The inaugural Mother Of Many (M.O.M.) fundraiser and showcase honoring Los Angeles City Council President Herb J. Wesson, Jr. at the California Science Center in Los Angeles was an impactful first time success. The October 3rd event celebrated Council President Wesson’s $125,000 partnership commitment to support M.O.M’s mission to bridge the K-12 S.T.E.A.M. (Science Technology Engineering Arts & Math) divide” in South Los Angeles schools throughout Council District 10. Current participating schools include Dorsey High School and Queen Anne Place Elementary.
M.O.M’s project-based learning approach has resulted in the historical development of South Los Angeles’ first AP Computer Science pathway at Dorsey High School; securing the inclusion of Dorsey’s Math and Science Magnet Academy in the final 2015-2016 pilot year of the new AP Computer Science Principles course before the exam is released in Spring 2017; and the implementation of an innovative Botanical Engineering and Food Science program at Crenshaw High School.
Dr. Robert K. Ross, President/CEO of the California Endowment and supporter of M.O.M’s work at Crenshaw and Dorsey high schools, surprised M.O.M.’s founder and CEO, Daphne Bradford, by announcing a $100,000 grant commitment. “Words can’t explain how incredibly awesome it feels to have the President of the Los Angeles City Council and the CEO/President of the California Endowment supporting M.O.M’s dedicated efforts to provide exposure, access and college and career opportunities for historically underrepresented African-American, Hispanic-American and female youth. Together, we’re changing lives every single day!”
The event brought together professionals in education, technology, government and business for an afternoon showcasing M.O.M’s AP Computer Science and Food Science programs where middle and high school students, along with M.O.M college fellows, who demonstrated their game design, food preservation and photography skills. The Squid & Squash Foundation, Supervisor Mark Ridley Thomas and Dulan’s on Crenshaw co-sponsored tables and meals for participating students and parents.
M.O.M is a grassroots nonprofit organization using innovative technology training, computer science, food science and robotics to help keep students engaged in high school and prepare them for college and career opportunities in fields seeking African Americans and Hispanic-Americans
For more information email us at [email protected] or visit us at www.motherofmany.com
