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Dear Reader,
As we enter February, we are delighted to share the latest updates on our mission to help low-income immigrant youth learn about (and make their own unique contribution to) the civic life of their communities. The conclusion of 2023 marked a time of final celebrations at many of our programs, in which staff showcased the resilience and achievements of our participants.
We've had the privilege of working with more than 800 youth (and counting) in our current programs. Programs initiated later in the fall are now approaching completion, contributing to a promising trend. Notably, it seems we are returning to pre-COVID participation levels. The evident enthusiasm and commitment of students as they re-engage in after-school programming is a pleasure to see once again.
The new year has brought with it a wave of optimism, and we are excited to present some recent highlights from our programs, spanning all four pillars of our work—civic engagement, college preparation, career exploration, and community involvement.
Thank you for your continued support.
Warm regards,
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We are happy to introduce our new "Healthy Living" lesson in the Civics & Citizenship Junior Program, conducted at Lansdowne and Sudbrook Middle Schools in Baltimore County. This lesson is designed to emphasize the vital role of proper nutrition in the lives of our immigrant youth. Recognizing the prevalent issue of food insecurity within immigrant communities, this lesson equips our students to make informed and nutritious choices, especially on a limited budget. As students engaged in the "grocery shopping" activity, where they navigated Walmart's online store with a $100 budget, they gained firsthand insights into the challenges of making healthy choices on a limited resources—a crucial civics lesson, giving our youth the opportunity to use what they learned to voice their concerns about food insecurity in their communities to their elected officials.
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Roosevelt High School students embarked on an eye-opening trip to the University of the District of Columbia (UDC) this winter, immersing themselves in the campus's vast offerings. Discovering UDC's facilities and diverse career paths left them intrigued, especially as it was their first visit. The familiarity of the campus and the prospect of careers aligned with their interests resonated deeply. Notably, the revelation of UDC's supportive Hispanic club, Spanish-speaking teachers, and student representatives created a sense of belonging. A bilingual student representative shared his immigrant journey and UDC experience, emphasizing scholarship opportunities. As they concluded the visit, the students' joy was evident, solidifying their confidence in pursuing college with available scholarships—a significant moment in their journey to a brighter future.
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In our recent programs, we were privileged to host inspiring guest speakers who ignited the flame of career exploration among our students. At Roosevelt High School, Mr. J.J. Ortuno from Truist Bank shared valuable insights on responsible money management, particularly resonating with youth balancing work to support their families. His advice on financial responsibility, credit cards, and avoiding debt left a lasting impact. Meanwhile, at Northwestern High School and High Point High School, Andrew Ogilvy from Bethesda Games and Dr. Vanessa Tongue, who works in the cosmetology industry, captivated students. Ogilvy demystified the tech industry, while Dr. Tongue's journey showcased the potential in creative, hands-on careers. These sessions broadened students' career perspectives, highlighting diverse pathways to success.
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This winter, our programs at Roosevelt High School and Justice High School engaged in heartwarming community service initiatives. At Roosevelt, inspired by the desire for a unique and meaningful activity, students dedicated their Monday afternoons since November to craft Christmas cards for hospitalized kids. At Justice, the students crafted cards to be sent to those in senior homes and assisted living. The community-building aspect and the chance to earn community service hours resonated with the students, culminating in a collective effort that resulted in an impressive 150 Christmas cards, ensuring that numerous children and seniors would experience joy during the holiday season.
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This month's Alumni Spotlight shines bright on Vincent, an alumni from our CE-BELL program at Roosevelt High School.
Vincent is an alumni of Liberty’s Promise at Roosevelt High School class of 2018. He
has since gone on to get a bachelor’s degree in Integrative Studies at George Mason University, and is now a Project Management Officer at Accenture.
Click below to hear his story!
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02 | La Conferencia Naturally Latinos era el Enfoque de "En Sintonía con el Concejo del Condado Montgomery"
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Los invitados del programa del 19 de enero de En Sintonía con el Concejo del Condado de Montgomery eran Sean Mann, director de programas de los condados de Montgomery y Prince George's en Liberty's Promise; Valeria Espinoza de Montgomery Parks; y Eduardo Mendes, especialista del programa de Asistencia Voluntaria de Impuestos sobre la Renta (VITA) del Departamento de Salud y Servicios Humanos del Condado de Montgomery (DHHS). El primer segmento del programa destacó la quinta Conferencia Naturally Latinos en la cual participaron dos empleados de Liberty's Promise, Sean Mann y Jacqueline Romero.
Guests on the January 19 program of "En Sintonía con el Concejo del Condado de Montgomery" were Sean Mann, Director of Montgomery and Prince George’s County Programs at Liberty's Promise; Valeria Espinoza of Montgomery Parks; and Eduardo Mendes, Voluntary Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program specialist at the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). The first segment of the program highlighted the fifth Naturally Latinos Conference in which two Liberty's Promise employees, Sean Mann and Jacqueline Romero, participated.
Click below to watch the segment in Spanish!
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Apply for Federal Student Aid
- Check out this video from Montgomery College that explains how to apply for financial aid!
- Reminder to all attending college in the 2024-25 school year to fill out your FAFSA application. This must be completed every year. Here is a link to the FAFSA application. Here is a link to the FAFSA deadlines for your state.
- For undocumented students or other students that do not qualify for the FAFSA, you can complete the MSFAA (Maryland State Financial Aid Application) or MDCAPS. If you live in Virginia, complete the VASA form instead.
- Technical error on the FAFSA - parents without a social security number cannot enter their financial information. Read more. Leer más.
Tax Preparation
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Remote/Anywhere
- Climate Power is seeking a full-time Associate, Digital Communications to join their team remotely.
- WILL Empower (Women Innovating Labor Leadership) is looking for applicants for its selective Apprenticeship Program, a program designed to identify and recruit activists to the economic justice movement. The apprenticeship locations are across the United States.
Maryland
Virginia
Washington, DC
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Questions?
Contact us at info@libertyspromise.org
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