The idea for her State Seal of Civic Engagement project came when Rubidoux High graduate Alejandra Nolasco saw an older woman struggling with her cell phone at the grocery store.
“We want to make a difference. That was actually something that we knew… we all brainstormed and wanted to do something as a whole,” the 2024 graduate said. She knew she and her classmates could help the senior citizens learn how to use technology by volunteering weekly at their local senior center.
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Jurupa Unified School District high school seniors can now obtain a State Seal of Civic Engagement on their high school diploma for their excellence in civic work. Students must be engaged in an extensive action research project, have a mentor, and meet several eligibility requirements. Students cannot apply for the state seal until their senior year when they’re enrolled in a government class but are encouraged to begin serving their community as underclassmen.
Jurupa Unified recently attained a California Serves Grant to expand access to all high school seniors to earn the state seal. The $500,000 grant will allow all four high schools to have a designated staff member at each site, offer professional development, and expand the reach and impact on students and the community. Input gathered from the district state seal committee allows staff and students to be supported. The committee consists of teachers and administrators who have listened to students and mentors who have gone through the process to provide current students with the necessary resources to succeed.
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“From elementary (school) and on, we know that our students are already engaged in civic work very often.” said Teacher on Special Assignment - Curriculum and Instruction Amanda Jaurigue. The state seal allows students to get recognized for the work they have already been doing, she said.
Jurupa Unified introduced the state seal in the 2023-2024 school year. Projects included helping animals get adopted at the local animal shelter, raising money for supplies for homeless shelters, opening their school pantry again, and many other community-driven projects.
Rubidoux graduates Nathalia Donate and Jamilet Flores joined Alejandra to volunteer each Thursday morning before school last year to teach technology classes to the senior citizens at the Eddie Dee Smith Center.
“They were very helpful to my members. They were just amazing. They came in and took right over and I love that.” said the Recreation Supervisor for the Jurupa Area and Recreation and Park District Debbie Patterson. Alejandra, Nathalia, and Jamilet met and coached many senior citizens at the senior center, especially Irene Umphress.
“They were very very dedicated. It really touched me because it seems like with my old age, we are reversing in our roles. I am so impressed by the fact that they would give their time (volunteering).” Ms. Umphress said. She admitted that technology has left her behind but that didn’t stop her from attending the students’ classes to learn how to send messages or learn how to Facetime their loved ones.
“I think this is something that is going to have that far-reaching impact,” Ms. Jaurigue said. “In terms of the Vision for the Future, we want our students to know that they have that within them, that they are empowered. By empowering our leadership and empowering our teachers it's… opening their doors.”
