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October 2024
CEO Update
Do you remember your senior year of High School? The anticipation, stress, and worry over what college to apply to and if you will get in? While the mailed envelope has been replaced by digital submissions, the angst and determination around this critical time of liferemains the same. The 51 seniors in BLCI’s Class of 2025 have been preparing for this moment for years, introduced early on to BLCI’s tradition of enthusiastically shouting “we do!” when asked, “who wants to go to college?” at the end of each day.
Now, a decade later, these students are one step closer to achieving their dream of being the first in their families to attend – and graduate – college. Beginning with writing workshops in their junior year, the BLCI program team has been working with the Class of 2025 on personal insight questions and understanding all that goes into the college application process.
Applications continue to be submitted and with the UC application deadline just around the corner, our team is busier than ever. For BLCI students, college is the ultimate goal, but each year in the program the students celebrate their collective milestones and are met with ongoing encouragement every step among their path to college. Whether it is the end of year graduation for students promoting to middle school, or the spring break trip that takes BLCI Juniors to Northern California to tour colleges and imagine what life will be like if they choose to attend a university far from home, all these milestones are celebrated. One of my favorite BLCI traditions is the ringing of thebell. Application submissions are recognized by the sound of the bell ringing out across the halls, spreading motivation and the reminder that college is not just possible, but within reach.
The Class of 2025 are not the first students to feel the weight of college application season, but they are the first ones in their family. The guidance and encouragement that BLCI provides during this time is critical, and people like you who support our work are a key part of our success. I invite you to meet the Class of 2025 and learn how your involvement is making a difference at BLCI’s Open House or Opportunity for Impact events. Save the date info is below, and of course, we are always here to provide a tour and introduce you to our students at any time.
Thank you for your ongoing support,
Sara Boquin
BLCI CEO
Opportunity for Impact 2025
End the cycle of poverty and ensure equal access to education when you join BLCI at our Annual Opportunity for Impact fundraiser. Presented in partnership with Andy Achterkirchen, event proceeds support BLCI’s College and Career Readiness Program and help prepare students from underserved communities to be the first in their families to attend – and graduate – college.
We are excited to welcome Rana Sampson, who has been a dedicated member of our Advisory Board for many years, to the BLCI Board of Directors. Rana’s unwavering support for BLCI stems from a deep admiration for the resilience and passion of our students. In this interview, we explore what inspires her to be a champion for our mission and why she remains so committed to supporting our community. Read on to learn more about her journey with BLCI and her vision for the future of our organization.
What motivated you to join the BLCI Board?
I’ve been on BLCI’s Advisory Board for many years and wanted to increase my engagement because BLCI’s mission of preparing underserved first generation students to be the first in their families to go to college with my personal passion.
How did you first hear of BLCI?
I’ve known about BLCI for years and been a supporter because I greatly admire its outstanding outcomes.
What is your goal as a BLCI Board Member? What kind of impact do you hope to make?
I want to help continue the great legacy that BLCI has created.
What college(s) did you attend and what did you major in?
I attended Barnard College, Columbia University, relying on the financial aid the college provided and then Harvard Law School.
What advice would you give to BLCI students about education and why they should pursue it?
Attending college expands the mind and changes forever how we see and understand the world.
Thank you, Rana, for joining us in accomplishing our mission - we cannot wait to see the impact you will continue to have on our board.
Interested in learning more about how you can make a difference in the life of a BLCI student? Contact Megan@BLCI.org to schedule a tour and learn about volunteer opportunities in support of the Class of 2025.
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