Three Mission Bay High School seniors successfully completed an intensive internship program, a collaboration between The Organizing and Leadership Academy (TOLA) and the Cesar Chavez Service Clubs (CCSC). This initiative aimed to educate and engage the community on local ballot measures leading up to the 2024 election, providing students with practical knowledge and skills related to community organizing and civic engagement. The fruition of their endeavors highlights the potential influence of youth in shaping the political landscape through informed voter education and active community participation.
Internship Program Overview
From July through November, twelve students from various high schools within the San Diego Unified School District participated in this initiative, which focused on providing a comprehensive understanding of civic engagement and community organizing. The integrated curriculum was designed to cover all aspects of political campaigning, including setting effective goals, strategizing community education campaigns, developing detailed timelines, and conducting widespread voter outreach activities. These ambitious interns were educated on pressing local issues while benefiting from mentorship from professionals such as skilled organizers, community leaders, polling experts, campaign strategists, and even elected officials. This holistic approach ensured that the students gained a well-rounded understanding of political campaigns.
Through the program, interns were equipped with a diverse set of skills essential for successful voter engagement and community education. Techniques ranged from traditional methods like door-to-door canvassing, phone calls, and mailings to modern approaches involving social media outreach and securing endorsements. This multifaceted training provided practical insights into the realities of electoral campaigns, emphasizing the importance of voter education in a democratic setting. The remarkable dedication and effort of these students in mastering these various skills underscored their commitment to making a meaningful impact within their communities.
TOLA and CCSC: A Collaborative Effort
TOLA, established in 2010, is dedicated to training individuals and communities in the fundamental principles of community organizing and civic engagement. Over the last 14 years, the academy has offered extensive hands-on training programs, focusing on those eager to learn and implement organizational skills to foster community improvements. The program’s curriculum features a blend of classroom instruction, substantial reading, reflective writing assignments, and active participation in real-life organizing projects. This comprehensive approach cultivates disciplined and skillful community leaders capable of instigating significant change.
Similarly, the Cesar Chavez Service Clubs (CCSC) is a nonprofit organization committed to inspiring and empowering young people, primarily from Latino backgrounds, to believe in their ability to effect change. CCSC offers a youth leadership development program designed to instill leadership qualities among students from elementary through high school within the San Diego Unified School District. This collaborative effort between TOLA and CCSC represented a pivotal opportunity to synergize their strengths and further their shared mission of fostering capable and inspired young leaders.
Mission Bay High Seniors: Cynthia Lopez Guerrero, Ayden Perez, and Derius McCovy
The summer 2024 internship program marked the first-ever collaboration between TOLA and CCSC, culminating in a fruitful partnership. Among the selected interns were Mission Bay High seniors Cynthia Lopez Guerrero, Ayden Perez, and Derius McCovy. This program sought to exemplify the significant influence that youth can wield in elections and community enhancement efforts. Cynthia Lopez Guerrero was selected for the program through her involvement with the First Gen Scholars program, and after a successful interview and reference evaluation, she was invited to participate.
During the Community Leadership Intern Showcase on November 15, Guerrero, together with Keila Tolentino, a senior from Patrick Henry High, presented a project highlighting the importance of leadership and community participation. Their initiative focused on interviewing office staff, teens, and community leaders about their experiences and contributions, with the aim of sharing these narratives on Instagram to reach a broader audience and inspire others to take active roles in their communities. Guerrero expressed immense pride in their accomplishments, particularly as their campaign, Measure HH, successfully passed in the election.
Voter Education Guide: McCovy and Perez’s Contribution
McCovy and Perez embarked on their projects after undergoing a similarly rigorous selection process during the summer internship. Their substantial contribution came in the form of a voter education guide titled “10 Things You Should Know About Voting But Don’t,” which was specifically aimed at young and first-time voters. This comprehensive guide covered vital topics such as voting rights, researching candidates and issues, understanding the required IDs at polling locations, and recognizing potential voter suppression tactics. This guide served as a crucial tool in fostering informed voter participation, playing a significant role in empowering young voters to make educated decisions during the election process.
All three students, along with their families, decided to attend Mission Bay High due to the challenge and rigor offered by the International Baccalaureate (IB) Program. Guerrero’s involvement in multiple IB classes, ASB activities, her Theory of Knowledge class, and her completion of college applications exemplify her commitment to academic excellence. Driven by her parents’ legal challenges as immigrants, Guerrero aspires to become a lawyer while also maintaining an interest in sports management.
Academic and Extracurricular Achievements
McCovy, who became fluent in Spanish by attending The Language Academy Spanish Immersion Program, continued to pursue the highest level of Spanish education within the IB Program at Mission Bay High. Like Guerrero, McCovy manages a demanding schedule of IB classes and various extracurricular activities in preparation for college. His future aspirations include owning a business and property, highlighting his entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to academic achievement.
Similarly, Perez, another active participant in the IB Program, has career goals centered on real estate investment. His dedication to his academics is evident through his efforts in the rigorous IB curriculum and his acceptance into Cal State San Marcos as a pre-business major. All three students’ unwavering commitment to their studies and future careers underscores the valuable skills and perspectives they have gained through the internship program.
Reflections on Leadership and Role Models
Three seniors from Mission Bay High School successfully completed an intensive internship program, which was a joint effort between The Organizing and Leadership Academy (TOLA) and the Cesar Chavez Service Clubs (CCSC). This program was specifically designed to educate and engage the community about local ballot measures in the lead-up to the 2024 election. Through their participation, the students gained practical knowledge and valuable skills in community organizing and civic engagement. The success of their efforts underscores the significant impact that youth can have in shaping the political landscape. By informing voters and actively participating in community initiatives, these students demonstrated the power of young people to contribute meaningfully to society. Their accomplishment serves as a testament to the potential influence of well-informed, motivated youth in fostering civic awareness and encouraging active participation in the democratic process. This initiative ultimately showcases the importance of educating the younger generation to ensure a more engaged and informed electorate in the future.