MOSTe July 2023 Newsletter
Dear MOSTe Family,
While we aren’t holding many events this month, we are busy behind the scenes: evaluating last year’s programs, analyzing survey data, and planning for the coming year; everything we can think of to improve our effectiveness and help girls reach their goals.
It’s a great time to thank all of our community members, funders, and partners who help make our program possible. A big shout-out to the LA Clippers Mentorship Assist Zone for providing iPads for our graduating seniors, to the Venable Foundation for their recent grant, and to the University of Chicago and Ready to Succeed for connecting us with our amazing summer interns! More about them below.
We’ve got exciting new partnerships brewing as well, so stay tuned!
Better yet, sign up to become a mentor for the next school year and help make it all happen. Join us for our Mentor Informational Mixer this Saturday, July 15 in DTLA to learn more about our mentoring program and hear why current mentors find it so rewarding.
Onward,
Amy Ludwig
Executive Director
MOSTe in Action
Transition to College event
For the final gathering of the year our seniors, along with their parents/guardians, joined us for a day of reflection. Students shared hopes and goals for their undergraduate careers, and discussed some of their concerns regarding college. They left with a jar of affirmations to pull from when they’re having a tough time, and a new iPad each (see photo for their happy reactions). Congratulations again to our amazing class of 2023!
MOSTe + Angel City FC
Board President Christine McKay joined Executive Director Amy Ludwig and select MOSTe Scholars, alumnae, and their family members in the sunny stands on Sunday to watch LA’s first women’s soccer team defeat the NC Courage, 2-1. We enjoyed the empowering vibe and great play!
Culmination
Last weekend we had the honor of celebrating our graduating 8th grade, 12th grade, and college scholars. It was definitely a heartfelt moment for all of us to witness our scholars (many of whom have been in MOSTe since 6th grade) walk on that stage. We are incredibly proud of our students and grateful for all that they have contributed to our community! Our deepest thanks to all the families and mentors who joined us for such a huge milestone in these students’ lives. Congratulations to our graduating class of 2023!
Intern Spotlight
Arianna Lopez, UCSB ’24
A rising senior at UC Santa Barbara, Arianna is a Sociology Major with an Applied Psychology Minor. Throughout her undergraduate career she has been heavily involved with campus organizations and the surrounding community. She joins us this summer via Ready to Succeed.
“At MOSTe I am focused on trying to find different advertising strategies to bring in mentors through various social platforms. I value the importance of mentorship, which is why I try my best to continue to share the value of mentors and their lasting impacts with mentees.
“This is my first-ever internship, and I have already developed and further improved my professional skills. Working with MOSTe has been such an amazing experience!”
Kaavya Agarwal, UChicago ’26
Kaavya Agarwal is a rising second-year student at the University of Chicago, majoring in Economics.
“As an intern at MOSTe, I am primarily focused on measuring the impact of the organization on its scholars: tabulating and analyzing past survey results, suggesting survey improvements based on the scholars’ responses, and preparing reports to track the progress and outcomes of the program.
“I have been learning so much. It has been incredibly fulfilling to witness the positive impact that MOSTe has on the lives of these young women. I am proud to contribute to their mission of empowerment and to be part of a team dedicated to the success and growth of these scholars. Seeing their achievements and progress firsthand has been truly rewarding, and I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to be a part of their journey.”
Mentor Moment
Our 2023-2024 Mentor Application is now open! If you’re interested in learning more about our mentoring program please fill our Mentor Interest Form to start the application process. For questions, please reach out to our Volunteer Coordinator, Maira Tejeda.