Aim High’s very own co-founder and Executive Director, Alec Lee, will be honored by the White House on Friday, February 26 as a Champion of Change. President Obama’s Office of Public Engagement is recognizing Alec for his leadership in expanding summer learning opportunities for under-resourced students in the Bay Area.
Champions of Change celebrates everyday Americans on a monthly basis for their extraordinary contributions to the community. Summer Opportunity, the theme for February’s selection, highlights individuals who are narrowing the opportunity gap by strengthening summer learning, improving access to meals, and expanding summer job opportunities for young people. More than 450 individuals across the country were nominated for this honor; just nine were selected.
Alec was nominated for Champions of Change by Sandra Fewer, President of the SFUSD Board of Education, and Laura Brown, the Executive Director of Tahoe/Truckee Excellence in Education Foundation. Aim High has formed close partnerships with both districts to provide students with academic support and enrichment through its free, multi-year summer program.
“I believe the Aim High model can and should be replicated across California,” says Fewer. “Honoring Alec with this award is the catapult he needs to take Aim High to communities across the state.”
In addition to being honored at the event, Alec will have the opportunity to discuss his work, accomplishments, and challenges with the eight other Champions as well as the policymakers, education experts and Washington officials who will also be attending.
As Aim High celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2016, this honor could not come at a more auspicious moment in the organization’s history. “After thirty years,” says Alec, “I am more inspired than ever by our students, graduates, and teachers, and by the power of summer learning.”
Watch the celebration live on The White House website. The stream will begin at 7:30 PST on Friday, February 26. Follow the conversation at #WHChamps.
