BLU NOTE NEWSLETTER: BLU TURNS 15

MESSAGE FROM OUR CEO DINA WALKER

BLU Educational Foundation is celebrating its fifteenth year in 2024. Running a successful non-profit for this period of time has not always been easy. In fact, we have almost closed our doors twice.

As we honor this milestone anniversary, I'm celebrating all of our partners that have helped us get to this point and I'm looking to the future.

Between the staff that we've had, the students we've served and the families and community members we have engaged, we are beginning to see the long-term impact of BLU's service to the Inland Empire.

I'm so proud of the work we've been able to accomplish over the last fifteen years. I hope you'll be able to join us at our anniversary celebration on November 7th as we celebrate our work together over the last decade and a half.

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As we head into the new school year, we'd like to take a moment to spotlight our incredible summer 2024 programming including two internship programs and our student leadership camp.

BLU Educational Foundation Summer Internship

The BLU Summer Internship offers high school and college students the opportunity to lead projects related to BLU's four focus areas. This summer 20 interns were selected for our largest internship group yet. Projects included running a Black History Camp for elementary and middle school students, conducting focus groups about Black Student Unions, co-hosting the College Connection Cookout with National Black Grad and taking over BLU's social media.

BLU Print External Summer Internship

The BLU Print was developed in response to the increasing demand for meaningful career exploration and

exposure.  Recognizing that many students enter the workforce lacking fundamental knowledge of standard workplace practices and essential skills for success, this summer BLU welcomed 21 students to participate in professional development and placed them as paid interns with our various external partners.

SOL Brothers & Soul Sisters Leadership Camp

SOL Brothers & Soul Sisters Leadership Camp is always one of the highlights of BLU's summer programming. This year we provided impactful leadership programming for 69 students (35 Soul Sisters & 34 SOL Brothers) at San Diego State University. In addition to workshops on leadership development, students were able to enjoy building relationships through beach trips, kickball games, and team-building activities. Overall, students had a great time; 100% of participants would recommend the camp to a friend and 93% of participants want to attend again next year!

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BLU is actively hiring the following full-time positions:

Community Partnerships Coordinator

The Community Partnerships Coordinator will be responsible for developing relationships with nonprofit organizations, faith-based organizations, businesses and other community service groups to provide a system of support and enrichment opportunities for youth and their families. The Coordinator will work with BLU staff and partners to coordinate opportunities to increase college access and program participation. This position requires someone that has experience in community partnerships, project management and/or sales and marketing.

African-American Civic Engagement Manager

In this pivotal role, you will engage directly with Black parents, youth, and community organizations to help cultivate future leaders who are ready to take action and advocate for their communities. You will design and lead programs that bring people together, foster community empowerment and prepare the next generation of changemakers to influence policy and drive social progress. Your work will make a tangible difference. Whether you're organizing leadership workshops, building alliances with local partners, or coordinating community events, you’ll be at the heart of a movement for justice and equity. You’ll also guide and mentor a team of dedicated volunteers and interns, helping to expand the reach of our mission and amplify our impact.

BLU's JOB BOARD

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RSVP TODAY!