I might have mentioned before that I am involved with an amazing boys high school in Watts called Verbum Dei. It is not like an average school for many reasons and my favorite reason is because 100% of the boys attending will go to college, for the 5th year in a row.
Verbum Dei is not a fancy boys prep school where you would expect that ratio, it is a school located in one of the poorest and most crime ridden neighborhoods of Los Angeles. Their goal is to “develop self-confident gentlemen who are intellectually motivated, spiritually rooted, contemplative and courageous in their pursuit of a more humane and just world.”
As the mother of three sons, I realize that this is a lofty goal in the best of circumstances and near impossible while trapped in a cycle of poverty and yet the “Verb”, as its called, accomplishes this year after year.
Please click here to see this inspirational place and their story.video?autoStart=true&topVideoCatNo=default&clipId=7375926
There are many things that set this school apart from others but one that truly stands out is their Corporate Work Study Program. This is where students work five days per month to help cover the cost of their education, to apply what they are learning in class, and to realize their own career possibilities, as well as learn skills that set them up for lifelong success. They are earning their education and realize that it is worth working for.
This years graduates of Verbum Dei are work experienced, self-confident gentlemen who are ready for college and to make a difference in the world. Congrats Class of 2012! Charity Matters.
