Stagg High School senior Mia Delgado aspires to become a nurse and firmly believes that cultivating leadership skills during her school years will benefit her in the real world.
Delgado feels that such skills can foster stronger connections between students and enhance their understanding of teamwork and success.
Jason Lee, a 1995 Stagg graduate and Hollywood Unlocked CEO, is currently seeking investment from the Stockton City Council for his "I AM READY" youth initiative, a part of his "Hollywood Cares" foundation.
Lee is determined to launch the initiative in Stockton, which will follow a community organizing model with youth-led after-school clubs and conferences. The program aims to cover topics such as financial literacy, youth leadership, peer-to-peer support, and entertainment workshops.
To execute the initiative, Lee plans to employ locals familiar with the necessary groundwork and able to identify youth leaders from various targeted schools. However, Stockton community activist Toni McNeil of the nonprofit "Faith in the Valley" argues that there are numerous existing youth programs in need of more funding and resources.
Lee, who spoke at Stagg High School last year following the tragic passing of 15-year-old student Alycia "LaLa" Reynaga, is resolute in his pursuit of city council funding to make a lasting impact on local youth.