April 2024 Newsletter

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Dear Reader,

I hope this letter finds you well. As the weather turns warmer, I am happy to announce that our spring civics sessions are in full swing. Currently, we are prioritizing our commitment to fostering community partnerships and connections, linking our youth with valuable resources, such as Wilderness Kids Alexandria, the University of Maryland Safe Center, and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. In addition to these initiatives, we are eagerly preparing for our summer internship program, which offers invaluable experiences for our youth. These internships not only provide hands-on job skills, but also serve as opportunities for resume building and gaining interview experience.

As we look forward to the months ahead, we are excited to announce our participation in various farmers markets and community events throughout the DMV area this spring and early summer, aiming to meet new people, forge connections, and strengthen ties within our community. Furthermore, we are proud to take part in the annual Spring2ACTion fundraiser on April 24th, a day dedicated to celebrating our collective spirit of giving and supporting the organizations that make Alexandria such a special place for everyone! Mark your calendar for Spring2ACTion, and come visit us at the following Farmer’s Markets:

  • May 4th – Del Ray (Alexandria, VA)
  • May 25th – Arlington (VA)
  • June 9th – Mosaic (Fairfax, VA)
  • June 23rd – Dupont Circle (DC)
  • June 29th – Silver Spring (MD)

We look forward to seeing you out in the community!

Warm regards,

Robert M. Ponichtera, Ph.D.

Executive Director

 

Program Updates

 
 
 

Civic Engagement

Councilmember Eric Olson's recent visit to Parkdale High School sparked enthusiasm for civic engagement among students. Sharing his educational journey and insights into public service, Olson inspired thoughtful discussions. Students asked how they can better support their own community, and inquired about progress on Metro's Purple Line. Additionally, they were keen to learn about Olson's motivations for entering politics and how he manages the stress of the job. His visit provided invaluable insight into both a career in public service and the importance of active community engagement.

College Preparation

Students from our Spanish-language program at Alexandria City High School recently visited Catholic University of America and were impressed by the campus atmosphere. Unlike the city setting of their previous visit to George Washington University, Catholic University felt more like a traditional college campus, with spacious grounds and a welcoming environment. They explored dormitories, attended classes, and dined in the campus dining hall, experiencing firsthand the vibrant student life.


A highlight of the visit was meeting a nursing student from Kenya, who served as an inspiring role model for the three students interested in nursing. The students were also excited to learn about the university's study abroad programs and were particularly impressed by the new nursing building under construction.


For many of the students, it was their first time visiting a private college campus, and they appreciated the sense of community and camaraderie they felt at Catholic University. Overall, the visit left them feeling enthusiastic about the possibility of attending the university in the future.

Career Exploration

Last month, Northwestern High School's after-school program warmly welcomed Jennifer and Roberto Rivera, representing AstraZeneca with expertise in project management and product development. Their session provided invaluable insights into the diverse career paths available within the global organization. As students explored various interests, Jennifer and Roberto showcased how their passions could align with AstraZeneca's departments, spanning beyond science into areas such as data, legal, finance, business, engineering, and communications. Additionally, they emphasized the significance of internships and the importance of building skills and networks for future careers. Jennifer and Roberto, both originally from Puerto Rico, served as inspiring role models for the students, enriching the session with their personal journeys and professional accomplishments.

Community Involvement

Students from John R. Lewis and West Potomac High Schools recently joined forces to create more than 100 handmade cards for Cards for Hospitalized Kids. This nonprofit organization spreads hope, joy, and magic to hospitalized children by distributing uplifting cards throughout the year to children's hospitals and Ronald McDonald Houses nationwide. With their empathy and creativity on display, our students showcased cool designs and heartfelt messages, demonstrating the power of kindness and compassion.

What's New

 
 
 

01 | En Sintonía con el Concejo del Condado de Montgomery

01 | See Our Services

On March 8, Sean Mann (Director of Montgomery and Prince George's County programs) and Melissa Gelinas (Director of Northern Virginia and Washington, D.C. programs), were featured on "En Sintonía con el Concejo del Condado de Montgomery." Sean and Melissa talked about how our programs help students find internships, programs, community activities, and scholarships to continue their academic studies. They also highlighted our internship program and scholarship opportunities.

Click below to watch the segment in Spanish!

 

02 | Naturally Latinos Conference 2024

01 | See Our Services

We're thrilled to share with you an incredible panel discussion hosted at the Naturally Latinos Conference 2024, presented by Nature Forward. Our very own Jacqueline Romero, Program Officer at Liberty’s Promise, and Sean Mann, Director of Montgomery and Prince George’s County Programs, took center stage alongside Anthony Chavez, one of our students from Wheaton High School, who offered his unique perspective on the transformative impact of our Opportunities Plus internship program.


Guided by Valeria Espinoza, Volunteer Services and Community Partnerships Coordinator at Montgomery Parks, this session delved into the essence of involving organizations in initiatives that support and empower young minds. Our staff provided firsthand insights into breaking barriers, fostering inclusivity, and nurturing talent!

Click below to watch the panel!

 

03 | Job Postings


Maryland

Virginia

  • City of Alexandria, Office of Communications & Community Engagement is looking for a Language Access Coordinator 
  • Fairfax County, Braddock District is looking for a Summer Intern to support administrative work

Washington, DC

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Questions?

Contact us at info@libertyspromise.org