Starting With Success!

KYCC’s Youth Development leadership programs officially kicked off the 2005-2006 school year with successful orientation seminars for the Korean Coalition of Students in California (KCSC) and the Youth Drug Abuse Prevention Program (YDAPP). KCSC held its leadership seminar at the Wilshire Grand Hotel in late August to welcome a brand-new class of 11 students. Activities included icebreakers and communication exercises designed to empower the incoming class of 2005. KCSC serves as an umbrella organization for all Southern California high school Korean clubs. KCSC students work together to organize fundraisers for Korean clubs and offer a variety of community service opportunities throughout the school year.

YDAPP held its orientation seminar in September at the Gas Company in Playa del Rey. Four returning interns and eight new high school interns gathered to plan for a year filled with education and large-scale special community events. To prepare for the year, interns participate in games and exercises that promote teamwork, communication and critical thinking skills. YDAPP’s vision is to educate the community about the hazards of underage drinking and illicit drugs through education workshops and special events.

In addition, the Youth Development Unit is recruiting for the Tutor Education and Mentor project (TEAM). TEAM trains high school students to be mentors for elementary students enrolled in KYCC’s after-school program. TEAM tutors work one-on-one with students, help with homework, and assist with other activities in the after-school program.

For more information on TEAM or other Youth Development Programs, please contact Benjie Kim at benjiekim4@kyccla.org or (213) 365-7400, ext. 118.

And Now Preschool

Since August 2004, KYCC has provided trilingual, high-quality, affordable early childhood education for children in our community. KYCC offers a sliding scale for tuition based on income and need. As of July 1, 2005, both children’s center sites (Immanuel and Crenshaw) now provide state preschool for three hours during the day in addition to other wonderful children’s activities.

KYCC’s childcare is founded on the belief that early childhood education is the crucial foundation for life. The preschool years are critical to a child’s physical, intellectual, cognitive and emotional growth, and children need a structured environment which is nurturing and physically safe. KYCC provides that safe space for children in our community. For more information about enrollment, please contact Cindy Shin, family advocate, at (213) 368-3243, ext. 104 (Immanuel Site), and (323) 297-0038, ext. 302 (Crenshaw Site).

Drop-In For Some Help

KYCC provides a variety of academic enrichment and personal development services at the Los Angeles High Drop-In Center, located in Harrison Hall. Services are free for any Los Angeles High student and include academic tutoring, California High School Exit Exam (CAHSEE) test preparation, college preparation, leadership development and community service opportunities. The Drop-In Center is open Monday through Friday from 3:15 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. and has three full-time staff and around five academic tutors from UCLA. In addition, the Drop-In Center is fully equipped with internet-ready laptops for technology enrichment. If you have questions about the Drop-In Center, please contact Shonté Thomas at sthomas@kyccla.org.