East Palo Alto Academy (EPAA) is excited to begin the 2023-2024 school year, dedicated to pushing toward our ambitious goals. We continue to be dedicated to continuously improving our impact within the community, encompassing several key areas.
First, we want to ensure that our community college and career-bound students, representing 45-55% of the student body, have a clear vision for their future. To achieve this, we've started a book club focused on "Hope Rising" by Casey Gwinn for our care team, comprised of our school counselors, manager of social services, therapy fellow, college and career specialist, and administration. We're also working closely with EPAAF on a co-led college and career-tech consortium, drawing interest from over 77 regional leaders to expand opportunities for these students.
Another important priority is meeting the unique needs of our 137 English Learners (ELs) and Long-Term English Learners (LTELs). To address this effectively, we've appointed a dedicated Bilingual Resource Teacher who is able to focus on this vital work.
Furthermore, we are committed to our students feeling inspired and supported in their educational journey. To this end, we've launched "Road to Legendary Fridays" in collaboration with community-based organizations, aiming to kindle their passions. We are excited to expand this collaboration with Stanford HAAS Center, Boys and Girls Club of the Peninsula, Silicon Valley Urban Debate League, Live in Peace, Youth Community Service, Street Code, and YMCA (who will be teaching swimming, such an important resource to ensure social capital for our students).
What truly distinguishes EPAA is its impact on the community, as evident in the lives of our alumni and colleagues who exemplify first-generation and BIPOC success stories:
Noelia, an EPAA alumna, is volunteering in the newcomer classes, teaching folklorico dance after graduating from UCLA, while waiting for her post-grad work at UC Davis en route to medical school.
Neil Prakash, another EPAA success story, is both a UC Davis graduate and a colleague at Sequoia Union High School District, where he teaches math at Sequoia High School.
Our dedicated colleagues are pursuing further education even while working full-time at EPAA. Staff members are working toward their master's degrees, including a teaching credential and a bachelor's degree.
Our very first "maestra," Lucia Gonzalez, has achieved homeownership in East Palo Alto, underscoring the profound impact of EPAA within the community.
These success stories demonstrate the tangible and lasting benefits of our work in the community.
— Amika Guillaume, EPAA Principal