Next Step Learning Center in West Oakland, California, experienced a great spirit of community and pride earlier this month when 27 Next Step persons (staff, volunteer tutors, students, Sisters of the Holy Names, and friends) participated in the League of Women Voters of Oakland "Making Democracy Work" Awards Luncheon (photos, right). Meg Bowerman, one of their long-time volunteer tutors, nominated Cynthia Canning, SNJM and Rosemary Delaney, SNJM for this award. They were especially pleased because of the increased visibility this event gave to Next Step Learning Center.
Find out more about Next Step at:
http://www.nextsteplc.org/whatsnew.htm
Following is an excerpt from Meg's nomination for the "Making Democracy Work" Award:
“As a member of the League, I nominated them to 'honor individuals and/or organizations that have, in the League tradition, helped to make Oakland strong, vibrant and fair.' Next Step Learning Center students come from all parts of Oakland, but most significantly from West Oakland, the most disadvantaged and underserved area of the City of Oakland. Almost 400 Oakland residents who were former high school dropouts now have their GED because of Next Step Learning Center. As a tutor, I have seen these students change and become eager to learn. I have also seen MY perceptions and other middle class tutors' perceptions change as well: seeing these youth full of potential and HOPEFUL that taking this "step" gets them on the ladder for a brighter future."
One Next Step student who attended the luncheon said: "As a student at Next Step, I feel that coming here has chanaged me for the better. I feel like a different person, and now I look at life in a different way. I get more respect and give more respect, and that makes me feel good."
- Next Step Learning Center student
