ECCLA Spring Essay Contest!

If you could spend one day with someone from the past who would it be and why?  What would you want to learn from them or speak to them about?  

ECCLA invites you to submit entries for our Spring "Person from the Past" Essay Contest.  Both Middle and High School students can enter to win cash prizes of up to $100.  The contest is open to 6th - 12th grade students enrolled in an ECCLA target school, located in the area bounded by Olympic, Slauson, Crenshaw, and Alameda Blvds.

Winning essays are those which are personal narratives depicting what this person means to the student, using examples and other descriptive attributes.

Good luck and we hope you will join us!

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For more information regarding the essay and to download the application form - click here.  Follow the link and then click on the second contest rules link from the top.

  

Event Recap: A (First Friday) Night at the Museum

The Natural History Museum opened it's doors to the nighttime crowd yet again this past Friday, February 4, 2011 to continue their First Friday series...and I must say, it was fabulous. The mix of modern decor and intimidating stuffed animals in the animal hall, which was filled with the dance music, was a complete juxtaposition from the museum you saw as a child.

This past Friday the Nostradamus theme continued, and Pulitzer Prize-winning author Johnathan Wiener discussed his thoughts about the future, and how human existence might one day be never ending.  It seemed only fitting on a night where you live out Peter Pan-like adventures in a museum.  

The museum itself was packed and better than ever, there were young hipsters, high school students, parents looking for a night out, and even a human size Tyrannosaurus Rex puppet made his way through the main foyer.   It seemed as though everyone was in search of a good time.  The music blared through the usually, quiet and stoic halls and I could not help but think that these wonderful nights will be a celebration of the past, present and (hopefully) the never ending future. 

First Fridays at the Natural History Museum

Once a month, the Natural History Museum opens its doors for the nighttime crowd and the adults come out to play!  This exciting event features live music, scientific panels and discussions, and behind the scenes curatorial tours.  First Fridays is a way to welcome back its old audience with a new adult twist.

First Fridays 2011 is called the Nostradamus Edition.  For this year the theme is the future - where are we going?  What is going to happen us?  Will be doomed to follow the ill fated path as the dinosaur?  Join the fun to discover and discuss the pathway of the future!

Save the Dates:
January 7, 2011
February 4, 2011
March 4, 2011
April 1, 2011
May 6, 2011
June 3, 2011

For more information about the event you can visit the site.  Tickets can be purchased here, or if you are a USC student or staff it is free!

Celebrating Black History Month at CAAM

Celebrate Black History Month with the California African American Museum! Celebrate the diverse influence and achievements of art, history and culture with a packed program full of performances and celebrity guests.  This very special Target Sunday starts at 1pm this Sunday, February 6, 2011.

African American Youth Leadership Program

The African-American Youth Leadership Program (AAYLP), a division of the Research and Policy Institute of California, is seeking applicants for its African-American Youth Leadership Conference. California high school students who will enter their junior or senior year this fall are invited to apply.  The conference will be held the last week of July at CSU Sacramento.


Student will be immersed in: 
- Leadership training and skills 
- Understanding of the workings of state and local government
- Financial responsibility
- Living a healthy and balance life
- Career development 


...and attend:
- Thought provoking presentations on leadership
- Participate in workshops to learn skills on leading and healthy physical and fiscal life
- Gain understanding of logistical governmental issues in mock hearings at the State Capitol


MOST importantly: housing, meals, program materials and transportation to, from and during the conference site provided at NO COST to the participants!


Deadline to apply: April 1, 2011 here 

MIND Research Institute's LA Math Initiative!

Imagine looking at a math problem and seeing the solution as a picture.  Moreover, classrooms full of kids who are using a digital math program with the signature MIND Research Institute character, Jiji the penguin, to compute difficult algebraic equations.

Last year, the MIND Research Institute, a non-profit organization based in Orange County developed visual approaches to illustrating math concepts and building problem-solving skills as the basis for spatial-temporal approach to math education for elementary and secondary schools.  

From this sprung various Math Initiative grants in underrepresented communities throughout the West Coast to help local educators and schools to narrow the achievement gap.  Los Angeles soon followed suit and a community partnership with ECCLA in conjunction with other local entities was born.  Schools are given a $45,000 grant which include their award winning instructional software program, development trainings with principals, software updates and MIND support staff that help with implementation throughout the year.

You can read more about ECCLA’s partnership with the LA Math Initiative on the MIND Research Institute’s website, or feel free to submit a question to the blog and we’d be happy to read it and pass it on!       

People in Progress' Los Angeles 1st Annual Youth Summit

People in Progress will hold their 1st annual youth summit in order to create a stronger community through empowering young people with robust knowledge and experience that will be obtained through a series of workshops on topics regarding gang violence, drug prevention, sex education, nutrition and many more!  The event takes place on February 12, 2011 at Los Angeles City College.  Call Genaro or Sylvia at (213) 413-9122 for more information.