s structured training and CCSC’s motivational goals provided a balanced mix of theory and practice, leading students towards a holistic understanding of leadership and community service. The program’s success highlighted the essential role of empowering young people as active contributors to societal progress.
