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The African American Community Service Agency (AACSA) Leadership Academy (ALA) is a year-long program that empowers high school and college students with the guidance, mentorship, and resources needed to graduate and build successful futures. Through leadership development, career exposure, scholarships, and civic engagement, ALA helps them break barriers, access career opportunities, gain internships and become strong advocates for social change in their communities. ALA equips high school and college students with the skills, mentorship, and professional experiences necessary to pursue higher education, meaningful careers, and civic leadership.

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Throughout the year, ALA provides monthly check-ins, workshops, and experiential learning opportunities, guest speaker engagements, and social justice projects that use AI tools to enhance research and presentation. Each session provides students with opportunities for growth and professional development with activities such as resume reviews, professional headshots, and guidance in applying for scholarships, internships, career-track employment, and county-wide committees. Monthly check-ins give AACSA the opportunity to sustain engagement with participants, ensuring they are on track with their program obligations and doing the work needed to reach their goals. By combining hands-on internships, committee participation, and exposure to professional networks, ALA directly advances economic opportunity for young leaders in Silicon Valley.

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Students also receive stipends, comprehensive college preparation and counseling, including transcript review, standardized test guidance, college list development, self-reflection exercises, college essay development and review, application review, and ongoing support for parents in advocacy and navigation of the process.

Every donation, small or large, can help improve the lives of individuals experiencing homelessness, and people at risk of becoming homeless. Statistics show that there is a great disparity in homelessness for people of color across the United States. In fact,  African Americans comprise only 2.5% of the total Santa Clara population. However, almost 17% of African Americans are homeless. In addition, the Hispanic/Latinx population comprises 27% of the Santa Clara area and about 44% are homeless.  Making a donation to the African American Community Service Agency, helps ensure that every person in need, regardless of income or housing status, is responded to with care and dignity. Your contribution will help in a variety of ways, including assistance with upcoming rent, arrears for rent, housing security deposits, and utility payments. Thank you for making our impact possible!