JEP Students Build Meaningful Relationships at Manual Arts High School through Partnership with 826LA and Living Advantage, Inc
At the core of USC’s Joint Educational Project are the relationships that form between students, local schools or community-based organizations. This semester, seniors Jonathan Kim and Varun Bansil showcase how it can be both through their work with community-based organizations Living Advantage, Inc and 826LA which both have a program based at Manual Arts High School.
Jonathan Kim, an English major hoping to become an educator, works with 826LA’s writing program. During a recent college essay-writing session, he helped a student recognize his own strengths – guiding him to see how overcoming language barriers and supporting his younger sister demonstrated true leadership. “I know now that I want to educate and ensure students of all backgrounds have their needs met,” Jonathan shares. “They’re great kids, you know?”
Across the hall, Varun Bansil brings similar dedication to Living Advantage, Inc. A biology major who has volunteered for four semesters, Varun has become a consistent support for students navigating academic challenges. His approach goes beyond tutoring – he creates spaces where students feel comfortable learning and growing.
Behind these student experiences are dedicated site coordinators who carefully craft meaningful volunteer environments. Marco Beltran from 826LA, for instance, sees his role as more than supervision. “I always wanted to support communities like the one I grew up in,” he explains. Growing up without programs like 826LA, Marco now creates opportunities he wishes he’d had. He carefully matches JEP volunteers with tasks that challenge and engage students, ensuring each interaction has purpose.
Similarly, Eugenia Wilson from Living Advantage, Inc views her work as building bridges. She appreciates how volunteers like Varun bring fresh energy and perspective. “In today’s times, we need young people who show that we make each other stronger,” Wilson notes. Her approach also goes beyond matching volunteers—she creates an environment where both students and volunteers can learn and grow together.
These coordinators do intricate work that often goes unseen. They’re not just placing volunteers, but carefully designing environments where meaningful exchanges can happen. For Marco, this means finding unique ways to utilize each volunteer’s strengths. For Eugenia, it’s about creating spaces where students feel supported and volunteers feel they’re making a genuine difference.
The partnerships between JEP students and community organizations like 826LA and Living Advantage, Inc are built on mutual respect and genuine curiosity. Jonathan discovered how writing could be a tool for self-discovery. Varun found that tutoring is about more than academic support – it’s about connection and understanding.
For those two students, these experiences offer more than just volunteer hours. They provide glimpses into different educational experiences, challenge preconceptions, and offer real-world learning beyond classroom walls. As Jonathan reflects, “A lot of USC students probably went to somewhat affluent schools. They’re missing out on seeing another perspective – these students I work with are wonderful.”
826LA, Living Advantage, Inc and JEP are particularly grateful to Manual Arts High School for creating space for these meaningful connections to flourish. Under the leadership of Principal LaVon Flowers, the school has become an important factor in this three-way partnership. “Manual Arts High School’s support allows us the opportunity to encourage the youth and provide them with tools for success,” Wilson emphasizes. These connections matter. They’re not about one helping the other, but about learning together, understanding different experiences, and recognizing the strengths in every community.
