A partnership between Hoover High, San Diego Downtown Rotary Club 33, and Price Charities, Cardinals Interact began in October 2002 out of a concern that Hoover High School students could benefit from mentoring and tutoring resources. Each year, approximately 38 tenth grade students at Hoover High are admitted to the Cardinals Interact program. As members of Cardinals Interact, the students receive ongoing mentoring and tutoring from the program’s staff, attend camps, participate in fieldtrips to San Diego government, non-profit, and business organizations, and participate in community service. Cardinals Interact students remain in the program for three years, culminating in a graduation ceremony honoring their work. At the time of graduation, program participants receive a $1000-$1500 college scholarship which provides meaningful first year financial support for their college education.

For further information, please contact program director Beatriz Valencia at (619) 795-2008.

Goals

• To assist students in successfully completing Hoover High School graduation requirements.
• To help students create a community of mentors and positive role models.
• To educate students about the world they live in, thereby encouraging them to positively impact their community.
• To develop strong leaders who make positive choices.

Criteria

All sophomores at Hoover High School, who plan on attending Hoover High through graduation, are invited to apply in early fall. We select students based on:

• Motivation and drive
• Willingness to commit for three years
• Demonstrated need for the program
• Ethnic and academic diversity
• English-speaking ability, at least in ESL 5-6