Category Archives: News

Spotlight on Renato Jimenez: Empowering Students Beyond the Classroom

Renato Jimenez, a sociology professor at Cal State Fullerton and East Los Angeles College, has dedicated his career to uplifting students in need. In 2019, he founded the ELAC Pop-Up Closet, a resource that has provided free clothing and essentials to over 3,000 students, helping them face challenges with confidence and dignity. Through his visionContinue reading “Spotlight on Renato Jimenez: Empowering Students Beyond the Classroom”

Our Newest SparQ, Breaking Barriers

Drawing from the rich tapestry of Brenda Martinez Castillo’s life, her journey from Ecatepec, Mexico, to the halls of UC Berkeley and the frontlines of immigrant advocacy paints a vivid picture of resilience, determination, and the power of hope. Brenda’s story is not just her own but a reflection of countless others navigating the complexitiesContinue reading “Our Newest SparQ, Breaking Barriers”

Empowering Young Changemakers

We are excited to announce this year’s Ember Project recipients from Westside Neighborhood School (WNS), where four incredible student teams have demonstrated exemplary social entrepreneurship and community service. Celebrating with a Cause: Birthday Parties for Homeless Children Our first inspiring group collaborated with Worthy of Love to organize a memorable birthday party for children facingContinue reading “Empowering Young Changemakers”

Ember Project Recipients Starting A Fundraiser

This year, we will spotlight and support four teams of student changemakers. While their full stories are yet to be released, we want to focus on one team that has begun a creative fundraiser. These 8th-grade students from Westside Neighborhood School are helping to address the issue of homelessness, particularly for children, in a uniqueContinue reading “Ember Project Recipients Starting A Fundraiser”

Celebrating the Remarkable Journey of James Kanoff and The Farmlink Project

A Legacy of Impact and Recognition It is with immense pride and admiration that we revisit the journey of our first SparQ, James Kanoff. Since our initial feature, James and his organization, The Farmlink Project, have achieved extraordinary milestones in their mission to combat food waste and hunger. Surpassing 100 Million Pounds The Farmlink ProjectContinue reading “Celebrating the Remarkable Journey of James Kanoff and The Farmlink Project”

Ripple Effect: A Game-Changing Approach to Youth Education and Civic Engagement

In a world that’s more interconnected than ever, it’s crucial for our youth to be aware of the challenges around them and feel empowered to make a difference. That’s why I created “Ripple Effect.” Designed as an educational card game, it is a tool for fostering critical thinking, empathy, and active citizenship geared toward middle-Continue reading “Ripple Effect: A Game-Changing Approach to Youth Education and Civic Engagement”