LAEP’s community schools team at Torres has worked with the school to develop two mentorship programs running this year:
- The Toro Way Mentorship Program: Upper-grade students mentor 9th graders around important social-emotional, academic, and community-building topics
- The College Peer Advisor Program: Seniors get trained on the college and financial aid application process to develop their confidence in applying themselves – then they volunteer their time after school to help their peers complete applications!
East Los Angeles Renaissance Academy student Wendy said the College Peer Advisor Program “has been one of the best experiences I had in high school. It was the help that I needed to get by, and it really helped me not get too stressed or feel like I am alone. It was good to know that there are others on the same path.
“This program was able to prepare me for what I needed for all my college applications and for what to expect. I was able to start early, help others, and I even had a lot of help throughout the process.
“I love that I met others and that the program wasn’t very serious. Even when we were working on college applications the environment was peaceful and very comfortable.”
Nayeli, a senior at Social Justice Leadership Academy Magnet, is a Toro Way Mentorship Program Leader.
“The program had a huge impact on me because being able to work with others and learning about them really helped me improve my communication skills,” Nayeli said. “Not only was I able to make new friends, I was also able to find new opportunities throughout the program like applying to my first job. This program has also helped me be more open to new opportunities and has also helped me better my speaking, listening and teamwork skills.
“I really enjoyed being part of this program because we all got along and we treated each other like friends. I decided to stay because I wanted to help students throughout the program and I wanted to be someone they could talk to if they ever needed help. And it looks good on your resume.
“I love the people [in the program] and their vibe. I also liked that no one judged. The activities that are done in the program is something I really enjoy doing with all the other students. Overall, I just like being there.”
Maria, a student at East Los Angeles Performing Arts Academy Magnet, said of the College Peer Advisor Program:
“The program really helped me understand the process of college applications and financial aid. I joined because at first, I didn’t know what the [application] process would be like and honestly, I was very lost and scared because I thought it would be very difficult. The program gave me knowledge on applications and when it was time to fill out my application, I already knew what information I needed to bring with me without having to go back and forth because I ‘didn’t know I needed that.’
“I really liked that I was able to help others with their applications because it could be overwhelming.”
Humanitas Academy of Art and Technology senior Isaac is a Toro Way Mentorship Program Leader.
“The mentorship program has impacted me in learning new things, such as helping others,” Isaac said. “In the past, I wasn’t as good at helping others as I am now. I feel more comfortable.
“What I liked about the mentorship program was that it was always a good vibe when you walked in. We’d have snacks, we’d go on trips to volunteer and we’d always be bonding. We always planned an activity where everyone was always included.
“I came back to the mentorship program because it was a good learning opportunity. So I stayed a second year, to continue helping the underclassmen and be a leader in the second year. It was a good opportunity and it’s one of my favorite things here in high school.”
Social Justice Leadership Academy Magnet senior Carina is a college peer advisor.
“The program gave me a better understanding of how to apply for colleges and it allowed me to help the rest of my peers who were lost,” Carina reflected. “When it was time for applications I wasn’t stressed out because I already knew what to do.
“I decided to join because I knew I couldn’t rely on my family to help me with applications because they never had to go through the process of applying and weren’t even home. I saw the opportunity and took it. I also had friends who were interested, which made me want to go even more.
“I liked the fact that it went by fast, and I was able to work on my own applications with the teachers. I also appreciated how at the end of the club we celebrated with pizza and games that brought us together. I also liked how I got to meet new people from other academies.”
Thank you to the Torres mentors! You exemplify youth leadership and empowerment, making your community schools even more amazing each day.