July 12, 2024

PFS 2024 Highlights From Week 4

Dear Partnership for Success Students, Families, and Friends,

We're excited to recap the enriching experiences of the fourth week at Partnership for Success, where our Scholars continue to thrive and grow. Thanks to all the community love and support, we are planting seeds for the future and inspiring our Scholars to dream big! I hope you feel as energized as I do about all we accomplished this week.

Whirlwind of Exploration and Discovery Week 4 was packed with exploration and discovery for our Scholars! From Career Day at Westridge to inspirational visits to the Rose Bowl Stadium, Huntington Library, Museum of Tolerance, Getty Center, and a 7th grade service project with the Arroyos and Foothills Conservancy, Scholars engaged in unforgettable experiences across our community. These opportunities continue to shape their academic and personal growth as they prepare for future endeavors.

Inspiring Visit from Cynthia Cannady Our high school Scholars at Poly had an extraordinary opportunity this week. Cynthia Cannady, co-Chair of PASADENA 100 and a leader in sustainable energy, spent a day with our 10th grade Scholars in Mr. Cook’s Climate Sustainability course. Cannady inspired our students to tackle big challenges like climate change and guided them through an engaging "Electric Power Problem Solving Game." Through role-playing as city council members, community activists, and utility representatives, students deepened their understanding of the intricate relationship between electric power production and climate impact.

University Tours and College Life Exploration Our 11th and 12th Grade PFS Scholars had a dynamic week exploring higher education opportunities. They visited the University of Redlands, where they interacted with STEM majors and learned about college life directly from current students. Additionally, our 11th Grade Scholars visited Cal State LA and Occidental College, immersing themselves in campus environments and gaining valuable insights into the college application process.

Senior Scholars' Enriching Week Our Senior Scholars had a transformative experience at the University of La Verne and Claremont McKenna College (CMC). Thanks to our partnership with CMC and the generosity and support of Trustee David Mgrublian and his wife Margaret, Scholars enjoyed an overnight stay and engaged in hands-on case studies with the Admission Staff. This immersive experience provided invaluable insights into the college admissions process. The trip was complemented by a screening of 'Stand and Deliver' and a guided tour of Pomona College, along with an information session at Pitzer College.

Career Day for Westridge PFS Scholars Our 5th and 6th grade Scholars at Westridge enjoyed their annual Career Day and heard from a panel of exemplary women, including PFS alumnae Grace Persico and Lizeth Tapia. Grace works at the Environmental Protection Agency leading a grant program that supports clean water initiatives in underserved communities, and Lizeth is a mental health case worker at Pacific Clinics utilizing her sociology degree from UC Santa Barbara to positively impact her community. Other panelists included Dr. Denise Nelson Nash, Vice President and Secretary of the Board of Trustees of Scripps College, and Sigrid Burton, artist and painter.

If you missed this week's PFS Puentes workshop about the college process, we encourage you to view the recording here and review the slides here from PFS College Counselor Cris Monroy's presentation. This information will be especially helpful for our rising seniors and their parents.

Thank you to our dedicated community for supporting our Scholars on their journey of growth and exploration. Together, we continue to foster a culture of learning and achievement at Partnership for Success.

We can’t believe our fun-filled learning adventures will come to a close next week. We look forward to celebrating summer 2024 and seeing all students and families at our PFS Family Nights hosted at each PFS site!

Warm regards,

Dr. Jessica Pérez del Toro
Executive Director

Chandler Highlights

Scholars at Chandler are completing their "Math Road Trip", writing epic novels in English, crafting Viking ships in history, and exploring the oceans in science. All while keeping things under par with their mini-golf courses in technology.

Westridge Highlights

Scholars dreamed big about their futures and heard from a panel of four distinguished guest speakers on Career Day. We hope the stories of their journeys inspire our students to dream big and start envisioning their future selves!

Mayfield Highlights

From fine art classes to galleries at the Getty to exploring the natural beauty of Pasadena with the Arroyos and Foothills Conservancy, students are laying a strong foundation for their future by engaging in the arts and the outdoors.

Poly Highlights

Scholars embarked on campus tours to University of Redlands, Cal State LA, Occidental College, University of La Verne, and Claremont Colleges, they heard from inspiring guest speakers and ended the week with a thought-provoking film screening.