Before I get to the news, this morning I heard a brief radio story announcing that we're in Random Acts of Kindness Week, and it mentioned that when the Anaheim School District was challenged to participate in doing a million acts of kindness, they found that their incidence of bullying dropped by 50% compared to the year before. I don't know if they sustained their efforts, but I do know that being kind helps both the giver and the recipient. There's even an RAK Foundation with inspiration for what you can do.

This news definitely could be considered an act of kindness and generosity: IB Committee President Sonia Mercado (with awesome helpers) is committed to putting on an IB Gala this spring with the primary goal of helping to fund a SoCal College tour for Scholars and IB DP students! Like every event these days, we're still subject to (potential) Covid-19 restrictions, but we have permission to begin planning for a July trip. We're considering a 4-day, 3-night itinerary as we did in 2015, 2017 & 2019. We would stay in the UCLA dorms and tour UCLA and UC Santa Barbara, plus go to the beach. We also would tour Cal Poly San Luis Obispo plus two more campuses. I have some preliminary quotes, and no surprise, prices are considerably higher than in 2019. The IB Committee would pay a substantial portion, but students likely would pay about $350 each (includes bus, housing and most meals). Before we can sign any contracts, I need to know if there's enough interest to continue moving forward. Please do this survey ASAP to indicate your interest and give some input about dates and locations. We'll need chaperones, too. The trip will be open to students in the Classes of 2023-2026.

I'm frequently asked about opportunities for service learning. Recently I shared that I had fabric available to make fleece no-sew blankets for Sacramento Blankets for Sacramento Kids and for Itsie Bitsie Rescue. Many thanks to Brian, Prisha, Elizabeth, Tanay, Malini, Sabrina, Maryn, Taylor, Destiny, Bailey, Hana, Sabrina and Rishi for taking on these projects! Some are still in progress, but I already have a giant bagful ready for donation. I have more fabric if anyone else would like to participate.

Freshmen and sophomore Scholars, remember that you need to complete 20 hours of service over the two years combined. You've probably spent some time brainstorming ideas in class. You can stop by my office A107 for logs. They're also available online along with information and the upload links. Juniors who are doing CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service) should be recording their steady progress in ManageBac. Juniors who are not doing CAS have no specific obligations, but hopefully you're keeping busy. Seniors should be nearing the end of CAS or the Senior Project and keeping a close eye on deadlines.

Camp Nefesh is a non-profit summer day camp for refugee children which is run by local teens. They're now taking applications for volunteers. If you know freshman Lilah, you might ask what she's done to help them. (If you might be near the Delta Shores shopping center on 2/16, they're holding a fundraiser at Noodles & Co. from 4-8 p.m. Mention Camp Nefesh, or enter the code GIVING25 online, to give 25% of your order.)

If you're looking for a big project (or part of a club that would like to do more), the city is offering grants to help pay for projects or programs that protect, restore or enhance rivers, creeks and nearby areas in the city. Student groups are eligible to apply, but you must do so by February 25.

The city and SMUD also are running a Carbon Zero Art Contest where you can use your talents to increase awareness and perhaps earn a prize. Entries are due by February 24.

Looking for inspiration? Check out the winners from CAS Trip's Project Challenge.

The Aerospace Museum of California is looking for teen volunteers. Sometimes they have special events that require no other commitment. They also have opportunities for volunteers who would like an ongoing commitment. If you would like more information, see the link at the bottom of their webpage.

Don't forget about YAC, the Youth Action Corp based right here in our neighborhood. This is a favorite way for Inderkum students to be involved. Even if you don't want to work with them at the moment, check out their website for useful links and resources. For example, that's how I found out that applications for the Summer at City Hall Internships will open on March 4.

Finally (for now), check into what campus clubs are doing. Key Club and National Honor Society always are doing service, and Stitchery Club has an upcoming opportunity.

The Digital Divide Scholarship helps Natomas students who are overcoming adversity by providing chromebooks. Applications are due by March 14.

SENIORS! OSC is offering free revision IB Exam revision (review) webinars for many subjects. The times may not work for you live, but if you register you can access the recordings.

Sacramento State’s Fourth annual Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA) is scheduled for Friday, March 4, 2022 from 9:00am-2:00pm. The event will be held virtually with the goal to promote early awareness of college access and career preparation for K-12, two- and four- year as well as transfer-ready community college Asian Pacific Islander Desi American students and their families. Register here.

Watch for invitations from me to view the recordings from the Sacramento Speaker Series. Next up is Dr. Lisa Genova, neuroscientist and author. In March they'll have Lt. Gen. H. R. McMaster. Then in April, Colson Whitehead, author of The Underground Railroad will be appearing. I look forward to resuming in-person attendance at this series, but that likely won't happen until fall.

The New York Academy of Sciences Chat with a Scientist series continues through April. Though their events happen while we're still in class, you can access all the recordings if you register. Free.

Raise Me offers scholarship money based on reporting your current achievements. The actual dollars depend on where you end up enrolling. They're also doing free webinars about Pathways to College on Feb. 23 and Black History Month: Continuing the Conversation on Feb. 24.

Close the Gap Educational Foundation offers a Social Impact Fellowship with applications due by March 31.

The College Board is hosting Real Talk: HBCU Edition on March 2 and 3. Register in advance.

Keep an eye out for details about the Californians for All College Corps.

You could nominate a teacher for the Cambridge Dedicated Teacher Awards.

The World of 7 Billion video contest asks students to make a one-minute video about how ocean health, urbanization, or agriculture are impacted by population growth. Winners can receive up to $1,200, and the deadline is February 22.

Beyond the States would like you to use their services, but they also have tons of free information if you're considering going to college outside of the U.S.

I get LOTS of emails about academic programs. All of these charge fees, some very high, but most have scholarship opportunities. None can guarantee you'll get into a certain college regardless of their affiliations. That said, there are some very interesting opportunities available! Please let me know if you'd like to recommend others

• Sac State Summer Academies and Academic Talent Search, registration opens March 1, not super expensive.
• University of the Pacific Summer High School Institute, multiple subjects, very expensive.
• Learn with Leaders has programs in many subject areas, range of dates and prices.
• Inspirit AI programs to explore artificial intelligence subjects, apply by March 1 for summer, expensive.
• Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is holding PREFACE 2022, a virtual summer engineering design program. Applications due by April 15, expensive.
• LYNX National Arts & Media Camps, rated great by one of our IHS graduates, priority deadline by March 15, regular deadline May 15, expensive.
• Global Leadership Academy, summer, very expensive