Club Thrive in Joy Hosts Three Entrepreneurial Social Impact Projects (ESIPs)
Club Thrive in Joy leaders have been busy planning their student-led Entrepreneurial Social Impact Projects (ESIPs), which include safety preparedness (USC Hybrid High College Prep), an Easter egg hunt and party for families with foster children (Esperanza High College Prep), and an awareness event focused on men's mental health that incorporates an inclusive approach on how everyone is impacted by this important topic (Alliance Dr. Olga Mohan High). We estimate over 500 individuals will be served by these student projects focused on pressing needs within their communities. Read below to learn about what inspired the students to choose these unique projects.
Esperanza College Prep: “Esperanza’s Bunny Bash” on March 30th
Esperanza Club Thrive in Joy Co-Leads Jasmine and Stephanie both wanted to work with children for their ESIP. They planned “Esperanza’s Bunny Bash” for foster children and their families with activities that encourage interaction between foster children and volunteers. The festive activities included face painting, coloring, egg toss, balloon animals, confetti eggs, a photo booth, and an egg hunt.
In preparation for the event, Stephanie and Jasmine involved the Esperanza student body by recruiting over 20 student volunteers to assemble bunny baskets for the foster children. They encouraged Esperanza students to donate store-bought toiletries, toys, and festive treats to include within the baskets.
Jasmine Arizpe
Club Thrive in Joy Co-Lead at Esperanza College Prep
Stephanie Acosta
Club Thrive in Joy Co-Lead at Esperanza College Prep
Jasmine shared, “We both really wanted to work with children and help impact their lives, especially those who need it the most. After we did the Thrive in Joy Book Truck event, I feel like we saw the difference a simple book made to students. So, we wanted to create a bigger impact for students, to kids and teens that needed the support more than we needed it. Helping the foster system and foster kids was something that we truly felt passionate about.”
Stephanie said, “We both want to be teachers, so we thought, ‘why not do something in our community by bringing foster care and their families together for a bit of joy.’”
Alliance Dr. Olga Mohan High: “Talk About It” on April 23rd
Club Thrive in Joy co-leads, Melanie and Jose, are planning a men’s mental health awareness event with a focus on Latino experiences. We’re excited about Danny Trejo’s interest in speaking at this event. There will be booths dedicated to resources and helpful organizations. Activities will also include paint balloons, character strength bracelet-making, a booth of delivered books from The Book Truck, and an area to write personal reflections.
When asked what inspired the event, Melanie said, “Not a lot of people talk about it… eyes are more on women’s events and men hardly get that spotlight. Our club is mostly guys and we want to make them feel heard.”
Melanie Ramos
Club Thrive in Joy Co-Lead at Alliance Dr. Olga Mohan High
Jose Aragon
Club Thrive in Joy Co-Lead at Alliance Dr. Olga Mohan High
USC Hybrid High College Prep: “S.A.F.E. – Safety Awareness For Everyone” on April 24th
Club Thrive in Joy Co-Leads Angie and Nadia have been planning an educational event focused on safety awareness for students on their campus. Participants can expect a lot of interactive booths, demonstrations, career exploration, and giveaways. There will be several informative booths based on natural disasters, first aid, fire safety, cyber security, self-defense, transit safety, and community resources.
What originated as an idea about emergency preparedness expanded into an event for general safety. Nadia said, “I started thinking of different safety things to make it a bigger picture. Growing up, I used public transportation, so I think knowing self-defense and being aware of your surroundings to be prepared for any situation is very important. We want to bring different components of safety to our school so that the students could be aware and have an advantage in case anything ever happens.”
Nadia Valle-Luna
Club Thrive in Joy Co-Lead at USC Hybrid High College Prep
Angie Nolasco
Club Thrive in Joy Co-Lead at USC Hybrid High College Prep