GB Magazine February 2022 | Page 22

Education

BLCI

Over the last 25 years ,

Barrio Logan College Institute ( BLCI ) has positively impacted the lives of thousands of first-generation college students throughout San Diego . BLCI programs begin in 3rd grade and introduce students to the ABC ’ s of attending college : Academic support , Building skills and College knowledge . Year after year , BLCI students overcome the obstacles they face as first-generation college students , and are rightfully proud of their 100 % high school graduation and 100 % college enrollment rates .
The success of BLCI can be measured by the work that alumni are doing in the community . Ashley started BLCI programs in 3rd grade and remained actively involved until her high school graduation in 2019 . Now an Environmental Science major at
Lisbeth ringing the bell after applying for college , with her daughter Aimee in the background
University of San Diego , Ashley participates in the Air Protection Program Steering committee , and recently advocated for a program that aims to decrease air pollution in Barrio Logan by 2025 .
Perhaps what sets BLCI apart from so many other organizations working toward the same goal is the Parent Program . Barrio Logan College Institute ’ s Parent Program supports parents on the journey with their children becoming first-generation college students : helping them to understand the complexities of the application and acceptance process , complete charter and private school applications and utilize programs such as School Choice and VEEP , which can help their students transfer to higher-performing schools . Parents , in turn , invest in BLCI through volunteering , participating in workshops or going back to school themselves .
22 GBSAN . COM | FEBRUARY 2022