For more than 35 years, AIFS and numerous California community colleges have partnered to teach young people from diverse backgrounds to understand the qualities, values and differences of other cultures. In keeping with our vision “We Bring the World Together”, AIFS is proud to offer a $500 grant for students from the Homeboy Industries Academic Program, “Pathways to College.” Students from this program attending a Customized, Faculty Led program with AIFS through a California Community College will receive $500 off the program fee.
Homeboy Industries was founded in 1986 by Father Greg Boyle, and is based in East Los Angeles. The organization provides former gang members with training and support as they redirect their lives and become contributing members of their community. The “Pathways to College” program assists and counsels around 50 students in various levels of higher education. This includes community college, Bachelor’s and Master’s courses of study.
“They were accepted as equals right from the start by other students, faculty and program staff. Their self-esteem soared.”
Brittany Morton, Academic Coordinator Homeboy Industries
To date, three Homeboy Industries students have participated in AIFS Customized, Faculty Led programs with Pasadena City College to Oxford, England. According to the Homeboy Industries Academic Coordinator, Brittany Morton, the opportunity to study abroad is another step in the students’ path toward success and away from recidivism. Morton affirms that the students who have studied abroad have learned and enjoyed even more than academics, travel and culture. “They were accepted as equals right from the start by other students, faculty and program staff. Their self-esteem soared.” For one student, living in a homestay and coming home to a meal and enjoying it with a family who cared about his well being, was particularly impactful. “He never experienced that kind of structure before.”
The opportunity and need for enhanced global understanding is now greater than ever. Since 1964, AIFS has been at the forefront of international education and affordable study abroad. We commit to high academic standards, and health and safety practices. We are dedicated to supporting students in order to maximize their time abroad.
Every day, AIFS provides study abroad students and faculty with life-changing experiences. We help them reach across borders to build understanding and friendships that enrich lives and make the world a better place.
To learn more about AIFS Customized, Faculty Led programs, please visit our website www.aifscustomized.com or email us at customizedfacultyled@aifs.com.
