Graduation Dreams Come True for Boys & Girls Club College Bound Students

Boys & Girls Club College Bound scholarship recipients (photo: San Pedro Boys & Girls Club)

In 2002, the San Pedro Boys & Girls Club’s College Bound Program had a class of 30 students with only one high school and one college graduate. More than a decade (and 1,300 students) later, that graduation rate has increased 98 percent, higher than most school district graduation rates in the United States.

Last Friday (May 30), nearly 300 College Bound senior students filled the Warner Grand Theatre and walked its stage on their way to the colleges and careers of their dreams. Some of the students have overcome incredible struggles such as having to balance work and perfect grades, staying off the streets or financial problems. Others have simply joined the program due to their school’s lack of college preparatory resources.

Elizabeth Machado is one of the many College Bound students who recognized her potential as a successful student and leader in today’s society. Although she accomplished the Ivy League dream of being accepted into Cornell University, she later made the bold decision to stay close to home and study human biology at UCLA and hopefully intern at its renowned medical research center. Machado wishes to become a doctor and work in preventive medicine. She is most passionate about preventing illnesses caused by unhealthy nutrition. “I could see myself helping people,” says Machado.

“We are doing the job that our state and public education system should be doing but cannot for numerous political and other reasons.”

Mike Lansing, executive director and alumnus of the Boys & Girls Club, realized early on that there was an urgent need for the club to establish a bold plan that would guide its students on the path to high school graduation and pursuing their college dreams. It wasn’t enough for the club to just keep its students off the streets. So the College Bound Program began providing everyday financial and academic resources. This year, the students received $125,000 worth of scholarship funds donated by the many organizations that support their work. Many of the college hopefuls are also first generation high school or college graduates, a reality that makes it that much more difficult for the students to understand the competitive process of applying to college today.

“We are taking the responsibility as a nonprofit community-based organization,” says Lansing. “We are doing the job that our state and public education system should be doing but cannot for numerous political and other reasons… We are not [just] an afternoon homework assistance program.”

College Bound hopeful John Muto will be attending Los Angeles Harbor College and aims to transfer to UCLA in two years. Having an autistic brother and a passion for playing baseball, Muto wants to work for a sports-related nonprofit organization. He imagines a future where he will join his passion for baseball with the growing need to improve the lives of the autistic community through sports. He also hopes to provide Boys & Girls Club baseball fields all over the country. “I told Mike Lansing I want to be in his position,” says Muto. “I want to take this over.”