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Message A CITY WHERE CHILDREN AND YOUTH THRIVEO F F I C E O F C H I L D A N DY O U T H S U C C E S SJ A N U A R Y 2 0 2 4

Table Of ContentsTable Of ContentsInspiring Connections,Building LeadersInspiring Connections,Building Leaders16Exploring CareerInterestsExploring CareerInterests18Inspiring Connections,Building Leaders Pt. 2Inspiring Connections,Building Leaders Pt. 217NewsletterSign-UpNewsletterSign-Up1Did YouHear?Did YouHear?4Braille Literacy MonthBraille Literacy Month7Clothing ResourcesClothing Resources10Writing a CoverLetterWriting a CoverLetter13What You’veMissedWhat You’veMissed3What’s Your BudgetPlan?What’s Your BudgetPlan?9Intern Hobby Inspo.Intern Hobby Inspo.12Career OpportunitiesAwait Career OpportunitiesAwait 6National Cut YourEnergy Costs DayNational Cut YourEnergy Costs Day15MLK Day ParadeMLK Day Parade8National HobbyMonthNational HobbyMonth11Get Connected Get Connected 5Time Management101Time Management10114Mission andVisionMission andVision2Technology Day Technology Day 19UpcomingEventsUpcomingEvents20

SIGN UP TODAY FOR OUR YOUTHINSPIRED NEWSLETTERS! EVERY MONTHO F F I C E O F C H I L D A N D Y O U T H S U C C E S SN E W S L E T T E R | C I T Y O F S A N D I E G O O F F I C I A L W E B S I T EStay In The Loop!1

M I S S I O NV I S I O NC R E A T O R S2A B O U T U SThe Office of Child and Youth Success is dedicated to prioritizing SanDiego’s youngest community by providing access to resources,services and high-quality programs to improve social, health, andeducational outcomes.Through trust, transparency, equity, and inclusion, the City of San Diego,Office of Child and Youth Success will coordinate a network ofcommunity stakeholders that will provide a shared framework to deliverhigh-impact solutions to challenging circumstances for young peopleempowering them to thrive in the community they serve.Each of our monthly newsletters is created by the OCYS Interns: Tianna Fair, Amy Gianetto, Kwincy Lambert, and Tessa Garrison.The Office of Child & Youth Success will serve as a navigation andconnection point for residents seeking supportive services andprogramming for youth ages 24 and below.2

WHAT YOU’VEMISSEDS PE AK UP S A N D I E G O S P E C I A L Y O U T H C O U N C I LFair, TiannaLambert, KwincyGianetto, AmeliaGarrison, TessaRyan, TaraJoin Us!YOU!Q5. What critical financial skills doyouth need, and why? Q6. Does this time work, or wouldanother be better for youth?Understanding loans for highereducationLearning how to use credit cardswiselyMiddle of the week, later in the dayAvoid weekends5 PM or 6 PM works wellQ3. What did your school and familyteach you about financial literacy?Q4. What financial literacy programsdo you need from the city?Family was the main source of financialknowledge for all participantsSchools should prioritize teachingfinancial literacy basicsEconomics is commonly offered in highschools, but financial literacy is not agraduation requirementInclude financial literacy in highschool curriculums, starting withbasics to advanced skillsOffer after-school programs as atemporary solutionProvide financial advisors in schoolsfor 1-on-1 supportH E R E ’ S W H A T T H E Y O U T H C O U N C I L H A D T O S A Y A B O U T “ E C O N O M I CA N D W O R K F O R C E D E V E L O P M E N T ” O B J E C T I V E O U T L I N E D I N T H E C H I L DA N D Y O U T H P L A N :Q1. What financial skills do you know,need to learn, or find daunting?Q2. What resources do you know forfinancial literacy education?Learned financial skills from family;lack of guidance can lead to setbacks.Key topics:Bank accounts and budgetingInvesting and credit scoresCredit cards and overcoming fearSaving and building wealthMost participants were unaware offinancial resources, indicating a lackof outreach.Known resources include:FAFSA workshops through SDSUPrimetime team in SacramentoCity of San Diego’s budgetsimulation via CAL Coast3

Hmm, a YouthCommissioner? Oh wow! Tipson how to savemoney.I should updatemy resume withthese tips.Oh right! I gottasign up for SpeakUp San DiegoFOLLOW US TODAYFOR MORE RESOURCES!FOLLOW US TODAYFOR MORE RESOURCES!DID YOU HEAR?DID YOU HEAR?4

Get ConnectedGet ConnectedEmploy Empower Internship ProgramGain hands-on experience andbuild skillsExplore different career pathsStart your professional journeywhile making a differenceJunior Achievement of San Diego CountyLearn about business,entrepreneurship, and moneymanagementHands-on, interactive programs toprepare you for the futureExplore careers and build essential lifeskillsSan Diego Parks & Recreation DepartmentWork with parks, recreation programs,and community eventsImprove local parks and outdoor spacesGain valuable experience while makingyour community betterFeeding San DiegoGirls Inc. of San Diego CountyEmpower yourself to be strong,smart, and boldPrograms focused on leadership,education, health, and confidenceBuild skills for a successful futurewhile having funHelp fight hunger in yourcommunityVolunteer to provide food to peoplein needMake a real impact while learningthe importance of giving backHands On San DiegoVolunteer to help people in needand support local eventsDevelop leadership skills whilegiving backGet involved in meaningful projectsand meet new peopleDevelop Valuable Skills: Build teamwork,leadership, and communication skills that areuseful in both personal and professional lifeGain New Experiences: Participate in activitiesthat give you hands-on experience and boostyour resumeEmbrace Diversity: Connect with differentcultures and perspectives, fosteringunderstanding and acceptanceMake a Difference: Volunteering helps yougive back to your community and make a realimpactWhy You Should Get Connected?INTERNSHIPS & VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIESINTERNSHIPS & VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES5

OPPORTUNITIESCAREERAWAIT“ I am proud of my career with the Cityand am especially proud of joining as anintern, where I could learn so many jobopportunities and ways I could give back.With interns and mentees learning from awide variety of great mentors and gaininga heart of service for our City, Irecommend internships and mentorshipsfor any San Diegan looking to start acareer in public service.”Internship andWork ReadinessPrograms!Andy Field - Parks and RecreationDepartment DirectorThe paid youth internship program is designed toemploy and empower the next generation of publicservants at the City of San Diego.Internship and WorkReadiness ProgramVirtual InformationSessions - Mondaysfrom 12:00 PM to12:30 PM6

Braille is a raised dot system that canbe read with the fingers for those whoare blind or visually impaired. The dotsrepresent each letter in the alphabet,plus other symbols and punctuationmarks. January 4th is Louis Braille’sbirthday, the person who invented theBraille system. Braille was blindhimself by the age of 5, and heinvented the Braille system because hewanted to be able to read and write.Read more about his story here.BRAILLE LITERACYMONTHTips on teaching Braille to young childrenSources of free Braille books and eligibility to receive themCalifornia’s libraries for the blindDots for Families: FREE, downloadable Braille lessonsSee this blog for many more courses and learning resources forblind/visually impaired children, plus other resources!OliverMcMillan I CAN! Center (located on first floor of the city’sCentral Library)And WorldBraille Day onJanuary 4th!7

J A N U A R Y 1 9 T H1 1 A M - 1 P MMLK DAY PARADE42nd Annual ParadeJoin us on Harbor Drive & Grape St for the AnnualMartin Luther King Jr. Parade. This is one of thelargest celebrations of its kind in the United Statesin honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The parade isfilled with dazzling floats, phenomenal HighSchool Bands, Drill Teams, Colleges/Universities,Fraternities, Sororities, Churches, Peace and Youthorganizations. This year's parade will feature aMLK 5k Walk/Fun Run and Festival. See map below!NORTH HARBOR DRIVE 11AM - 1PMBegin staging parade and 5k at Grape andHarbor Dr. - Ash St.1.Parade to continue Southbound on Harbor Dr.2.Parade will urn right on Pacific Hwy, goingsouth.3.Parade will disband on Pacific Hwy nearEmbassy Suites.4.Parade Route In early 1964, 1,500 men and women met a wallof state troopers during a march outside Selma.There, King led the marchers in prayer andavoided any confrontation with authorities. OnJuly 2, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed theCivil Rights Act of 1964, outlawingdiscrimination based on race, color, religion,sex, or national origin. That same year, Kingbecame the youngest recipient of the NobelPeace Prize for his unswerving work in the CivilRights Movement.History8

The 50/30/20 Rule:Budget: 50% needs, 30% wants,20% savings or debt.Build an Emergency Fund:Save a little regularly forunexpected costs.Plan Meals in Advance:Meal prep to save money andreduce food waste.Set Short-Term Goals:Save for specific things like ticketsor gadgets.Track Every Dollar:Find an app or a system that worksfor you to record all your expensesto see where your money goes.Set a Spending Limit:Avoid overspending by cappingnon-essential purchases.Watch Online Tutorials:Learn budgeting tips on LinkedIn,TikTok, or YouTube.Try Cash-Only Days:Use cash for a day to controlspending.Tips:What’s Your BudgetPlan?What’s Your BudgetPlan?Excel BudgetPlan:Set Up Columns:Create headers likeDate, Income,Expense Category,Amount Spent, andBalance.List Categories:Include items likeRent, Food, Utilities,and Savings.Use Formulas:Subtract expensesfrom income(=SUM(Income) -SUM(Expenses)) totrack your balance.Add Visuals: Usegraphs or charts tovisualize spending.Track Monthly:Create a new sheetfor each month andsummarize totals ona dashboard.Budget Plan Sample:Budget Plan Sample:Category FebruaryCheck Before Taxes$2,500$2,000$6,000$-230$1,950 x 3 = $-5,850$-150$-200$-250$-20$-100$-960$2,500$2,000$0$-230$0$-150$-200$-250$-20$-100$-840JanuaryCheck After TaxesSchool RefundTithe (10%)RentUtilitiesCar Insurance/GasGroceriesLaundryOtherSavingsTotal ExpensesRemaining Balance$-7,960$240$210$-1,9909

CLOTHINGRESOURCESA number of free clothingresources and closets, for those inneed, that serve the greater SanDiego area.MANA de San Diego's professional clothingdrive is a community effort to help theircollege student members reach their careergoals by providing them with professionalattire. Learn more about the college sucessprogram and membership below. 10manasd@manasd.org

National Hobby MonthIkigai, pronounced "ee-kee-guy," is aJapanese concept that unites the joy of lifewith a sense of purpose. The term is acombination of the Japanese words 'iki' (tolive) and 'gai' (reason), which together signify"a reason to live." While there isn’t a directtranslation of ikigai in English, this conceptencapsulates the idea of finding joy in lifethrough purpose in a unique way.I k i g a iJanuary is National Hobby Month, the perfect time to explore new passions, revisitold favorites, and embrace activities that spark joy and creativity! Whether you’reinto crafting, gardening, gaming, or sports, hobbies are a wonderful way to reducestress, boost mental well-being, and connect with others.3 Hobby Rule One hobby to make you money: Apursuit that can be monetized, such asfreelance work, crafting, or developinga skill like coding or teaching.1.One hobby to keep you in shape:Activities that promote physical health,like running, yoga, hiking, or teamsports.2.One hobby to stay creative: Artistic orinventive pursuits such as painting,writing, playing music, or photography.3.11

InternHobby InspoKwincy developed a passion forphotography. His time in college made himrealize he loves making new memories andcapturing momentsKwincyTianna creates inspiring content as a faith-based YouTuber, sharing her journey of livingfor Christ and striving to reveal a more personalside of God—one of grace, love, and relevance—while following wherever He leads her.TiannaAmy has always loved spending time aroundhorses, and she enjoys volunteering at arescue ranch in San Diego. Being aroundhorses makes her really happy!AmyTessa absolutely loves campingthroughout California. Here’s a photo ofme making pancakes at a dispersedcampsite in the Anza Borrego Desert.Tessa12

Heading: This is quite literally a letter.Include the name and position of thehiring person you’re writing to, aswell as the company/employer’saddress.Salutation: Address them withsomething like “Dear [their name]”.Introduction: Open with a strong hook about your achievements in high school orcollege (or work if you have relevant work experience), or a networking connection.Sales Pitch: Write a few sentences on why the job you’re applying for resonates withyou along with a few accolades or previous knowledge you can bring to the table.Similar to a resume, the more specific the better: use numbers when possible, andinclude how you specifically contributed.Conclusion: End on a call to action: invite the recruiter to contact you so you candiscuss the position further. Finally, end with a salutation and sign your name.TipsResearch the company/employer. What is their mission andvision? What do they do? Find a way to include this in yourcover letter. Recruiters want to know that you’ve done yourresearch, and that you resonate with what they’re all about. A cover letter is never optional. Whenever a job applicationsays a cover letter is optional, still submit one. Cover lettersoften act as the decision maker when hiring managers aretorn between two or three qualified candidates.If you have limited or no work experience, leverage yourextracurricular activities from high school and/or college!These come with their own responsibilities and are a greatway for you to demonstrate your skills.Length: A cover letter should typically be between a half pageand a full page. Keep it short and concise.ResourcesPurdueOwlThere are plenty ofcover lettertemplates you caneasily search forUtilize your careercenter if you are inuniversity/college!San DiegoWorkforcePartnershipworkshopsCheck out our previousnewsletter issue fromDecember to learn more aboutbuilding your resume!Writing aWriting aCoverCoverLetterLetterWhat is a cover letter for?A cover letter is an opportunity to highlight yourskills and experience, while also mentioning what youcouldn’t in your resume.13

CUT YOUR ENERGY COSTS DAYNationalJanuary 10, 2025DID YOU KNOW?Not o n ly do e s c ut t in g d o wnon en e rg y u s ag e h e lp yo u rpo c ke t b o ok , b u t i t a ls o h e lp sou t t h e e nv i ro n me n t!The SDG&E Residential Energy Solutions (RES)Program helps families create more energy-efficienthomes, which can lower energy costs and free upresources for other priorities, such as supportingyouth activities and education. SDGE also encouragesyouth to adopt energy-saving habits and learn aboutthe importance of protecting the environment fortheir future.The San Diego YouthWill Climate JusticeAction Team empowersyoung people toadvocate for climatejustice by creatingpolicies and programsthat benefit theenvironment and localcommunities.The Youth4Climate (Y4C) isa program that empowersyouth to become climateleaders working togetherfor an equitable,sustainable, and resilientfuture.14

Prioritize TasksFocus on what's urgent vs.important.Start your homeworkbefore scrolling throughsocial media—it’simportant, but not urgent!Use a Daily ScheduleOrganize your day withplanners or apps.Use a planner app to blocktime for studying,hobbies, and hanging outwith friends.Set Time LimitsAllocate specific times foreach task to stay on track.Spend 30 minutes onmath, then switch toreading for a fresh focus.Limit DistractionsIdentify and minimize whatinterrupts you.Put your phone on “DoNot Disturb” whileworking on a big project.Set SMART GoalsSpecific: Clear and focusedMeasurable: TrackableprogressAchievable: RealisticRelevant: Aligned with goalsTime-bound: Set deadlinePractice Self-CareEnsure to include breaks anddowntime to rechargeTake a 10-minute walk orsnack break after studyingto recharge.Everyday Tips:Events:SCORE San Diego offers free workshops and eventsdesigned to help with various skills, including timemanagement, often focused on business andprofessional development. You can check out theirevents calendar for upcoming workshops on topics suchas productivity and planningSan Diego College of Continuing Education (SDCCE)provides free career training programs, some of whichmay include time management workshops as part oftheir courses. They focus on helping individuals buildskills necessary for career success TIME MANAGEMENT 101TIME MANAGEMENT 101Reduces Stress: Stayorganized and avoidlast-minute panicBoosts Productivity: Getmore done in less timeImproves Success:Achieve higher gradesand strongerrelationshipsTeaches Responsibility:Builds discipline andaccountabilityCreates Balance: Balanceschool, hobbies, anddowntime.Builds Confidence:Meeting goals boostsself-esteemTools & Resources:Apps: Todoist, Trello, Google CalendarBenefits:Free online workshops on time management:Coursera: Time Management for Personal &Professional ProductivityMindTools: Time Management Toolkit15

Youth Mentorship Initiative:Over 150 youth paired withmentors in fields like tech and arts,boosting confidence and careerclarity.Youth Leadership Academy:This program trains high schoolersin leadership. Alum Jessica R.became a Youth Commissioner andadvocated for mental healthinitiatives.Employ Empower Internships:Teens gain internships,scholarships, and job offers. Luis C.started his own business with thehelp of this program!San Diego Youth Leadership Council(SDYLC)Alumni like Michael S. have goneon to work in city government andadvocate for youth engagement,using leadership skills gained atthe conference.San Diego County Youth CourtLily A. participated as a youth courtattorney and earned a scholarshipto law school, growing her passionfor legal advocacy.Youth Empowerment & Leadership ProgramJanuary 2025 | San Diego, CAUnleash creativity through leadershipworkshops in music, media, andstorytelling. Dates and details comingsoon!Leadership for Change ConferenceJanuary 17–20, 2025 | University of SanDiegoBe part of the movement! Join inspiringsessions, with extra opportunities onJanuary 14 & 21 for the communityOur Time to Act’ A guide to turning ideas into action andempowering youth to create lasting changein their communitiesSan Diego’s Office of Child and Youth SuccessEmpowers youth with skills, opportunities,and programs to create a brighter futureInspiring Connections,Building LeadersInspiring Connections,Building LeadersSuccess Stories:Get the Most Out of a Conference:Prepare Ahead of Time: Research speakers, topics, and workshopsto prioritize your interestsAsk Questions: Engage with presenters and attendees todeepen your understanding and expandyour networkBring the Essentials: A notebook, business cards, and a chargedphone or tablet will keep you ready toconnectSet Goals: Decide what you want to learn, who youwant to meet, and how you’ll use thisexperienceFollow Up: After the event, email or message newcontacts to thank them and keep theconversation goingUpcoming Events & Resources: 16

Milan Shah, ChairA San Diego high school studentleading Reel Voices, a film projectamplifying youth voices. Milanadvocates for equity throughnonprofits, fellowships, and theSan Diego Youth Commission.Sarah Gao, Vice ChairA senior at Canyon Crest Academyand Youth Commission Vice Chair.Sarah presents environmentalresearch, studies biochemistry,and leads Catalyst ScienceMagazine, with a passion forphotography and filmmaking.Princess DunnA freshman at East Village MiddleCollege High School, Princess co-founded the “I AM ME”scholarship, served as ASBPresident, and advocates formental health and youth safety.She aims to specialize in crimesagainst children.Vinayak VenugopalA Mission Bay High Schoolsophomore and US ChessFederation Candidate Master, hecoaches chess, works part-time atthe County Clerk’s Office, and leadsa school Finance news segment.Active in STEM, leadership, andcommunity service, he strives tomake an impact as a YouthCommission member.YOUDriven by a passion for leadershipand community service, you careabout my community, enjoyworking with others, and want tomake a difference—qualities thatmake me a great fit to become aYouth CommissionerYouth Commissioners:Inspiring Connections,Building Leaders Pt. 2Inspiring Connections,Building Leaders Pt. 2Why a Youth Commissioner?Make a real impact: Share your voice and ideas on importantissues affecting youth in your community.This is your chance to help shape policiesand decisions that affect your future!Develop leadership skills: Gain hands-on experience in leadership,government, and public service that will setyou up for success in whatever career pathyou choose.Collaborate with other young leaders: Connect with other motivated teens andyoung adults who are passionate aboutmaking a difference. Together, you cancreate lasting change.Get your voice heard: Influence the Mayor, City Council, and otherofficials with your perspective on youthissues, ensuring that young people are partof the conversation at City Hall.How will you shape the future?Click here to learn more and apply!17

WHAT AREYOURINTERESTS?Check here for moreresources for jobseekers! Find careercenters, get assistancewith your job search,take trainings for in-demand industries,and more!Social: helpingpeople, teaching,and talkingEnterprising:leading, makingdecisions, andbusinessConventional:data, detail, andregular routinesRealistic:practical, hands-on problems andsolutionsInvestigative:ideas, thinking,and figuringthings outArtistic: creating,designing, andmaking your ownrulesQuestionnaire: Take thisquestionnaire from My NextMove that will help youdecide what careers youmight want to explore.Utilize these resources fromMy Next Move if you have abetter idea of what careeryou want to pursue.Careers by Interest: Browsedifferent careers under eachcategory to help you findwhat jobs align most withyour interests.Exploring Career Interests18

Exploring technologies of the past. Whichones would you bring back if you could?Share your favorite technologies.Discuss how technology improves your life.Test out new technology.Share your ideas for new technology.How To ObserveNational Technology Day on January 6threcognizes how technology changes the worldand looks to the future of technology. Eachyear, from the wheel to smartphones, the dayhonors technological achievements thatimpact our daily lives.January 6Central LibraryCity HeightsLa JollaMira MesaMission HillsPacific HighlandsSan Ysidro Mirmar Ranch Skylines HillsValencia ParKIDEA LabsInnovate, Discover, Experience, Achieve: Labs,patrons have access to various makerspaceequipment: 3-D printers, Silhouette Cameodesktop cutters, sewing and embroiderymachines, Glowforge laser printers, and dyesublimation printers.TECHNOLOGY DAY LOCATIONS19

PAWS to Read!/Perros para leer! (Jan 11, 25, 10 am - 11 am)Get help with your homework at your nearest library! You will have accessto digital resources, including computers. Multiple locations offer thisservice - check here to find which ones, and filter by month if needed.UPCOMING EVENTSRady Children’s Ice Rink at ARTS DISTRICT (Jan 1-5, 10 am - 10 pm)35th Annual Martin Luther King Jr Day (Jan 15, 12 pm - 6 pm)Snow Day at Tecolote Recreation Center (Jan 18, 11 am - 1 pm)42nd Annual Martin Luther King Jr Day Parade (Jan 19, 10 am - 12 pm)Go ice skating at the Rady Children’s Hospital outdoor Ice Rink!Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for kids, and the money raisedgoes toward kids with cancer.Worldbeat Cultural Center, located in Balboa Park, is celebratingthe life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr with a family festival.With live music, dancing, vegan food, an outdoor cultural arts &craft vendors marketplace, and more.Enjoy arts and crafts, exciting games, artificial snow making,warm hot cocoa, a lively DJ, and a fun jumper!Come join this parade along Harbor Drive that celebrates MartinLuther King Jr, complete with floats, high school bands, drillteams, colleges and universities, fraternities and sororities,peace and youth organizations, and more!Do Your Homework at the Library/Haga Su Tarea en la Biblioteca(Mon-Thurs 3-6 pm, Sat 10 am - 1 pm)20Come by and read to some cute doggos! The San Diego HumaneSociety will be bringing furry companions to the Logan Heightslibrary. Kids learning to read can read them a story!