Newsletter - Summer 2018
New Electrical Career Pathway Program Receives Support from Thunderbirds Charities & JPMorgan Chase
Thunderbird Charities and JPMorgan Chase help new Electrical Career Pathway program launch by awarding a combined $335,000 in grants. The new program offers "opportunity youth" - 16 to 24 year olds who are unemployed and not in school - the chance to obtain entry-level vocational training in the construction industry. Participants will learn the basics of electrical and carpentry and receive hands-on occupational training from experienced, industry certified instructors.

The program will also offer participants the ability to earn construction certificates from the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) on Fundamentals of Construction Core Curriculum, covering safety, construction math, hand and power tools, drawings communication skills, materials handling, and overall employability skills.

Serving as a natural stepping stone, YouthBuild participants have the opportunity to join the new Electrical Career Pathway program upon completion of basic training.

Want to join YouthBuild or know someone who does? Enrollment is now open. Sign up . Interested in learning more about the new Electrical Career Pathway program? Email Mariana Torres at [email protected] .
Pathways to Justice Careers Celebrates Big
Public Safety Summer Academies Graduate 121 Students
On August 3, 2018, the graduates were recognized by leaders part of local police, fire, and justice departments, including Maricopa County Sheriff Paul Penzone.
The Pathways to Justice Careers program focuses on exposing "opportunity youth" to careers in criminal justice, emergency services, and the legal field. Monthly workshops introduce students to the various careers in public service, while teaching them job-search and social skills. Community leaders currently involved in public service guide group sessions and share real-life examples of duties.

A key component of the program is the paid, summer employment opportunity offered at a local agency. The Public Safety Summer Academies include the Police Academy, Fire Academy, opportunities in the District Court with Judge Enrique Medina, and Immigration Program at Friendly House. The summer sessions provide up to 80 hours of paid employment.

"The program goes beyond exposing youth to careers in public service; it inspires them to see possibilities in these fields, which most have never even thought about," said program manager Mariana Torres. "The youth learn about the value of public service and, at the same time, the organizations learn a bit more about the people they serve."

New Partnership with College Success Arizona Helps North High School Mustang on Next Adventure as ASU Sun Devil
Michael Joseph Serna is on to his next adventure as an Arizona State University (ASU) Sun Devil after graduating from North High School this past spring. During high school, Michael was part of the College Access Program, TRiO Talent Search (TRiO), receiving tools and support that would help him attend college.  
As a TRiO participant, Michael participated in activities that exposed him to the state's colleges and universities, including on campus tours. An advisor also provided the emotional support that motivated Michael to stay on track, cheering him on as he participated in honors choir and Achieving a College Education Program (ACE) at Gateway Community College. 

Michael will be attending ASU in the fall, majoring in secondary education with an emphasis in social studies and a minor in music.  

Due to his academics, dedication, and love for education, Michael was nominated to join the College Success Arizona Scholars program this fall. As a program partner, College Success Arizona will offer Michael mentorship through his college experience. The goal of the new partnership between Friendly House's TRiO program and College Success Arizona is to provide our graduate support as they embark on a new education adventure in college.

Helping Families Establish a Strong Foundation
Emergency Services
The Emergency Services program continues to provide food boxes, hygiene kits, along with rent and utility assistance to families in need. In June, we held a community and health fair at Central Park where 15 partners helped us provide valuable resources to more than 100 attendees. APS's Hispanic (HOLA!) volunteers helped distribute food boxes from St. Mary's Food Bank. The next community fair will be held in September.
Teen Outreach
The Teen Outreach program has a strong group of students at Academia del Pueblo ready to kick off the year and begin working on community service projects! The program's goal is to  improve the health and social well-being of youth through a nine-month, group-based, youth development program. Last year, the program donated valuable time and effort to Ronald McDonald House Charities, Feed My Starving Children, and St. Mary’s Food Bank, volunteering more than 1,820 hours.
Parent Education & Drug Prevention
The Parent Education and Drug Prevention team served 885 youth and adults during the 2017-2018 fiscal year, busting myths and providing valuable resources on not only street drugs, but also prescription medication.

Schedule a drug prevention presentation at your school, community center or nonprofit for parents or youth by contacting Lucia Nolasco at [email protected].

Students Make School History in STEM
Academia del Pueblo middle school students named  2018 Canyon Athletic Association Lego Master Build State Champions.

Academia del Pueblo (ADP) students made school history by being the first group ever to compete in a statewide STEM Lego Master Build completion and taking first place. The after-school STEM and Robotics team participated in the 2018 CAA Lego Master Build and Robotics league during the 2018 school year. After going head-to-head with other students in five competitions throughout the school year, the ADP team qualified to compete statewide.  
 
Consisting of three separate STEM events, the ADP team won the statewide competition by accumulating the most points in each event and, at times, competing against high school students. We are extremely proud of our ADP Eagles!

EVENTS COMING UP!
Registration for free GED classes
October 22 at Noon and 3 p.m.
Registration for free English classes September 4 at 9 a.m and 3 p.m.
The Consulate of Peru is coming to Phoenix Saturday, September 29. Appointments required.
Save the date for the 83rd Tamale Dinner Saturday, December 1 at 5:30 p.m.