“Shine as if the whole universe is yours”
By Priscila Garcia, Program Director, East Palo Alto Stanford Academy (EPASA), Haas Center for Public Service
During the summer, eight Education and Youth Development Fellowship recipients worked with East Palo Alto Stanford Academy (EPASA) to create engaging, interactive, and thoughtful programming for forty Ravenswood City School District middle school youth. The five-week program included English and Language Arts (ELA), math, and various elective courses. This year’s theme was GalaxEPASA; using Rumi’s quote, “Shine as if the whole universe is yours,” program staff facilitated activities that prompted reflection on the role of the individual within the community. Additionally, every Friday, EPASA went on field trips in the surrounding community—a student favorite was visiting Hidden Villa Farm in Los Altos, where they had the opportunity to make and eat ice cream.
