With commencement ceremonies taking on new forms like drive-through parades and virtual events this year, South Bay Community Services is honoring graduates advancing from many of its programs in various creative ways. Join us in applauding and celebrating the accomplishments of the children, youth and families we serve who make up the graduating class of 2020!

Chula Vista Promise Neighborhood

Since its launch in 2011, SBCS’ Chula Vista Promise Neighborhood program has assisted 492 high school graduates, 27 college graduates and 146 Escuelita del Futuro preschool graduates in reaching their full academic potential. 

This year, CVPromise celebrates: 

• 50 high school graduates
  • 26 students will attend a four-year university 
  • 15 students will attend a two-year university
  • 6 students will enter the workforce 
  • 2 students will attend a trade school
  • 1 student will join the U.S. Army 
• 5 college graduates who earned degrees from UC Riverside, UCLA, Southwestern College, USD and Cal State Poly Pomona 
• 24 Escuelita del Futuro graduates are heading to kindergarten and transitional kindergarten. Check out the photos from this year’s drive-thru parade graduation.

Mi Escuelita Preschool

Since 2006, SBCS’ Mi Escuelita Preschool has been supporting children ages 3 to 5 who have been exposed to domestic violence in healing and preparing for success in kindergarten. Our team supports the social, academic and mental well-being of students with a commitment to their healthiest futures. 

In 2020, Mi Escuelita celebrated 25 graduating preschoolers. Check out photos from this year’s drive-thru motorcade graduation.

First 5 First Steps 

Since 2013, SBCS’ First 5 First Steps program has been strengthening child and family relationships by providing support, education and guidance through home visits and group activities.

In June 2020, our First 5 First Steps program celebrated 12 graduating parents and young children who completed their three year journey. The First 5 First Steps team is proud of their commitment to the health of their families and success of their children.

Resident Leadership Academy 

Since 2016, SBCS’ Resident Leadership Academy program has graduated 98 local leaders. These community members have enhanced their leadership skills and created change in their neighborhoods through education and action around public safety, civic engagement, land use, healthy food systems and more. 

In June 2020, our National City Intergenerational cohort celebrated nine graduates.

Learn to Earn to Achieve Potential (LEAP)

This year, our LEAP secondary bridging program celebrated seven graduating high school seniors. Our county-wide program provides youth ages 16 to 25 with 6 – 8 weeks of academic skill remediation, work readiness and life skills development as well as college and career exploration and preparation.

We look forward to continuing to support these students as they transition into their first year of post-secondary training/education!

EXCEL

SBCS’ EXCEL work readiness program celebrated a dozen high school graduates in 2020, including one student who will attend UCLA in the fall! Our EXCEL program supports current and former foster youth ages 16 to 24 to develop the skills they need to obtain and maintain employment.

Independent Living Skills (ILS)

This July, our ILS team congratulated a dozen high school graduates who engaged in a unique series of educational classes and services designed to support current and former foster youth and other youth in the community.