Project XV: Empowering Our Youth
Executive Summary
Project XV is an afterschool program within SBCUSD designed to provide high school students with a transformative "coming-of-age" experience. While the program is open to all students regardless of ethnicity, it places a significant emphasis on Latino culture, history, and the central role of family. By bridging these cultural traditions with modern mentorship, the program fosters academic achievement, leadership development, and community connection. This singular vision is realized through two distinct pillars: The Quince Project (for young women) and The Caballero Educado Initiative (for young men).
While rooted in a rich cultural heritage, Project XV is fully inclusive, inviting students of all backgrounds to explore identity and responsibility. This program also serves as an excellent support for Dual Immersion programs across the district. The semester-long journey culminates in a grand district-wide gala, showcasing the diverse talents of our students—from fashion and music to choreography and filmmaking—as they transition into their roles as empowered young adults.
Core Pillars & Shared Foundations
1. Shared Foundations
Both programs share a common infrastructure designed to ensure student success and family engagement:
- Parent & Family Component: Monthly workshops focused on navigating adulthood transitions, college readiness (FAFSA/Dream Act), and strengthening parent-child communication. ( SWSS/FACE TEAM)
- The Ticket Incentive System: Students "earn" extra gala tickets for extended family by maintaining high GPA standards, demonstrating academic improvement, or achieving excellent attendance.
- Cross-Program Collaboration: Utilization of existing SBCUSD talent across multiple disciplines to power the final event. (EXL TEAM)
2. Program-Specific Curricula
While the foundations are shared, each initiative provides a tailored focus:
- The Quince Project (Empowerment & Etiquette): Focuses on building self-esteem, female leadership, and cultural history, exploring coming-of-age traditions globally.
- The Caballero Educado Initiative (Leadership & Accountability): Utilizes trauma-informed SEL frameworks focusing on resilience, professionalism as stewardship, and personal accountability.
| Initiative | Primary Focus | Key Framework/Approach |
|---|---|---|
| The Quince Project | Empowerment & Etiquette | Self-esteem, female leadership, cultural history, and global coming-of-age traditions |
| The Caballero Educado Initiative | Leadership & Accountability | Trauma-informed SEL frameworks, resilience, professionalism as stewardship, and personal accountability |
| SBCUSD Resource | Primary Site/Source | Role in Project XV |
|---|---|---|
| Fashion & Tailoring | Shandin Hills MS | Learning from tailors and seamstresses on how to customize dress fabrication and suit fitting/styling for all participants. Look for donations other avenues |
| Mariachi Ensemble | Music Department | Live traditional music for formal ceremonies. |
| DJ Program | Various High Schools | Modern soundtrack, lighting, and audio support for the reception. |
| Dance & Movement | After-School Network | Choreography for formal entrances, surprise dances, and waltzes. |
| Filmmaking | After-School Media | Documentary production and full event documentation. |
Strategic Outcomes & Alignment with Vision 2030
Project XV is designed to drive systemic impact by aligning directly with the SBCUSD SHINES Vision 2030 framework and the California Dashboard performance indicators:
- Academic Excellence & Attendance (SHINES: S, H): Through our Ticket Incentive System, we improve academic engagement and attendance, directly impacting Chronic Absenteeism and Graduation Rates (Dashboard Indicators).
- Belonging, Resilience, & Nurturing Environment (SHINES: B, N): Our trauma-informed SEL curriculum fosters a deep sense of belonging and community connection, which research links to reduced Suspension Rates and improved Student Belonging/Engagement (Dashboard Indicators).
- Involvement & Partnership (SHINES: I): The mandatory family workshops and collaborative gala strengthen the Home-School Partnership, increasing family efficacy and their active participation in the district’s decision-making process.