from the Quality of Life Center/Bright Futures Scholars
An impressive group of community leaders spoke during the Quality of Life Center's Bright Futures Scholars Leadership Development Program’s Special Holiday Celebration. Dean of Scholars Dr. Sandra E. Thomas welcomed four of the program’s distinguished mentors: Congresswoman Judy Chu, State Senator Carol Liu, Los Angeles Sheriff Leroy Baca, and General Manager of Pasadena Water and Power Phyllis Currie along with approximately 200 of the program’s participating youth. Also present were Altadena Sheriff's Captain John Benedict, Lt. Duane Allen and other sheriff station personnell along with the upcoming Altadena Walmart Store Manager Jennifer Gonzalez, two of her staff members and consultant Randy Terrell.
Each keynote speaker shared life experiences leading to the positions they currently hold. They encouraged the young academic achievers to pursue higher opportunities through education and to not allow circumstances, obstacles or challenges to stop them from achieving their highest potential.
Dr. Thomas told those in attendance that she is extremely proud of the success of the now nationally acclaimed Quality of Life Center programs; one such being the Bright Futures Scholars Leadership Development Program. She stated that, “In this particular program participating scholars are focused on daily leadership development as well as marketability skill preparation leading towards future goals. Our outstanding youth strive to meet the expectations that are set for them - and at the Quality of Life Center, the expectations are high.”
Recent results of the program includes are:
- 100% of the Bright Futures Scholars high school seniors have enrolled in a college since 2004 when the program began.
- The programs are in the top 10 percent of all academic programs in the country.
- In the past eight years, program participants have grown in annual numbers from 35 to more than 500.
- In academic achievement, the Bright Futures Scholars Leadership Development Program, when compared to others with similar demographics, ranks at the top state wide.
- Community leaders such as the senator, congressman, assembly member, county supervisor, ,mayor, council members, corporate executives, doctors, lawyers, judges, local schools superintendent, law enforcement and others, willingly volunteer their time to mentor the scholars individually as well as in groups.
- Each spring, qualifying scholars attend a seven day leadership retreat on Capitol Hill in Washington D.C. and put into practice all of the program skills acquired throughout the year.
- The Quality of Life Center, Inc., continues to instruct young participants on actively giving back to their community through social programs such as the “SSS (Student Serving Seniors) Program, as well as enabling them to address social, economic and community issues on all levels.
For more information about the Quality of Life Center, Inc. Programs please visit their website: www.qualityoflifecenterinc.com or contact them at 626 798-5433.
