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June Alumni Update

Alumni Highlights

LP shines this month’s Alumni Spotlight on Emely Zavala, alumna of John F. Kennedy High School, class of 2014.

Emely is a 2018 graduate of Towson University, receiving her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education/Special Education.

We spoke to Emely about her journey and here is what she had to say:

“I am a daughter of two Salvadoran immigrants. My parents came to this country for a better life. They had lived through El Salvador's civil war and did not come from wealthy families. My father began to work from the young age of 5 and did not continue his education past third grade. He came to this country at the age of 15 and began working right away. My mother, who came when she was 14 years old, was able to graduate high school in Silver Spring, MD. They dreamed of having a family and giving their children more than what they had or accomplished. 

After graduating high school, I went to Montgomery College to study education. I chose to teach in order to help students like my brother who struggled with learning. At a young age, I wished to have had the tools to support him in his learning. Unfortunately, I was not able to help him, but now I am able to work with students who are in similar situations. In addition, as a fluent Spanish speaker, I am able to help close the barrier that can be created in the school community when English is not the family's first language.

I am the first to graduate with a bachelor's degree in my family and currently it is my third year working in an elementary school in Montgomery County. It is one of the most rewarding jobs. It is amazing to see the growth students make from the beginning to the end of the school year!

My favorite memory of Liberty's Promise is the team atmosphere. My program officer was there to help us grow and achieve as a team. Liberty's Promise assisted me in embracing my background, giving me confidence, and giving me the tools needed to continue my education after high school. They helped us learn about different scholarships and resources available to us as students from different backgrounds.

​My advice to youth and alumni is to work hard. You don't have to be the 'smartest' or 'best', you simply need to work hard and be determined. Great things don't come easy, they come with sacrifice. You will come across moments where you will want to quit, but if you push past those moments/thoughts, you will see it was all worth it in the end."

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Want us to feature you? Share what you are up to since you graduated from high school or email Yuri Martinez.

Opportunities and Events

2021 LP Alumni Award Nominations

The Liberty’s Promise Alumni community is successful, diverse, and vibrant and making real change in their communities, across the United States!

The amazing stories and success of our alumni reinforce our purpose, and their passionate, ongoing support is invaluable. As such, we are thrilled to be launching our inaugural Alumni Awards in September 2021.

This award will be presented in September to recognize the outstanding achievement of an Alum who has brought distinction to themselves, credit to LP, and real benefit to their community.

The deadline for nominations is Friday, July 30th.

Mentoring

There is still time to sign up to be part of the LP Mentorship Program taking place from July 2021 through December 2021. 

This is a great opportunity to improve your skills, form professional connections, and plan and complete your life goals. The program will see you matched with a Liberty's Promise alumni mentor. To participate, you should have graduated from high school and have participated in Liberty's Promise while in high school. You must also be willing to make a commitment of at least 2 hours each month for 6 months, starting with our opening ceremony July 30th.

Click here to become a mentee!

Certificate for Apartment Maintenance Technician (CAMT)

Enhance your professional growth in the apartment industry by earning a Certificate for Apartment Maintenance Technician (CAMT), a program that can take your career to the next level! You will improve your English with the help of language support, math, reading, and work-related skills while learning how to maintain and repair: apartment interior and exterior, electrical systems, plumbing, HVAC, and appliances.

Course Dates: Oct. 4, 2021 - Nov. 30, 2021

Virtual Monday–Friday, 9 am – 4 pm.

Information Session Schedule: July 9, July 20, or Aug. 6, 2021,12 pm to 3 pm

Click HERE to register for the information session.

Students will submit an online application and will be tested for the program after the information session. Email Anita Mwalui if you have any questions.

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

Improve your English, math, reading, study, computer, and work-related skills. Learn how to take care of patients and residents in a clinical setting and how to take blood pressure, feed and bathe patients, use CPR if a person is having a heart attack or not breathing, help patients move safely, work with medical records and medical technology, and work as part of a healthcare team of professionals.

Course Dates: October 4, 2021 to December 17, 2021

Monday–Friday, 9 am – 4 pm

Information Session Schedule: July 8, July 19, or Aug. 5, 2021,12 pm to 3 pm

Click HERE to register for the information session.

Students will submit an online application and will be tested for the program after the information session.

Contact Anita Mwalui for more information.

Employment

LP Fairfax Summer Program Intern

We are currently seeking a Program Intern to help manage alumni relations/fundraising for our organization, and support youth participating in our professional internship program, Opportunities Plus. Our intern will gain a unique insight into how a small nonprofit works from day-to-day and will be regarded as a core member of our team. These interns will be expected to work 40 hours weekly from 1 July to 31 August (updated dates).

Click here to learn more and to apply - please email a resume, cover letter, and three references.

Scholarships



Montgomery College Foundation Scholarship

Due: Wednesday, June 30th

Events



Financial Literacy Workshop

Thursday, June 17th, 6-7 pm

Alumni Summer Reunion

Saturday, July 17th, 12 pm

Support Liberty's Promise

The LP Digital Tip Jar

Looking for an easy way to support us just by going about your day?

You can now donate to Liberty’s Promise by rounding up to the nearest dollar. Turn your spare change into positive change by clicking below.

Become a Mentor

Are you an LP Alumni?

Do you have 3 years of work experience?

Join our new mentorship program today and help give back to your fellow Alumni. Your experience and support as an LP Alumni will make a real impact across the LP Community.