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Orange County Youth Commission <br />Santa Ana, California <br />that the clients desire to model. He grew up in Santa Ana and understands what <br />many of these clients are facing in life. <br />Mentoring. In conjunction with and additionally to the new mentoring program <br />for WIA Clients, all boxers will continue to have regular presentations by <br />community members. About once a week, a local business person, community <br />worker or leader gives an hour of their time to speak to the youth about how they <br />achieved their career or job goals. These individuals include entrepreneurs, <br />craftsmen, police officers, firefighters, attorneys, judges, engineers, etc. During <br />the past year, we have had guest speakers including men that own their own <br />businesses, pastors of local churches and men speaking to the boys about <br />abstinence. Chicanito Hernandez also spoke to the young people and told them <br />about his life as a famous boxer. <br />We ask them to share with the youth about how they first had the dream of <br />becoming their chosen profession, then how they strategized to meet that goal, <br />what community resources they tapped how they overcame barriers to reach that <br />goal, what lessons they learned and what they would do differently if they could. <br />We then ask these individuals to allow interested youth to contact them for <br />advice as they pursue a particular job or career goal. Thus, the mentoring <br />relationship is born. <br />Those youth who have graduated from the program are welcome to return to <br />listen to these presentations, as well, to gain additional motivation and insight. <br />This is one avenue we intend to use to guide our youth to gain career <br />awareness; make career decisions and plans; and understand market needs, <br />trends and opportunities. <br />We also incorporate a peer mentoring program where those who have completed <br />the program can return to mentor younger, newer Club members. This has atwo- <br />way positive effect. <br />Character Building. Uniquely, we incorporate character development curriculum <br />in all our tutoring and mentoring programs. Here the program focuses on seven <br />character traits: 1) Respect; 2) Responsibility; 3) Integrity; 4) Compassion; 5) <br />Perseverance; 6) Initiative and 7) Forgiveness. All of these character traits are <br />necessary traits to prove successful in academic and career pursuits and <br />accomplishments. We utilize the sport of boxing to instill these character qualities <br />within the boxing club members. In turn, these character qualities ensure that <br />our youth will become ethical and responsible employees after they graduate <br />from high school, trade school and/or college. <br />Work Experience. Currently, a regular boxing club member who is a paid <br />employee. We plan to continue this practice of providing work experience to <br />promising young men and women in our program. <br />10 <br />