10 Things About Stephanie Isabel Silvar & Barrio Logan College Institute
“Everything Happens For A Reason”
Barrio Logan College Institute (BLCI) began in 1996 by serving 12 students in a borrowed classroom at Perkins Elementary School. Today, the program serves up to 600 students each year from over 50 different schools at five program locations. Statistically, low income and first-generation college students have the lowest expected college completion rate – with a mere 21% of these students obtaining their college degrees. Statewide, the statistic is only slightly higher at 55%, yet BLCI students have a college completion rate of 71%. Stephanie Silvar is a BLCI board member as well as a BLCI alum. Stephanie epitomizes what students can do when given an opportunity to thrive.
#1 I grew up in Logan Heights, San Diego.
#2 I have learned so much from my neighborhood. Growing up, at times, I did wish we had a more comfortable lifestyle like other students did. However, I grew to understand that we are not all given the same opportunities.
#3 Giving back to my community means we get to write our own story and create opportunities where we might not have seen them before, for ourselves and for the next person.
#4 One of my many favorite countries is Ghana. The people are so kind and welcoming, and the food is delicious! I love traveling to countries with rich culture and history and Ghana has it all.
#5 I want to sky dive! I have been saying I will do it for the last 7 years and it is going to happen!
#6 Luna is my 8-year-old Husky who loves visiting the beach and watching sunsets. I also have Wagyu, the sweetest and most affectionate cat to walk this planet.
#7 The mission of BLCI is to break the cycle of poverty by preparing underserved students to be the first in their families to attend and graduate college through no cost after-school programs that begin in third grade.
#8 BLCI not only offers assistance with academics and scholarships but also comes with many opportunities to grow our network and become valuable assets to society.
#9 I met my mentor Frank through BLCI. Frank was available to me during college as well as when I started my career as an accountant. Frank has introduced me to professionals from all walks of life and taught me that we have all the opportunities in the world regardless of where we come from.
#10 What sets BLCI apart from other college readiness programs is that we do not stop supporting the students once they enter college. We have an alumni program to ensure they have support to finish and be gainfully employed within 6 months of graduation (95%).
Barrio Logan College Institute (BLCI)
“Opportunity for Impact”
May 8, 2024
5:00 – 8:00 PM
Farmer and The Seahorse
www.blci.org/opportunity-for-impact
