Celebrating Black History Month

As we embrace Black History Month, we reflect on the profound contributions Black Americans have made to our nation and the world. This month offers an opportunity to honor the legacies of trailblazers who have paved the way for future generations and to celebrate the vibrant culture and history that continue to shape our communities.

At the Urban League of San Diego County, we are deeply committed to advancing economic and social justice, empowering individuals and families, and creating opportunities for everyone in our community. This month, we celebrate the history that has shaped us and the future we are building together.

Black History Month reminds us that we are part of a rich, ongoing story of resilience, achievement, and progress. It is a time for us all to come together, to lift each other, and to recognize the importance of diversity and inclusion in every facet of life.

As we look ahead, let us continue honoring the past while shaping a future where all people, regardless of background or circumstance, can achieve their full potential.

Please stay tuned for upcoming messages, video podcasts, and events supporting our diverse community.

Thank you for being part of this journey with us.

Sincerely,

Al Abdallah

President & CEO

In observance of Presidents' Day, we will be closed for business on Monday, February 17, 2025. Business will resume on Tuesday, February 18, 2025. Our young adult shelter and youth drop-in center will remain open during this time.

Steeped in Success: Join Week Coffee & Tea Tasting Mixer

Come out and celebrate the diversity in the diaspora by enjoying some of the delicious coffees and teas from across the motherland. We're excited to sip and celebrate Black History Month with the Black-owned coffee shop- The Mental Bar. We'll hear about the various cultural connections to the coffee/tea while sipping and celebrating our being in the community. This in-person gathering is perfect for all coffee and tea enthusiasts looking to expand their palate. Whether you prefer a strong espresso or a calming herbal tea, there's something for everyone at this tasting mixer. Don't miss this opportunity to indulge in a world of flavors and network with the YPs.

See you there!

Do you have a 3.5 GPA (CUM) or know of a student with a 3.5 GPA (CUM)?

We would like to ask for registration of student participants with a Cumulative GPA of 3.5 and above for this exceptional acknowledgment. We will honor the students on Sunday, May 18, 2025, at 2:00 p.m., at Grossmont College, at a ceremony similar to college graduation and includes a motivational keynote speaker, scholarship announcements, community resource informational booths, prizes, and student gifts. The deadline is April 30, 2025, 5:00 p.m. Also, please note that this program event is free and filled with great opportunities, such as resources and funds for college.

Strictly Enforced Application Registration Requirements Include the Following:

• High School Students, in grades 8^th, 9^th , 10^th, 11^th and 12^th
• Must have a Cumulative Grade Point Average of 3.5 or greater.
• Note: A Cumulative Grade Point Average calculates the average of a student's grades for all semesters and courses completed up to a given academic term, whereas the GPA may only refer to one term.

A few notes to consider:

• We will have enough seats for the audience, unlike the previous year, but still encourage the family to bring their comfortable chairs
• We encourage elected officials and community leaders to help hand out medals, proclamations, scholarships, and certificates for opportunities but will limit talking opportunities so the program is not long.

The Links to STEM: Inspire Genius program is beginning its 12^th year. We are seeking a class of 35 diverse students. A flyer and application for new students is attached. If you know any students who may be interested, please encourage them to apply. New students must currently be in the 3^rd or 4^th grade to be eligible to apply. The application deadline is March 1, 2025.

The goal of this program is to enhance each student’s knowledge of STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) related issues and to increase their interest in STEM related college majors and careers. We understand that it is critical for our students to be able to compete in a global market and that students who embrace STEM at an early age are more likely to be prepared to meet the educational and employment challenges of the future. The cost to participate in this program is $50 per child (this includes STEM workshops, field trips, a Links to STEM t-shirt and sweatshirt). 

Are you passionate about the health and wellness of our community? Do you work in the health wellness industry? Do you have a skill that can benefit the advancement of health and wellness equity in our community? If so, we need you! Our community needs you! Sign up today using the link below. If you have questions, please send an email to info@sdul.org.

We want to help you with tools to "Thrive in 2025"!

Do you have a business that provides health and wellness for individuals and families in the County of San Diego, Orange County, or the Inland Empire?

We are creating a Health & Wellness Directory housed on the Urban League of San Diego County website. This will include a behavioral health directory and a general health and wellness directory. According to the attendees of our Fireside Chats, areas in our communities lack health resources and need more urgent care facilities, especially ones open after 5 p.m. Our young families need a directory and a resource toolkit that includes accepted insurance information and medical professionals with cultural sensitivity training for diverse community members. This will be an online business list versus a case management site. Individuals will be directed to contact hotlines if they need to speak to a live person or need case management services.

This can be mental health, medical health, doula professional health, promotoras/ community health worker, physical health, fitness, or nutritional health businesses. This can be small, extensive, private practice, or consulting businesses.

The Young Legislators Program (YLP) is an educational program sponsored by the Office of Senator Akilah Weber Pierson, M.D. of the 39th Senate District. The goal of the program is to equip our youth with the skills and knowledge to consider a career in government or public service, and an opportunity to learn about the state legislative process, current events, leadership development, financial literacy, and more. 

The Young Legislators will meet for six monthly sessions from April through September, on the 4th Wednesdays (except July) from 5pm-7pm at the La Mesa Spring Valley School District Administration Building.

Selection Criteria: 

• Open to high school sophomores and juniors who live or attend school in the 39th Senate District. 
• Must submit official high school transcript. 
• Must complete application form including short essays. 
• Must be able to commit to the scheduled sessions. 

Program Dates: 

• Session #1: April 23, 2025
• Session #2: May 28, 2025
• Session #3: June 25, 2025
• Session #4: July 30, 2025
• Session #5: August 27, 2025
• Session #6: September 24, 2025

You must submit your application by March 1, 2025 to be considered. Upon admission to the program, students must submit a participating agreement. We expect our Young Legislators to demonstrate characteristics for collaborative learning and integrity including adaptability, initiative, respect, and maturity. The attire for each session is business casual unless otherwise noted. 

UC San Diego Black Alumni Scholarship Fund

The UC San Diego Black Alumni Scholarship Fund offers eligible students a four-year $10,000 scholarship renewable at $2,500 annually. This scholarship program provides financial, academic and personal support to over 200 students currently attending UCSD. Additional scholarship program details are available at www.basf-sandiego.com. Steps to follow to apply for the BASF Scholarship are: (1) apply to UCSD before the 11/30/25 deadline; (2) if you are offered admission to UCSD, you will receive a link to the application from BASF; (3) complete and submit the online application.

We are excited to share an incredible opportunity for your students at Point Loma Nazarene University’s 2nd Annual Striving for Educational Achievement (S.E.A.) Scholars Weekend! This immersive, FREE program is designed specifically for current high school juniors eager to explore college life, enhance their academic readiness, and prepare for the college application journey.

We hope you will help us spread the word about this transformative experience to your students who would benefit from this unique opportunity.

Who is this Event Tailored For? The S.E.A. Scholars Program is designed for:

• Current High School Juniors who will be entering their senior year after this program.
• First-Generation College-Bound Students looking for guidance and support in navigating the college process.
• Students from College Readiness Programs seeking to gain a competitive edge in their academic journey.
• Motivated Learners interested in experiencing college life firsthand, regardless of their religious background or intent to enroll at PLNU.

Event Details:

• Dates: Friday evening, May 30 - Sunday morning, June 1, 2025
• Location: Point Loma Nazarene University Campus (3900 Lomaland Drive, San Diego, CA 92106)
• Cost: FREE (Includes housing, meals, and all activities; transportation not included)

Why Encourage Your Students to Apply?

• Academic Exploration: Students will participate in workshops led by PLNU faculty and staff.
• Campus Life Experience: They’ll stay in dorms, enjoy dining facilities, and engage in recreational activities.
• College Preparation Workshops: Students will gain insights into the application and scholarship process.
• Student Panels & Networking: Opportunities to connect with current students, like-minded peers, faculty, and staff.

How to Apply:

Students can complete the S.E.A. Scholars Application Form by March 17, 2025. Applications received after this date will be considered based on availability.

• Open Access is sharing that applications are now open for the 2025 Fellowship Program. This transformative program empowers Black and Latinx professionals to launch meaningful careers in community development finance while advancing equity in underserved communities. 
• The Fellowship Offers
• 10+ Hours of Free Training: Industry webinars and exclusive Novogradac conference access.
• 3-Month Paid Fellowship: Hands-on experience with leading organizations.
• Career-Building Opportunities: Networking with top professionals and pathways to career opportunities.
• Applications close February 15, 2025.
• Learn more and apply here: https://open-access.us/

• The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF) Leadership Institute is searching for emerging leaders looking to impact public policy positively and the communities around them. 
• Our paid Summer 2025 Internship Program offers a dynamic professional development experience to propel students in their post-college journey.
• Encourage a Summer 2024, Fall 2024, or Spring 2025 college graduate to submit an application by the deadline on March 28, 2025.
• Internship Options: Congressional Internship | Pathways to C-Suite Internship
• Program Dates: May 27 - July 27, 2025
• Location: Washington, D.C.
• Please mark your calendar for our virtual information sessions in January and February, where you can meet our team, hear from past interns, and ask your questions. More details will be shared on the upcoming events page.
• CBCF Scholarships 
• For over three decades, the CBCF has awarded scholarships to talented and deserving students in partnership with CBC Spouses. We award more than 300 scholarships to students who demonstrate leadership ability through exemplary community service and academic talent each year.
• Our scholarship programs support current or upcoming college students across various disciplines. CBCF offers almost a dozen scholarships with varying deadlines and criteria.
• Learn more here: https://www.cbcfinc.org/programs/scholarships/

• CBCF Paid Interns and Fellow Programs 
• The CBCF Leadership Institute prepares the next generation to take its place in community service and policy development. The following is a list of paid internships and fellowships.
• Deadlines vary.
• Learn more here: https://cbcfinc.academicworks.com/opportunities