Success Stories

Miguel Garcia is currently a fifth-year senior at Jordan High School in Los Angeles. Due to disciplinary and attendance issues, he was in danger of not earning a diploma. Almost a year behind in credits at the time his class graduated this past spring, Miguel nearly left school like his brother before him. But through his experience working for his father and speaking with others, Miguel understood the value of a diploma.

This past summer, his Diploma Project Adviser (DPA) approached him to talk about his options and together, they crafted a personalized schedule of electives and other required courses that would allow him to earn his diploma next spring. Back on his way to a diploma, he also is learning new leadership skills as the Class President.
“My DPA, Mr. Millender, has never let me down. I want to have a better life and next year when I get my diploma, I know I’ll be able to find a good job.”

Growing up in the neighborhood around Jordan High School, Lamont Millender can relate to the students he helps as a Diploma Project Adviser (DPA). He understands the problems his students face and what it’s like to live in South Los Angeles. Now in his second year as a DPA, Millender could easily have been assigned to another school, but he knew that Jordan needed him.

“Students in this community need one-to-one attention -- they need to know that somebody really does care about their future. There are so many options available to help students get their diploma, but they aren’t always aware they have choices. Whether it’s talking to a student when they enroll or going to their house because they haven’t been showing up for class, it makes a big difference to showing students they’re never alone.”