Mission

The mission of Long Beach BLAST (Better Learning for All Students Today) is to improve success for at-risk students through collaboration and innovative approaches to mentoring and learning.

The City Prosecutor speaks to students in the Bridge to College Program
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 Mentor Quotes  

I recommend this program to all prospective teachers.
- Stephen Stanaker, Mentor, Spring 2010

I have absolutely LOVED my BLAST experience. It has opened my eyes to a new world. I have learned so much from my mentee as she has learned from me. I would recommend it to anyone looking to change a life.
- Jaclyn Hunter, Mentor, Spring 2010

 

BLAST has shown me the great value of mentoring to young children. It is a positive experience knowing that my participation can help impact a child's life.
-Karo Heng, Mentor, Spring 2010

 

It was a really good experience, mainly because my mentee was so awesome and taught me a lot!
-Rebecca Hermann, Mentor, Spring 2010

 

It was extremely rewarding to work with a student one-on-one.
-Melissa Margis, Mentor, Spring 2010

BLAST helped me improve my study skills and take college more seriously.
-Operation Read Student, Spring 2010

 

BLAST made me feel good about myself.
-Operation Read Student, Spring 2010

 

BLAST taught me how to speak to people outside of class and solve problems.
-Operation Read Student, Spring 2010

 

I have realized that there are so many kids in need and it is very important that college students have civic engagement in order to help these kids who will be leading our world when we grow older.
-Jed Hernandez, Spring 09

 

My mentee did her best work by setting her own goals∧ holding herself accountable.
-Theresa Kasprzyk, Spring 09

 

I really enjoyed working with these kids and I think that the BLAST program can really help a kid succeed.
-Maria Rosas, Spring 09

 

This program is great. The kids love it. The kids with mentors seem happier, more involved and focus on their homework and academics.
-Virginia Rosas, Spring 09

 

The greatest insight I have learned during my mentoring experience is that kids want to learn. They really want someone to look up to and have guide them. Kids are like sponges, they want to absorb everything around them.
-Desirae Wesley, Spring 09

 

My most positive experience as a BLAST volunteer was when my mentee wrote a poem for me, describing what we did, how good of a mentor I was, and how sad she was that I was leaving. This made me realize that 2 hours of my time each week made a difference in a child's life.
-BLAST Mentor, Spring 08

 

I enjoyed interacting with kids of such a different lifestyle from mine. It made me reflect on my own life and gave me a perspective that I might not have had otherwise.
-BLAST Mentor, Fall 07

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