Introducing: Brackets of Gladness

The month of March is dedicated to the #Gladness we all share for being part of EduCare. We are building strong, supportive relationships. We are making a difference in our communities. We are creating future leaders and advocates. 

The winning entry for March Gladness 2025 is…

Congratulations, Joseph!

Keep scrolling down to find all the entries from students and EduCare staff members.

We asked students why they are glad to participate in EduCare’s programs. We asked staff members why they are glad to work with EduCare.

We invite you to scroll through these wonderful statements of gladness.

Just click the arrows to navigate left or right, and enjoy!

  • I am able to attend the dance program, where Coach Derell teaches me fundamentals and history of Majorette. I am glad to attend because I am able to earn a dance scholarship! Special shoutouts to the staff! They all care aboutstudents and offer us space to be ourselves and trying new stuff! They ask for our input to see what we like! I love EduCare and appreciate this program for afterschool so I can distract my mind from stressors!

    Cesar P., Augustus Hawkins High School
    Sweet Sixteen

  • They provide me with a safe space to express myself.

    Alexa S., Birmingham Community Charter High School

  • It’s fun to hang out with friends and do my homework so that I’m not late.

    Mia Jade S., Animo Ellen Ochoa

  • It’s a special organization that shows they are there for the students in a lot of ways. For students to connect with adults and have guidance and to feel a part of a community is great.

    Louis V., EduCare staff

  • It keeps me busy after school and I really enjoy being with my friends and learning new things.

    Khloe L., Legacy Senior High Visual and Performing Arts (VAPA)

  • I’m glad that I participate in education programs because I get to meet new students have a great time after school, along with having conversations with staff.

    Shaylah N., Public Service Community School (Diego Rivera Learning Center)

  • There are many reasons I’m glad to be a part of EduCare. Their clubs are fun and have given me a bunch of opportunities I’ve never been available to, and the field trips are always fun.

    William A., Animo Compton

  • Because all of the staff are such wonderful Humans!

    Angel D., César Chavez Learning Academies

  • I feel like I am getting the support I need to succeed with the help I have. The EduCare advisors always keep me updated with what I need to do in order to have everything in control.

    Stephanie M., South East High School

  • I am glad that I participate in EduCare’s programs because of how much support they provide. They not only provide support in a scholarly level but personal, they are engaged in our lives & help us make the most out of our opportunities. The program in general is something I find very useful as I have a place to express myself and my strengths.

    Isaiah C. D. L., South East High School
    Final Four

  • I could start learning how to drive.

    Neaveen S., Augustus Hawkins High School

  • It gives me an opportunity to meet new people and have a safe place to stay when I have to stay after school.

    Miranda N., Legacy High School International Studies Learning Center
    Elite Eight

  • It give me great participation, it helps me with homework, build new skills, and they have educational field trips once in a while. They also have sports activities.

    Leslie C., Animo Ellen Ochoa

  • It’s fun and I get to play the sports I want to play.

    Camara T., Animo Compton

  • Afterschool program staff are very supportive of the kids participating in the program in every way and put in all the effort to make it an educational and positive environment for them.

    Hawk M., Animo Ellen Ochoa

  • I am able to build connections with students in all different levels. Being with students all day brings joy to me especially when they vocalize their interests and just random daily thoughts.

    Taiz B.-A., EduCare Staff
    Sweet Sixteen

  • I made new friends, met important people in my life now, and made many new friendships .

    Samantha V., Legacy High School

  • I receive tremendous support from Ms.Magaly and Ms.Abby. They helped me with my college applications and give me great advice. They bring so much motivation to my school.

    Joselyn C., South East High School
    Sweet Sixteen

  • Honestly as a first gen having support not only academically but emotionally is something that can’t be replaced. Always knowing that they can help makes me enjoy coming to the college center.

    Angelique G., South East High School
    Final Four

  • I am able to give students a voice and provide support during their formative years. I love & truly believe in EduCare’s mission and believe I am a crucial part of the team.

    Magaly B., EduCare Staff
    Sweet Sixteen

  • I'm able to build connections with peers and staff.

    Rafael E., Downtown Magnets High School

  • I have learned more about the structure and categories of colleges that are related to the selective careers that I want to make an impact for, receiving constant feedback and support to make this goals possible.

    Miranda Areli L. G., South East High School

  • We get to support and help expand students' English skills!

    Delanie S., EduCare staff

  • It brings multiple wonderful opportunities.

    Kinberli M., South East High School

  • The caring staff and how when I get hurt every time they take care of me and how the staff tell me how they love this job so much and they love the kids there too.

    Ryan O., Amino Ellen Ochoa

  • They were very supportive when I needed the extra support during stressful times like college applications and FAFSA.

    Valentina G., South East High School

  • They create a safe space and place where u can feel like the staff and students are famliy.

    SirMason F., Animo Ellen Ochoa Middle School

  • It helps me with many things such as managing my emotions. It teaches me new ways to handle things and it's a fun experience.

    Destinée C., Augustus Hawkins High School
    Elite Eight

  • Because it's fun.

    Leslin E., Augustus Hawkins High School

  • It helps me and my friends build skills and makes me have new friends.

    Aneyda R., Animo Ellen Ochoa Charter Middle School

  • I feel comfortable and welcomed by the staff, and I love making new friends.

    Dulce G., Legacy High School

  • I get to practice a sport.

    Kirsten M., Legacy Senior High Visual and Performing Arts (VAPA)

  • I have the opportunity to develop kids and help boys become young men.

    Kenert M., EduCare staff

  • I make connections and meet wonderful people who make me feel safe and welcomed.

    Elena H., Legacy High School Visual and Performing Arts (VAPA)

  • I can help them prepare for future dilemmas. And provide a sanctuary for them to utilize.

    Samuel G., EduCare staff

  • It has given me lots of social and physical opportunities that I enjoy.

    Alyssa M., Legacy High School Visual and Performing Arts (VAPA)

  • I am glad to work for EduCare because I make a difference.

    Arturo C., EduCare HR

  • I get to see my friends and my favorite staff Ms.Rios.

    Ahlyson C., Animo Ellen Ochoa Charter Middle School

  • It opens up their minds to exploring different life and career opportunities! I am fortunate to provide support to students as they are the future and we can expect great outcomes from them.

    Juan S., EduCare staff

  • There clubs are fun energetic and athletic and I love it here.

    Shania Noel A., Animo Compton Charter Middle School

  • I love watching them grow as a person. It's fun learning all of my students' personalities.

    Cynthia R., EduCare staff

  • I love the environment and the staff are very helpful when it comes to my questions.

    Fatima L., South East High School

  • Sometimes students don't have someone they can rely on, so I joined EduCare to be there for the students.

    Daniel B., EduCare staff
    Elite Eight

  • I get the support I need, I feel safe and welcome every time.

    Diana M., South East High School

  • I can inspire students to see their future clearly. and help develop students to prepare them for college. I can help guide students to the right path.

    Ramon D., EduCare staff
    Sweet Sixteen

  • I get to inspire students to get out of their comfort zone and become more involved in their community.

    Susan B., EduCare staff

  • We make a difference even in the smallest ways. A change in one person is a change in the world.

    Joseph M., EduCare Administration
    March Gladness Winner

  • I am glad to participate in EduCares’s program because it is a helpful program.

    Felipe Damian B., South East High School

  • I get to support them when they feel stressed and I can offer advice while watching them grow into their own people and personalities.

    Vanessa R., EduCare staff

  • I love the support they give me, especially from Ms. Abby and Ms. Magaly. Not only does their education information help me out but they also are supportive with everything I do to further my education. I’m also glad on how I can see them as my trusted advisors, talking with them about my experiences with school and how it’ll transfer to my 4 year institution.

    Christopher O., South East High School

  • I get the chance to work closer with students and get to know them better.

    Marilu R., EduCare staff

  • They educate me more on college to prepare me for the future.

    Jairo C., South East High School

  • Coworkers and staff are amazing and supportive. I feel a sense of community and the students keep it engaging. I love interacting with students and enriching students' educational experience.

    Ximena R., EduCare staff

  • I am glad to participate in EduCare's programs because of the help and constant support they have given me this school year with my college application, FAFSA, and scholarship opportunities.

    Angel P., South East High School

  • Working for EduCare, where love is at the foundation of education and the center of the work we do, enriches not only our students' lives but all of us who share this vision. We make the world a better place.

    Lynn F., EduCare Administration

  • It gives me opportunities to make a positive impact on their learning journey so they can learn new skills, gain confidence and achieve their short term goals.

    Kevin N., EduCare staff

  • It allows me to make a meaningful impact on their lives by fostering their academic growth, personal development, and future opportunities.

    Andy M., EduCare staff

  • I get to herald the future leaders, artist and activists of our future, into creating transformative changes for the bettering of our community, local and global.

    Gene V., EduCare staff
    Elite Eight

  • I find fulfillment in enriching students’ lives and educational experiences. The students also enrich my life with their kindness. I identify with the mission and vision of EduCare. The staff and my coworkers are kind and entertaining people. I feel tremendous support to improve my own abilities.

    Aidan S., EduCare staff

  • I love leading and mentoring kids into the right direction. The kids are great and the people who work within the company are great.

    Andy O. C., EduCare staff

  • It is a way to give back to the community through improving the future of students.

    Elisa A.-L., EduCare staff

  • It allows me to make a positive impact on the youth. I see my students grow day by day.

    Luis M., EduCare staff

  • My work allows me to empower students, build meaningful connections, and make a lasting impact on their growth and success. Seeing their progress, confidence, and creativity flourishing reminds me why I'm passionate about education and mentorship. It's more than just a job; it's a purpose that drives me every day.

    Jacqaline F., EduCare staff
    Final Four

  • I enjoy making a difference to the kids close to an area I grew up around.

    Oscar G., EduCare staff

  • I get to make a difference.

    Stephanie B., EduCare staff

  • I am glad to work at EduCare because of how amazing the kids/students are.

    Kelsey C., EduCare staff

  • It is rewarding and I can be a mentor to the youth.

    Genesis P., EduCare staff

  • Because they're fun!

    Leslie E., Augustus Hawkins High School

  • I want to help students in need, and it is a very good learning experience.

    Brandon D. C., EduCare staff

  • It is great to teach and inspire young students and show them everything I have learned.

    Jonathan R., EduCare staff

  • I get to teach what I was taught in different learning methods to reach more students. I get to interact with different people and learn new things.

    Agiya Kellymae B., EduCare staff

  • I get to help them learn and see them grow into adults.

    Kyle P., EduCare staff

  • It's fun to share my knowledge.

    Santiago, EduCare staff

  • I can give them guidance based on my personal experience and create a pathway that will help them succeed.

    Abigail M., EduCare staff

  • I have the opportunity to make a change.

    Zoe C., EduCare staff

  • I love working for EduCare because of the connections we create and the change we impact on students.

    Briana C., EduCare staff

  • They are able to provide helpful information about college.

    Cristian R., South East High School

  • It has further allowed me to expand my leadership skills by providing college resources and giving students aid.

    Joselyn C. V., EduCare staff

  • I feel supported and welcome every time I ask for help.

    Diana M., South East High School

  • I receive support on college questions!

    Michelle G.-M., South East High School