Rep. Juan Vargas Congratulates the District Organizations highlighted by the White House’s “Bright Spots” Catalog
Washington, DC (October 29, 2015) – The White House has launched the “Bright Spots” Catalog in celebration of the Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanics’ 25th Anniversary. The document serves as a resource featuring 230 organizations across the Country that help further the education of members of the Hispanic community.
The “Bright Spots” Catalog features three organizations from the 51st District: the Barrio Logan College Institute, Reality Changers, and the San Ysidro Vanguard Education Foundation.
“I would like to extend my admiration and sincere thanks for all the work that these groups continue to do for the betterment of the Hispanic community,” said Rep. Vargas. “It is my hope that the success of these organizations will inspire other groups to join in the effort to improve educational opportunities for all the children in my district.”
The organizations, listed below, strive to narrow the achievement gap by providing the necessary tools for each student to succeed:
- Barrio Logan College Institute (BLCI): Established in 2007, BLCI is a nonprofit working to provide disadvantaged students with the opportunity to attend college. The organization begins working with students in third grade and continues providing support and guidance through college. Since its creation, 100% of its graduates have gone on to college.
- Reality Changers: Founded in 2001 in an attempt to better prepare disadvantaged Hispanic youth for college, Reality Changers established various support systems and college readiness programs. The organization has seen 97% of its students become first generation college students.
- San Ysidro Vanguard Education Foundation (SYVEF): Created in 2012 to address the racial and ethnic disparities within the San Ysidro School District, SYVEF maintains its focus on early learning, college access, Latino teacher recruitment, and STEM education.
Congressman Vargas represents California’s 51st Congressional District which includes the southern portion of San Diego County, all of Imperial County and California’s entire US/Mexico border. Vargas was first elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2012 and is currently serving his second term in Congress. He represented the 40th California State Senate District from 2010-2012, the 79th California State Assembly District from 2000 – 2006 and served on the San Diego City Council from 1993 – 2000.