Equitas Alumni Community Newsletter | Winter 2020
Dear Equitas Community,

Every December, alumni come together to reconnect with their Equitas family for the winter social at EQ2, and also to honor the contributions that alumni make to their communities every day through the annual presentation of the Commitment to Community award. Be sure to check out the Alumni Spotlight to read more about this year's award winners.

We are looking forward to the new year and all that is to come - socials, academic workshops, mentorship, reunions and more!

We hope you enjoy exploring recent alumni successes, happenings, upcoming events and more to help keep you connected to our alumni while on their path to graduation.

Best wishes,

Mr. Iniguez and Ms. Finelli
Equitas Academy High School Prep and Alumni Programs Team
Alumni Spotlights
Leslie J., Class of 2025
Ellmi G., Class of 2026
James G., Class of 2027

Nominated by high school teachers, counselors, and mentors, the 2019 Commitment to Community award received dozens of nominations for outstanding Equitas alumni contributing to their high schools and communities. This year's award recipients are Leslie J., Ellmi G., and James G . They are recognized for being seen as leaders and role models in their school communities, and engaging in community service or social justice efforts in their communities and schools. Read more about their contributions here>>
Recent Alumni Successes
  • Heidi M. (Class of 2025) was recognized by the California Scholarship Federation for her grades at Immaculate Heart High School in the fall.

  • Dillan W. (Class of 2025) achieved principal's Honor Roll at Alliance Ted K. Tajima High School.

  • Jennifer A. (Class of 2025) participated in the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA) downtown rally in November to defend DACA and was featured in an online news article.

  • Oscar P. (Class of 2025), junior at USC Ednovate Brio College Prep, had a lead role and participated in the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA) downtown rally in November to defend DACA. pictured below

  • Evelyn C. (Class of 2025) was selected as "Wolverine of the Month" at Alliance Ted K. Tajima High School.

  • Laura U. (Class of 2026) represented the United States at the International Congress of Young Leaders and Ambassadors of Peace in Madrid, Spain. The sophomore at Central City Value High School traveled to Spain for the first time in December.

  • Yazmin V. (Class of 2026) joined Changeist, where she participates in Saturday volunteer events serving the city of Los Angeles, as well as completes team-based projects.

  • Dayana G. (Class of 2026) has been an active volunteer for the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA). The sophomore volunteers at events in the community where Mexican families living in Los Angeles have been reunited with the third generation living in Mexico.

  • Andrew M. (Class of 2027) joined the swim team at Alliance Ted K. Tajima High School.

  • Esmeralda P. (Class of 2027) joined the cheer team at Bishop Conaty Our Lady of Loretto.

  • Abigail M., Areli S., and Dillan W. (Class of 2025) competed in the first and second rounds of the Los Angeles Mock Trial Competition at the Stanley Mosk Courthouse in November. pictured below
Have a success you want to share? Email us at [email protected]
#EQtoCollege Instagram Highlight: "Home for the Holidays"
Equitas alumni were invited "Home for the Holidays" on Wednesday, December 18th for the annual winter social. Hosted at EQ2, the alumni were able to reconnect with old friends and teachers while enjoying dinner, cookie decorating, and a hot cocoa station. The annual Commitment to Community alumni award was presented to outstanding alumni that were nominated by their respective high schools for their leadership contributions in and out of school.
The Latest for Alumni
The latest news, resources, and opportunities for Equitas Alumni.
FEATURED NEWS
Equitas Academy is committed to supporting 100 percent of scholars to and through a four-year college or university. First-generation, low-income scholars will face unique hurdles as they may lack people able to support their access to and through college. However, mentors play a critical role for first-generation college students!

Equitas is excited to announce the launch of the Mentor Volunteer Program (MVP). Equitas alumni will be paired with mentors who share similar career interests, and once a month mentors and alumni will check in for 30 minutes. Concurrently, Equitas alumni will complete 10 volunteer hours for their mentor at their mentor's place of work. While mentors share their college experience and serve as a role model, alumni will volunteer their time and gain real-world experience in a field of interest.

We are now accepting applications for Mentors and Alumni. Equitas alumni who are currently juniors (11th grade) are encouraged to enroll in the Mentor-Volunteer Program. Visit the MVP webpage for information, FAQs, and more.
Equitas alumni are invited to reach out to us anytime to schedule a visit to our Resource Library, to request tutoring, or come say hi--but once month, we'll also order pizza! This month's Pizza Plus open house is Tuesday, January 28th from 4-6pm at Equitas Network Office (1612 W. Pico). No need to RSVP, just drop by.
Alumni can join us for an SAT Boot Camp on Saturday, February 1st. Priority registration is open to the Class of 2025, as this workshop is especially encouraged for juniors taking the test in the coming months.
Equitas alumni come together every March for the annual Alumni Service Day. Save the date for this year's service day on Saturday, March 21st. Details and link to register will be coming soon.
Join fellow Equitas alumni on a college visit to UC-Riverside on Saturday, April 4th. Save the date! Details and link to register will be coming soon.
Congratulations to the 2019 winners of the Equitas Alumni Commitment to Community Award! Read more about the winners here.
Looking to volunteer at Equitas? There are teachers and staff that could use your help! Learn more about potential volunteer opportunities at Equitas Academy.
Equitas alumni have  exclusive access to a Test Preparation Coach to assist with creating a study schedule, overcoming test anxiety, and developing strategies for test preparation and test day success. In addition, alumni have free access to thousands of courses and resources on Study.com!
Questions about an event coming up? Need help preparing for a test? Want to share a recent success? Curious about volunteering at Equitas? Text us anytime at 323-546-6197. We got you.
Support Our Alumni
Three ways for community members to help our alumni stay on track toward a bachelor's degree.
Apply to be an MVP
This month Equitas launches its Mentor-Volunteer Program (MVP) for current alumni. Alumni will be paired with college-educated professionals in their field of interest to volunteer on-the-job and receive support on their path to college. All you need is a bachelor's degree; no college advising experience necessary!
Volunteer for Alumni Service Day or Alumni College Visit
In honor of Cesar Chavez Day, Equitas alumni come together every March for the annual Alumni Service Day. In April, we will be visiting UC-Riverside with alumni. Let us know you are interested in volunteering and we will send you more information on how to sign up!
Donate to Equitas
Celebrating its 10th Year, Equitas Academy Charter Schools are free public schools for families who believe their children deserve a high-quality education and challenging school experience. We invite you to join our cause.
Stay Connected