Long Beach BLAST – Better Learning for All Students Today, is a 501 (c)(3) organization whose mission is to improve the success for at-risk students through collaboration and innovative approaches to mentoring and learning. Our vision is - Every student: inspired to succeed academically and personally. BLAST was founded in 2000 by attorney and youth advocate, Jean Egan, in response to studies conducted as part of the City of Long Beach’s 2010 Strategic Plan. Those results indicated that Long Beach citizens wanted to ensure a consistent, citywide focus on improving the well-being of the city’s youth. Key goals set forth in the plan included increasing the percentage of at-risk youth meeting academic standards, increasing youth engagement in productive activities, and engaging college students as volunteers and mentors. Long Beach BLAST focuses on disadvantaged youth in Long Beach, California, and supports, engages, and inspires them to work towards high school diplomas and set goals for the future. BLAST works with more than 800 at-risk students per year through two programs: the Academic Mentoring Program and the Bridge to Success Program. Volunteer Opportunities: 1. College Academic Mentor 2. Guest Speaker/Career Fair 3. Legacy Council Legacy Council - is a group of young professionals who commit their time and talents to support Long Beach BLAST, through volunteer activities. Mentorship is at the core of our beliefs and our council. * Mentoring – Our members enjoy the mutually beneficial relationship that mentoring provides. As a young, up and coming professional you will have the opportunity to be mentored by a more established professional. Likewise, if you are a more seasoned professional, you can “Pay it Forward” and mentor a new professional. *Networking events and other volunteering opportunities are also part of the Legacy Council.