President’s Message:

“I See You” – Finding Common Ground

Stu Semigran

A group of 80 educators who have never met before – “strangers” – mill around the conference’s seminar room, stopping in front of one another, looking into each other’s eyes to speak a simple statement, “I see you."

Obviously this is an unusual, perhaps uncomfortable introduction. No opportunity to share your hometown, your personal history, or your lunch preference. Just pausing to look and seeing the specialness in this stranger's eyes. After all, it has been said, “Every friend starts out as stranger."

What if, at this time in our country, in our world, there’s nothing more important than deeply seeing each other, listening to one another, and valuing one another. There will always be differences of opinions and numerous points of view. Rather than allowing those differences to instigate knee-jerk reactions that pull us apart, to create divisive walls of “I’m right and you’re wrong,” what if we venture back in, come closer to each other? What if we let ourselves be curious and to be interested, to reach out and seek to understand one another? Rather than the easy, cynical approach of “What do they know,” we can consider asking: “Please help me understand what you mean," or "Why do you think that," or even just “Tell me more."

There’s a lot of aspirational talk these days of seeking our “better angels”, of calming down, of toning down, and of unity. Our willingness to seek common ground, to look and listen for the concerns, needs, and interests we all share can lead to a genuine, practical pathway for constructive communication and connection. What if each of us desires greater empathy and consideration? In EduCare, we aim to guide our students through the process of moving from tolerance, to understanding, to compassion. It often begins by simply looking at a "stranger" – with the willingness to focus not on how we differ, but rather on seeing and honoring our shared humanity.

Introducing EduCare's Incoming CEO

Jill Jacobson Takes the Helm in 2025

After an extensive search and careful consideration, EduCare’s Board of Directors is incredibly pleased to announce the appointment of Jill Jacobson as our new Chief Executive Officer, effective January 1, 2025.

Last year, as you may know, after 35 years of extraordinary leadership, Stu Semigran had announced his plans to retire at the end of 2024. We are grateful and fortunate that Stu will continue to serve as an advisor and ambassador, furthering EduCare’s impact in the world. With the guidance of a CEO search consultant, our Board of Directors conducted an extensive formal CEO Search process – and Jill proved to be the perfect choice. We are inspired by the knowledge, experience, and heart-centered leadership Jill has demonstrated, and are eager to see the new heights to which she can lift EduCare.

In 2007, Jill first came to EduCare by volunteering as an Event Captain in our Achievement and Commitment to Excellence (ACE) Program. As her love for EduCare and her commitment to serving students grew, she quickly joined EduCare’s Administrative team as Finance Director (2008 to 2015). She was promoted to Vice President of Finance and Human Resources (2015 to 2018) and has served in her current role as Chief Operating Officer since 2018. For the past 16 years, Jill has skillfully overseen EduCare’s daily business management and continues to demonstrate a steadfast commitment to EduCare’s mission with impeccability and excellence in all that she does.

Jill has over 30 years’ experience in finance, operations and human resources management, legal contract management and negotiation, project management, strategic planning and development, and regulatory compliance. Prior to joining EduCare, her career in finance began with a decade as a Vice President and Manager of the Institutional Trust Department at Bank of America, followed by five years as a Network Manager with The Capital Group Companies. At the Capital Group, Jill was engaged in emerging international market research and strategic market access. Directly before joining EduCare, she served as a Vice President and Manager of security operations at IndyMac Bank.

Jill holds two bachelor’s degrees in business administration with an emphasis in Finance and Psychology from California State University, Long Beach.

Please join us in extending a warm congratulations to Jill as we embark on EduCare’s continuing vision of creating learning communities of compassion and joy and advocating for a world where love is the foundation of education!

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Specialized Student Support Services Go to Summer Camp

Growth, Leadership & Fun
in Nature!

This summer, camping trips brought students in EduCare's Specialized Student Support Services into two natural settings for learning, collaboration, and play! Both sites are managed by the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) as science education facilities and camps. Clear Creek Outdoor Education Center is nestled in the beautiful Angeles National Forest above La Cañada-Flintridge; the Point Fermin Outdoor Education Center is tucked into the hills of the San Pedro Peninsula.

Take Action Campaign (TAC) Summer Camp
July 8-12
This summer, EduCare's TAC – College and Career Program students took part in a week-long Summer Camp at Clear Creek. 20 happy students explored the Angeles National Forest, engaging in hands-on science lessons, nighttime star watching, and studying the health of the nearby creek ecosystem. All the while, students continued to enhance the leadership and team-building skills they had been developing during the school year by participating in TAC. We can hardly wait till next year's Summer Camp!

Language in Action Program (LAP) Summer Camp
July 1-3
During their time in the historic Clear Creek location, 22 exceptional LAUSD students participated in the LAP Camp. Hiking, swimming, team-building games, and nature discussions in this beautiful, serene setting enhanced students' English-language speaking and listening skills. It was the perfect setting for EduCare's LAP students to collaborate, share ideas, and support each other while enjoying the great outdoors!

CyberPatriot Summer Camp
July 1-3
Twenty-two CyberPatriot students enjoyed stunning views of Catalina Island and the Port of Los Angeles from their camp at Point Fermin. They engaged in environmental exploration, leadership development, and a combination refresher / introduction to cyber security. From field studies at the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium (assessing coastal water health) to visiting the USS Iowa battleship (learning its historical significance and technological advancements), to showcasing their growing cybersecurity skills, students enhanced their leadership and team-building skills – all while having a blast.

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Highlight on Afterschool:

All the Joys of Summer

From elementary to middle to high schools, EduCare's Summer Programs had something fun for everyone! Basketball practice, crafts, costumes, claymation, weight lifting, snow cones...you name it, and if it was fun, one of our enthusiastic staff members made it happen. Of course, summer programs also bring rich, varied opportunities for friendship as well as discovering new interests. So while we're sorry to see summer winding down, the memories built will last well into the new school year. Thanks, everyone!

Learn more about EduCare's Afterschool & Summer Programs.

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Highlight on ACE:

Empowering Students & Teachers for the New School Year

This summer, EduCare's ACE Program was proud to support over 1,160 students, and more than 165 teachers, staff, and mentors, at 14 schools – all in partnership with Los Angeles Unified School District's (LAUSD) CTE-Linked Learning* and Vaughn Next Century Learning Center.

The ACE Program's unique, innovative social-emotional learning (SEL) platform empowers students to excel in their personal, social, and academic pursuits. At any time of year, ACE fosters a school culture of empathy and kindness; by offering this unique program during the summer, it provides a seamless transition into the new school year for both students and educators.

Here's a comment from one of the students who took part:

"I can use some of the skills to speak up for myself and to meet new people."

And one of the participating teachers said:

"I can learn new ways to create connections with students and help improve school culture."

Learn more about EduCare's ACE Programs. Interested in bringing ACE Program to your school? Email Armando Diaz to schedule an introductory discussion.

*Career Technology Education

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Thankful for Our Supporters

We are so grateful for each and every donor who responded with generosity to our Summer Campaign – you made summer memorable for more elementary, middle, and high school students than ever before!

Check out the Afterschool section above for just a taste of the fun, learning, creativity, and friendships you supported this year.

Thank you!

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