22 students from the Gang Violence Bridging Project, a division of The Pat Brown Institute, visited the office of David Sandoval, the director of EOP, as well as several other campus administrators at Cal State LA last Wednesday to denounce the treatment they received under the program. The students point to a contract they signed with EOP last September when they began the project which strongly suggested that fully participating and completing the Powerbuilders program would enable them to enter Cal State as freshman this fall. Instead of the 60 entrance slots Sandoval told Amanda Perez-Sosa, the Coordinator for the Powerbuilders, he would provide after the 8 month program, he has admitted less than 20 students.

Students are also demanding answers to questions regarding transcripts lost in the EOP offices and criteria used for admitting students as many of the top scoring students were not selected.

Not much I can do from here. Still, I worked at a 2-Year College and know what a pain in the rump administrators can be.
We had a politically correct African American woman from Minnesota come to town and fired 2 forced out 3 and 2 people quit ALL IN ONE OFFICE. Now if you go by the office the Provos has her head glued to the computer screen and does not care about the life blood of the campus or what happens to it's students.

Unfortunately, with this story C. Callaway and the IMC have fallen victim to the same kind of problematic, uninformed and biased journalism that this website usually critiques in the larger corporate institutions. The IMC needs to verify and check the facts on this situation before putting this on the front page.

Mr. Sandoval of Cal State LA is a veteran activist of both the Civil Rights and the Chicano movement and his
reputation within the history of social movements, particularly for those of people of color, and his dedication to them is impeccable. Furthermore, he has continued to work in this regard for CSLA, resulting in this institution having the
largest number of working-class students (Black, Latino, and Asian) from both the East L.A. and South Central communities. It is unfortunate that unknown factions have seized upon the disappointed feelings of a few working-class students to attempt to tarnish the dedication of both CSLA EOP and Mr. Sandoval to serving the underprivileged and underrepresented of Southern California in a capacity that none of the other major institutions of higher education can even touch.

As someone who is also familiar with such programs as the one in question at CSLA, I can offer a few insights:
1. Such programs do not always guarantee entry to the institution. That is based on meeting certain requirements for
admission, aside from high test scores; a fact which is not mentioned in the sketchy description of the situation. If students do not meet these requirements, it is not the fault of CSLA EOP, rather that of LA Unified School District, where most inner city high schools don't even provide the required courses that students need to gain entry to a Cal State or UC in the first place.
2. Without being insensitive to the needs of working-class students: from experience working with young people of
similar circumstances I know that some are very impatient with such outreach programs. The demands of homelife and mere subsistence are so overwhelming that participating in such a program seems impractical at first, since there
is not the guarantee of immediate returns, as there is with employment, or other means of garnering money and resources. Students often feel that the only reason for participating in such a program is that it will pay off in the end, when they could be engaging in other activities that may more immediately produce resources for subsistence. Thus, many from working-class backgrounds want to see immediate results, i.e. admission to a university, when they may
be unaware of the fact that certain requirements may not have been met. Here is where CSLA EOP may be in error, but most programs make students well aware of what they have to do. But some don't listen because of impatience and since the perceived impracticality of participating becomes a strain on time and resources in itself.

Thus, the facts of the matter need to be further clarified before we start questioning the only major institution in the region that has shown dedication to the working poor and has developed a well-deserved reputation as such. The needs of those students who are disappointed with CSLA EOP's powerbuilders program should be addressed and handled properly, but this discussion should be between the students and the program and not put out to the public like as if it was "dirty laundry." The facts of the matter have not been presented.

I question Callaway's integrity and intentions in posting this on the IMC, since other conflicts involving Latinos have also been misrepresented on this website in an attempt to foster division within the activist communities.

Get it together, people…

You say,

"I question Callaway's integrity and intentions in posting this on the IMC, since other conflicts involving Latinos have also been misrepresented on this website in an attempt to foster division within the activist communities."

If you are going to put yourself out on a limb by suggesting that we are deliberately trying to foster division within the activist community, in regards to Latinos specifically, you had better provide the facts that you so dearly cherish above.

I can understand your points with respect to getting the facts correct, but that is exactly why the software is designed to allow people to critique stories.
You are empowered to challenge this story.

BUT, it is quite another thing to resort to ad hominem
attacks yourself with out any examples or arguments to back it up. Your entire credibility sank to zero in your last paragraph.

Jake

Nice attempt at using semantics, but the claims of the above can be
backed up with the IMC's botched coverage of the "Voz de Azltan"
debacle--do we need to rehash that one?

And if your name is "jake" does that mean you are a cop...

Yes, lets do this. There are *many* latino's who are very critical of 'Voz de Aztlan.' To suggest that everything latino is Voz, or vice versa, is ridiculous.

Again, you claim Voz as your example. Let's see it! Get some quotes, something instead of rhetorical flourishes.

Thanks.

ps. why is it that when someone gets called to the table
for their rhetoric, they always resort to calling people
cops? its a sad tactic.

The PowerBuilder's program reported on is a gang intervention program that has been going on for some years now. As I have been told (read, heresay) for many years, its rate of completion was very low and the CSLA has not had to deal with many program graduates. This year (I have been told) the program successfully graduated a much higher percentage of their students. These students successfully completed the program with the hope that they would be able to continue on to the school itself. That (allegedly) did not happen. Allegedly, the school accepted only some of the graduaates, many of whom were not among the strongest students of the power-builder program.

Part of the target of this story is the fact that youth worked hard and were given at best, half-truths.

Once further information regarding this story becomes clearer, I think THEN anonymous can re-evaluate their charges of IMC race-baiting. But, until then, please refrain from haphazzardly assuming that an open forum can be entirely biased, all people (including vernerable activists AND IMC reporters) can both be wrong and right at the same time.
And this case, seems to have more validity then the Anonymous dude wants to focus on.

Hopefully we will soon learn more from C. Calloway

Unlike Anonymous, I am not an "unknown faction." As they have declined to give their identity while questioning my grasp of the facts in this case, allow me to fully disclose my involvement. I am not simply reporting on a story I heard about but am instead relaying what I have witnessed over the last 3 months.

I was approached back in April, along with a local radio producer, to go to Cal State and teach photography to the students in the Power Builders Program. We were hired to give the students continuing classes between the end of the program in June and the beginning of the Fall semester at Cal State. Unfortunately, after three classes, the coordinator of the Power Builders program, Amanda Perez-Sosa, received the surprising and disappointing news that there would be no Fall semester for most of the students. As a result, several times when I arrived at Cal State to teach, the classes were interrupted by the student's need to cope with such a devastating blow. One class in particular was dominated by Gilbert Sanchez, the director of the Gang Violence Bridging Project, telling the students that "mistakes had been made," (i.e. transcripts and applications lost in the EOP offices) but there was nothing that could be done and they would just have to attend community college. This session left the students stunned and many in tears.

I know the students in this article and much more than Anonymous' questioning of my facts, I resent the portrayal of their reaction as "the disappointed feelings of a few working-class students." In fact, in my experience, this condescending perspective typifies the reaction of the adminstrators of the Gang Violence Bridging Project and the EOP.

Instead of a "few" students, there were 72. And while they were never "guaranteed" entry into Cal State, they signed a contract approved by EOP which opens "Welcome to GVBP/EOP Academy! Congratulations on your acheivement as you embark on another step toward attaining your educational goals at California State University, Los Angeles (CSULA)." It further states that they would be required to attend all sessions, participate fully and attentatively and "cooperate, respect and support all peers." It concludes with: "I understand and agree to comply with these responsibilities. I understand that if I do not comply with these responsibilities, my admission into CSULA will be adversely affected (sic)."

The students worked diligently to fulfill their obligations. They came to class prepared, participated enthusiastically and even set aside former gang alliances to work with each other. They also filled out their applications, took the required tests and turned in high school transcripts to the EOP offices in February (all of which is documented), only to be told later that their documents had been lost and in some cases, that their files could not even be located.

Unlike Anonymous' patronizing assertion that "many from working-class backgrounds want to see immediate results, i.e. admission to a university," the students sacrificed jobs, family and friends in order to comply with their commitment to GVBP. One student rode the bus for over two hours each way while another quit her job and spent her savings on a babysitter for her small son because she knew, in the end, an education was worth the effort. Far from looking for the convenient way in, they took responsibility for their future and forfeited more productive avenues on their time (e.g. community college or jobs) to achieve what was a dream to most of them. "Immediate results" are the terrain of more privileged young people. A lifetime of disappointment and denial at the hands of authority have taught these particular students a more difficult lesson.

Anonymous also states "...most programs make students well aware of what they have to do. But some don't listen because of impatience and since the perceived impracticality of participating becomes a strain on time and resources in itself." Never, in the entire year, did anyone tell these students it would be unlikely that they would get into Cal State. Nowhere in the contract does it state that even if they fulfilled all the obligations to which they were signing, they would probably not be admitted. In fact, they weren't told because the expectation of GVBP was the same as that of the students. Sanchez told the students last week (I have this on tape in case Anonymous would like to question it), "We didn't know not everybody was going to get in."

As to criteria used for the students admitted (15 were selected to attend Cal State) Anonymous states, it "...is based on meeting certain requirements for admission, aside from high test scores; a fact which is not mentioned in the sketchy description of the situation. If students do not meet these requirements, it is not the fault of CSLA EOP, rather that of LA Unified School District, where most inner city high schools don't even provide the required courses that students need to gain entry to a Cal State or UC in the first place." The students were recruited into the Gang Violence Bridging Project. Their backgrounds, including their inner city high school educations, were no secret to the adminstrators. As the contract with the students states, "GVBP/EOP Academy was developed to enrich students with the Mathematics, Reading and Writing skills necessary for a successful transition and matriculation into CSULA." In addition, several of the students that were admitted to Cal State from GVBP were reading at a 3rd grade level while those reading at high school and college levels were denied. At least two students received acceptance letters only to receive denials within the same week.

Other criteria was much more indicative of successful admission. All three students followed through the course by the Los Angeles Times gained entry.

It is my understanding, both from Anonymous' letter and through other sources, that Mr. Sandoval has worked hard over the years as an activist and that Gilbert Sanchez has assisted 100 students gain entry into Cal State LA since the inception of the Gang Violence Bridging Program. But these achievements lose their meaning if the spirits of 57 students can be crushed within a single year. The students were chastised by the staff of GVBP for speaking up on their own behalf because, as Anonymous also points out, the program is one of the few left in existance and could be cut entirely. But the students feel betrayed and don't want others to have to suffer the same fate.

Have we fallen so far that any project professing to help at risk or non-privileged kids is worth protecting at all costs, even if it does little and hurts many in the process? Are we really willing to simply sweep lives under the rug as jusitifiable loss? Why not demand accountability, which is what these students have attempted to do? Why not demand that those who pledge to help people in need truly do what they proclaim to do?

I'm not sure who Anonymous is trying to protect. He/She clearly doesn't know the students I've come to know, or they would be supporting them, not disparaging their efforts. If their concern is truly about the future of the activist community, he/she will look to those attempting to change a world they perceive as unjust, the basis of all activism, not simply hold up the laurels of past acheivements or fear a political division.

As to my own "integrity and intentions," there is no question in my mind. I met kids who touched my heart and left me changed. Far from airing "dirty laundry," a hackneyed excuse used for centuries to suppress the widespread dissemination of wrongdoing or dissent, I'm helping extend their voices. They went to the school with their grievances and the school treated them like a few disappointed working class kids, unworthy of any sort of real hearing. I see them as much more than that. And I hope to watch everyone of them grow and succeed despite efforts to stop them.

After reading this story I thought of all the organizations and agencies that make promises they can't really keep. I was a Cal State LA student four years ago and am familiar with the Gang Violence Bridging Project. I was taking Eng. 102 with a student that went through that program. He tried convincing me that the program was worth while here on campus, assuming that I was not in support of the efforts.

He said to me, "This program is the best thing that has happened to me...ever." Then he went on to explain how they guided him and encouraged him to continue coming to school, join school organizations, become part of a study group and many other good tips that the average student is not aware of when you first enter school.

I remember going to one of the orientations that he was speaking at. He was nervous and wanted me there for moral support. He explained to the entering students how the university life was and what should be expected of the work and what is expected of them during this orientation.

There were over 80 youth at this orientation. Most of them had tattoos and were dressed in baggy clothes. They sat in their seats very calm and polite. During the orientation some of the youth began to walk out of the room when they began talking about class scheduling and terms papers and other things that required work.

At the very end of the orientation there were about 40 youth that were still in. They were told over and over that this program, if completed, would increase their chances of attending the university. Most of the youth were still working on their high school diplomas and GED's. So off the back, they were told that they probably would not be getting into the school just yet.

I called my friend today after reading this story and told him what had happened. He was happy that the students have had their first lesson in Protesting 101. The only problem is that this displaced anger should be focused on the regents that have made it more that difficult for them to get into the school.

I can imagine that they are angry at the fact that they were promised a ticket at a free university trip. But come on, let’s be real here, are EOP and the Gang Violence Bridging Project to blame? I think that if these students feel robbed they should be angry but should continue to try and get some kind of alternative education until they meet the minimum requirements to enter through EOP.

Who ever told these kids that education in California is a given, they are full of it. And the students that would fall for such a lie are fools for believing that. I graduated from Lincoln High School with a 3.0 GPA and was not accepted to Cal State LA because I didn't meet some qualification.

Did I protest or blame EOP? Not a chance. I went to PCC, volunteered in my neighborhood for a year, became involved in programs for youth and the following year I walked in like a bird in the forest.

Was I supposed to protest? Was I supposed to blame EOP or Admissions? Well, probably admissions. But EOP? Come on. That program has one of the best reputations in the state of California for working with kids that really would not stand a chance in the University and has helped people become professionals. Tell Danny Glover (actor) that the EOP program is no good. He'll laugh at that comment. I laugh at that comment.

I don't know who's behind this all but I wonder if they ever knew the difficulties of being a student and working hard for an education. Being poor or in a barrio is not a free ticket for an education. Trust me, nothing is a given nowadays.

I feel this action is really sending a message to the studends, the message being " never trust" I have personaly met several of the students and was very impressed with their wanting to make something better with their lives. Where did the monies go? I am getting angrier and angrier the more I think about it. I truly hope that we are able to get to the botton of this, and the students get their just dues.

As I said in my above statement, GVBP and EOP have accomplished a great deal in the past, but like many bureaucratic systems they seem to have lost sight of who they're trying to assist. Holding up one student who has benefited from the program doesn't address the 57 others who feel very betrayed. These are students who, through experience, have learned not to trust any system and unfortunately, this situation was enough to send a number of them back to the streets.

You might say they simply didn't have the fortitude; I would say instead there is a grave responsibility associated with assisting at-risk youth. They need to learn to trust and this can only happen when authority figures are trustworthy. Administrators have to be honorable, conscious, diligent and sensitive. The stakes are simply too high to be otherwise and petty adminstrative errors are inexcusable.

I also take exception to your assertion that the students were told that they would probably not get in. This is simply not the case. As I said above, even Gilbert Sanchez admitted he didn't realize this.

One final note, these students were not looking for a free ride. They worked hard throughout the eight months and knew, from presentations such as your friends as well as those of others, that the going would be hard for them. The difficulties they would face once they were admitted were no secret. What they were and still are looking for is accountability on two fronts. They were led to believe they would be admitted and they want to make sure the next students recruited for GVBP are not given the same false hopes. They also want an accounting of who was admitted and why. It was a slap in the face to them when the strongest students were passed over in favor of some of the weakest. So far there has been no viable explanation for that.

Most of them are continuing their education elsewhere, but they want GVBP, EOP and yes, the Regents as well, to reassess their role and their commitment to the community and the students they purport to serve. It's simply not enough to rest on past laurels.

Welcome to the Academia Bureaucratic Web of "ONCE UPON A TIME, I was." In the land of make believe "Couch Revolutionaries" that live off my hard earned tax dollars. You so called "Para La Gente" you live as a "Legend in you Own Minds."

How great it could be...if we kept our convictions and our principles close and
Near our hearts and minds...
Then maybe we would progress, But NO!
Just like the crabs in a bucket ready to pull one down as soon as you make it to the
Top...
YES, IF THE SHOE FITS? WEAR IT!!!!

Who the Hell am I?
Let me tell you who I am. I am nobody that cares for anybody and wants to be somebody.
And to make it to the top, I am the one you can stand on, to jump to the other side. I'm the one who hears the cry...of those who have been turned away, I'm the one that has been in the trenches, dungeons, pits, tombs and cracks.

You see I get my hands dirty, and embrace the hands of CONVICTS, GANG MEMBERS, HOMELESS, etc.
Who am I? Just a Mujer that loves to build and give hope in a COLD CALLUS WORLD, that feeds off the less fortunate, my people...

I am the Mujer with no titles and hidden agendas, just "Real" and "I Bitscha!"
I am neither an EDUCATOR or a SCHOLAR. I have no AA, BA, PHD or BS.
All I have is my dignity, my word and that which the Creator has given me.

How can these so-called make believe Academic Bureaucratic Phonies continue to go out around the world living on their past his_story when they can't even take care of their own BACKYARDS!!!! TODAY!!!

Yes, I'm talking to you! and to you David Sandoval and Gilbert Sanchez!
How can you sleep? Or even live with yourselves? Oh I forgot "Son Familia" "Oh, that's right..."
You've lived off your Image too long!! Ya Basta!!!
Remember Karma, my friend! You will no longer use my people as long as there is breath in me...

Who Am I? Amanda Perez-Sosa