Orange Aid

Learn more about the some of the service projects undertaken by various alumni groups, including classes, regional associations and affiliated groups.

Featured Program in the Spring 2008 Take Note:
The Beautiful Minds Project: Inspiring Children in Los Angeles

The Beautiful Minds Project is a program of the Princeton Club of Southern California aimed at bringing together Princeton alumni and elementary school students in underserved areas of Los Angeles. The project was established in December 2003, when a teacher at Ralph J. Bunche Elementary School in Carson, CA, asked club members to serve as role models and examples for her students.  She needed her students to learn that it is possible to go to a great college, no matter what someone’s background is.

Project Coordinator Monica Egbuonu ’84 leads the effort to create a lasting partnership between the PCSC and Bunche. Alumni have contributed to this project in a variety of ways, ranging from serving on the Project Organizing Committee, donating new or used computers, children’s books and art supplies, visiting a class to read a book or lead a discussion, and organizing special projects and field trips.

PCSC alumni have made a real difference here.  They helped a fifth-grade class produce an original play, taught students how to analyze jokes and humor, and even brought in the producers of Fear Factor, along with some hissing Madagascar cockroaches and extra large earthworms.  Alumni also helped organize field trips, such as a visit to Pasadena for a tour of Cal Tech's Jet Propulsion Laboratory and a trip to Ronald Reagan Presidential Museum & Air Force One Pavilion in Simi Valley.

In recognition of these efforts, the PCSC received the Alumni Council Committee on Community Service Award at Reunions 2005. 

The Beautiful Minds project is always looking for new volunteers.  To get involved or to learn more, visit the PCS Web site at http://www.pcscweb.net/article.html?aid=124.

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