SAMI Helps Great Educators

KIPP SoCal Public Schools serves more than 10,000 students across twenty tuition-free, open-enrollment elementary and middle schools in Southern California, including Boyle Heights, Watts, South LA, Compton, Huntington Park, South Gate and San Diego. The network’s mission is to create joyful, academically excellent schools that prepare students with the skills and confidence to pursue the paths they choose, for college, career and beyond.

Art teacher Gabriel Avila teaches his kids about all types of art and the importance of art in life.

The SAMI Foundation is proud to support KIPP’s efforts to provide underserved K-8 students with a well-rounded education. A recent visit to the KIPP Endeavor College Prep in Boyle Heights further cemented our positive impressions of the staff, teachers and students. This campus, located on South Soto Street and serving grades TK through 8 in the Los Angeles Unified School District, has been educating Boyle Heights families since 2009.

Everyone we met was engaged and enthusiastic, and the facilities reflect a strong commitment to student learning and community. We had the chance to meet art teachers Gabriel Avila and Mariely Pozuelos, both encouraged and supported by an all-star administration led by Maggie Estrada. Gabriel presented SAMI with art creations by his students inspired by Sami’s “Howdy” artwork, with beautiful and inspiring messages on the back. Mariely showed us how she introduces students to working in different mediums, including markers, paints and clay.

Mariely Pozuelos talks about her approach to teaching art while school head Maggie Estrada looks on.

Their enthusiasm for teaching and creative expression reflects the whole-child approach KIPP SoCal emphasizes, where strong academics are paired with enrichment, character development and opportunities for students to explore their interests and talents.

We were happy to offer to fulfill each of their classroom supply lists for the coming spring semester and look forward to seeing how these supplies support their work with students.