The team at Barrio Logan College Institute(BLCI), a 2024 Connection Grant partner, understands that impact comes with long-term connection. Their model, which starts with children in third grade and follows them through their first year of college, includes both academic support and family engagement. Spread across the county, BLCI now operates programs in Barrio Logan, El Cajon, and Chula Vista. The 200+ students in their programs are defying the statistics that youth in underserved communities typically do not attend college.
In fact, 100% of their students graduate from high school and 100% enroll in college, fulfilling BLCI’s mission to break the cycle of poverty by preparing underserved students to be the first in their families to attend college. The innovative programs at BLCI have been changing lives since 1996, and 88% of their students stay in college – another statistic that is more than a number; it’s proof of concept.
With only 13% of Latinx individuals earning a bachelor’s degree, one of the most significant systemic challenges is access to quality education. This gap is more starkly visible when comparing the resources available in affluent neighborhoods to those in underserved communities.
According to Erin Miserlis, Chief Philanthropy Officer at BLCI, “Another key barrier is the role of parents and caregivers in supporting their children’s education. Many parents may not fully understand the expectations of the educational system, or they lack the prior educational experience and resources to provide the support their children need. This is often through no fault of their own—they may not have attended college themselves and may be unfamiliar with the system, face language barriers, or be unaware of their rights or their child’s rights. Financial constraints often prevent them from accessing additional support, like tutoring or guidance. Moreover, basic needs such as shelter and safety often take precedence, which can make it difficult for families to focus on educational investment.”
With numerous barriers often standing in the way, BLCI developed a holistic model that enables their students to enroll, persist, and graduate from college. The key to this model is starting early, in the 3rd grade. Early intervention provides educational opportunities to correct learning gaps. The long-term investment that BLCI provides youth and their families ensures they have support throughout their students’ entire academic journey.
Through workshops, one-on-one interactions, and an immersive college-going culture, BLCI centers the family and the students, inviting parents and caregivers into the process. Activities outside of the classroom take them out of their neighborhoods, and the emotional support students receive increases their self-confidence. It strengthens their belief that they are destined to succeed in college. “Our goal is not only to ensure students are academically prepared but also to nurture their leadership potential, creating pathways for upward mobility and long-term success. By focusing on both education and personal development, we are empowering students to become the leaders their communities need. To best uplift and support our mission, funders and policymakers can help by investing in holistic programs that prioritize both academic achievement and leadership development, ensuring that students are ready to thrive in all aspects of their lives,” says Erin.
Speaking to the need for support from funders, Erin stresses that funders and policymakers often overlook the “deep emphasis we place on cultivating leadership skills and fostering personal growth alongside academic success. While providing access to education is vital, BLCI is more than just an after-school program. We go beyond just academics by equipping students with the tools they need to lead, make informed decisions, and drive positive change in their communities.”
In the hustle that all nonprofit organizations face in raising funds to support their programs, securing unrestricted funding can be difficult. With unrestricted funding, BLCI can prioritize strengthening the team and extending their reach, serving more communities and offering greater support where it is most needed.
Erin continued, “El Cajon, in particular, is one of the most under-resourced communities when it comes to helping students pursue a college education—only 29.3% of residents have a high school diploma, and just 12.7% have a college degree. With the right resources, BLCI could make a profound difference in this community and others, empowering more students to succeed academically and achieve their dreams.”
The team at BLCI believes that today’s students will become civically engaged citizens, shaping a better future for everyone. ”Every day, we see families who are eager for opportunities to transform their lives and communities. These families show up—they bring their children to BLCI, they attend workshops, and they give what they can to succeed. We see the same dedication from the students, who are hungry for knowledge and committed to building a brighter future. Education is one of the most powerful tools for transforming individuals and society. Educated individuals tend to live healthier lives, contribute more to the economy through higher earnings and taxes, and are more likely to be actively engaged in their communities. Despite the challenges we face, we continue this work because we are planting seeds for a stronger, more equitable future,” says Erin.
When I first connected with Sara Boquin, CEO of BLCI, I was struck by her clear focus on each student receiving ten years of support, and her ability to articulate why this long-term commitment sets their organization apart. The student outcomes at BLCI provide unparalleled evidence of the program’s impact.
This evidence-based success highlights the critical need for programs like BLCI, which intervene early and invest in youth throughout their educational journey. As of 2024, BLCI graduates are also reporting zero student debt, thanks to financial education and access to scholarship opportunities, which significantly reduce the economic burden associated with higher education. With funding, more underserved and underrepresented youth in our community can have the same opportunity.
At the Kinship Fund, we love to ask the “What If” questions. What if every child had the resources and tools to thrive in our community? What if every child had access to the supportive services of organizations like BLCI?
We choose to live in a space where this can be possible, and we are proud to support the team at BLCI as they uplift and empower our community.
To learn more about BLCI, go to blci.org or consider sponsoring a student in their program here.