Scholars, past and present, are what influence and shape Boys Hope Girls Hope. Staff and board members are vital as well,

but our scholars are unique in that they will forever fill a role—whether they are currently enrolled or collegians. It would be

easy to lose track of most collegians after they embark on their various careers, but doing so would be a huge mistake on

any organization, university or programs part.

Why, you ask? Our scholars create the organization’s reputation, which relies on a large part of how successful the alumni

are in the real world. This process is a cause and effect: If a school becomes well known for graduating collegians and alum-

ni that are intelligent, innovative, and effective in their fields, then their reputation will also develop.

Although, our core focus is to help academically capable and motivated children-in-need to meet their full potential and

become men and women for others, as alumni we want to exceed those expectations. We’ve included a few particulars on

how exactly alumni engagement be of value to Boys Hope Girls Hope:

Broad alumni participation helps establish a culture of philanthropy that is vital to the success and sustainability

of the institution.

There is strength in numbers and a community is only as strong as the people who support it.

Alumni participation is often viewed as a barometer of alumni satisfaction.

Corporations and foundations consider alumni participation when making funding decisions

Keeping in close contact with, and continuing to recognize alumni for their excellence is one of the most definite way Boys

Hope Girls Hope to both cultivate our community and continue to receive support from alumni.

The Importance of Alumni Engagement

The Boys Hope Girls Hope San Francisco Bay Area family and friends mourn the passing of

Private First Class Dante Lauteri. Dante was the first scholar enrolled in the San Francisco Bay

Area program when it started in 1999. A fun-loving and outgoing young man, he endeared

himself to his brothers, the house-parents and staff over the eight years he was in the program.

As the program evolved and expanded, Dante's easy-going personality was reflected in his

adaptability and wide circle of diverse friends. Dante attended St. Ignatius College Preparatory

high school, and later the University of San Francisco. In a heart-felt tribute, his college friends

fondly remembered him as "free-spirited," "smooth," "authentic," "passionate," "loyal" and "kind

-hearted". He was proud of his Italian heritage and loved his home city of San Francisco. Dante

was interested in becoming a law officer, in part, to help protect other children like himself who

had grown up in challenging environments. In 2012, Dante joined the U.S. Army to begin

pursuing that dream, and was later stationed in Ft. Drum, New York.

— Gina Symczak, Mentor

In Memory & In Spirit

National Alumni Association

December 3, 2013

Volume 1, Issue 2

From the Desk of the Alumni Leadership Director

Income Based Repayment

Public Service Program

A common post-college wish is to be able to just erase your student loans. As great as that sounds, there just

are no magic bullets. But, there are some underutilized avenues to help you out. The programs are not a

quick fix and most of the programs are tied to certain professions, such as teachers or public defenders but is

worth checking into if you’re still carrying your college loans. Here's a snapshot of several options as de-

scribed by the Joseph Pisani, a business writer for the Associated Press.

qualify for this program, but some

loans, such as the Federal Family

Education Loan (also known as

FFEL) and the Perkins Loan can be

consolidated into a Direct Loan. If

you don't know what type of federal

loan you have, you can find out at

nslds.ed.gov.

The program was established in 2007,

so no one has received loan

forgiveness yet. Those hoping to take

advantage need to make sure their job

qualifies with the Department of

Education every year.

The Department of Education offers

more guidelines.

http://1.usa.gov/18sELJS

This program is for those who work in

federal, state or local government jobs, or

at a nonprofit that's been designated as a

501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. The

CFPB estimates that a quarter of the

country's workforce falls into those

categories. Individuals must also have

high student loan balances relative to

their income.

The program works like this: anyone who

makes 120 on-time monthly payments

toward their student loans and works in a

qualifying job for 10 years (they don't

have to be consecutive), can apply to

have their remaining balance forgiven.

The amount of the loans forgiven is not

taxed, under current tax law.

Only those with federal Direct Loans will

will ultimately decide if you are

qualified, but you can see if you would

benefit from this program by using this

online calculator:

http://1.usa.gov/1bIO1yw

There are other rules, such as which

types of federal loans qualify. The

Department of Education has a helpful

tip sheet: . http://1.usa.gov/19JJVQA

Under this program borrowers can

qualify for reduced monthly payments,

and after 25 years the remaining

balance is forgiven. It is important to

note that the forgiven amount is taxed

as income, which means you will likely

have to pay a sum to the IRS that's

lower than the amount forgiven.

The program is for those whose federal

student loan debt is high relative their

income and family size. Your lender

National Alumni

Association

Board

Co-Directors Jiarra Jackson

Nick Varuso

National Office Support Julie Allen

Jerrica Franks

Secretary Tammy Swoager

IT Director

Ashland Tate

Regional Directors Kia Tyler (East)

Maddy Heikkila (MidWest) Joe White (West)

Daniella Portillo (South)

Local Affiliate Directors Nautya Johnson (Pittsburgh) Aaliyah Navarro (Cincinnati)

Bernard Silva (San Francisco) Nicole Pedrazza (Denver)

Page 2 Nat iona l A lumni Assoc iat ion Volume 1, I ssue 2

Borrowers can apply to have their monthly payments reduced, and after 20 years of payments, the balance is forgiven. Any forgiven amounts are taxed as income. This program is for those with a high level of federal student loans compared to their income, and who took out their first federal student loan after Oct. 1, 2007.

Use the Department of Education's online calculator to see if you qualify: http://1.usa.gov/194F7V0

If you have already taken on the task of paying off loans and the above options are not applicable, here are a few tips

on managing your payments.

1. Pay attention to paperwork. Make sure your lenders have your correct address. Always read everything they send

to you, and correct errors promptly. Complete forms on time, and know when you need to start paying back your stu-

dent loans.

2. Review all your loans. Order your loans from those with the highest interest rates to the lowest. If you can afford

to pay more than the minimum, put your money towards the student loan with the highest interest rate.

3. Accelerate your payments. Resist the temptation to spend your whole paycheck, and instead use spare cash to

increase your loan payments. This will reduce the total amount of interest you pay.

4. Go for graduated payments. A graduated student loan repayment plan means your payments start off low, and

are raised every two years. This strategy works well if your income will likely increase steadily.

5. Consider consolidation. Consolidation lets you combine several federal loans into one. This may lower your in-

terest costs, particularly if some of your loans have a variable rate. You may risk losing the deferment and forbearance

rights of your current federal loans if you consolidate.

Pay As You Earn

5 Tips on Paying Off Your Loans

Other Programs

Depending on your job, you may be able to get help with your loans. Teachers, for ex-ample, should see if they're eligible for the teacher loan forgiveness program. They must work at a qualifying school for five consecutive years to receive up to $17,500 in for-giveness on certain federal loans. For more details see: http://1.usa.gov/1bITqWq

American Student Assistance put a list together of over 60 programs. Some are based on type of job, others are state programs. You can see them here: http://bit.ly/15xGpNs .. Some state programs even help with private loans. An Internet search can help you see if your state or job qualifies for some sort of student loan help. And, don’t forget to ask your employers or human resources department if student loan help is available.

MORE INFORMATION:

Public service loan forgiveness: http://1.usa.gov/18sELJS

Income-based repayment: http://1.usa.gov/19JJVQA

Pay as you earn plan: http://1.usa.gov/1h5MGzQ

Fall Quarter

Challenge

Have you lost touch

with the other scholars

from your affiliate? Are

you due for lunch with

your old roommate?

Well we are challenging

you to touch base with

someone you haven't

seen or heard from in a

while and post a

picture of the gathering

to the Alumni Facebook

page so we can see

how well everyone is

doing. Happy

Gathering!

Page 3 Nat iona l A lumni Assoc iat ion Volume 1, I ssue 2

Busy in Baltimore

Teen Read Week 2013

The Baltimore affiliate is busy this holiday season researching, attending workshops, and meeting with various

organizations and colleges across the city. The affiliate has recently partnered with Stevenson University’s student

organization, Male Initiative Leadership and Excellence (MILE) Program. The organization consists of 55 male

students working to succeed and further their education along with organizing various projects around campus and in

their community such as community service, campus activities, and hosting workshops.

After meeting with the program director of MILE, plans have already been made to schedule three workshops for the

scholars to attend: “A Generation Without an Appetite,” “The Glitz & Glam of Leadership,” and “Life After High

School.” The Mile men also mentioned their interest in forming a more personal connection with the scholars by

attending dinners and volunteering during community service projects in the near future.

In a more holiday spirit, the scholars will be joining the Mayor of Baltimore for his annual Christmas parade held in

Hampden ( the same town where the 2007 American musical film, “Hairspray” was filmed). Scholars, house parents,

administration and volunteers will be rocking their BHGH gear and handing out

information. Over 25,000 were in attendance last year, so lets hope for an even greater turn

out this year!

October 12, 2013 marked the 10th annual BHGH celebration of the American Library Association’s Teen Read Week.

The Boys Hope Girls Hope Teen Read Week program offers an opportunity for scholars to participate in reading activities and discussions around common TRW books. The event allows scholars to have a shared experience with other Boys Hope Girls Hope scholars across the country, as well as an opportunity for a little friendly competition among houses. All houses that participated were recognized and the winning house will receive a special acknowledgement for their efforts.

This year, we decided to explore the dystopian future to go along with this year's theme, "Seek the Unknown” with two novels: one for middle-level readers and one for our high school scholars. Among the Hidden (Book 1) by Margaret Peterson Haddix is the selection for Middle School. High School scholars will read Unwind by Neal Shusterman.

TRW is also a competition between the affiliate homes. This year’s winner is Northeastern Ohio, earning a total of 115 points! The first year, Paul Minorini, CEO of Boys Hope Girls Hope, surprised the winning house by showing up dressed as a chicken–or an alien. This year–anything is possible.

If you have the opportunity, head to your nearest bookstore and pick up a copy. Share with us your thoughts and feedback on the Alumni Facebook page. Are you ready to seek the unknown?

Page 4 Newsletter T i t le Volume 1, Issue 2

Mentoring Matters

New York Style Musical Treat

Do you dream of an opportunity to impact & transform someone's life? Well we

are looking for you! BHGH is in search of people eager to support and encourage

our scholars by simply changing their perspective of what the world can offer.

All kids need is a little help, a little Hope, and someone who believes in

them.

-- Earvin "Magic" Johnson

As a mentor, you will be responsible for building self-esteem, developing positive academic, career, and personal

goals, and a long term cheerleader. You can literally start changing their lives today; Plus, this is your chance to relive

your time as a scholar a few hours a month AND to give someone else the invaluable gift of friendship.

Research confirms what we know anecdotally or intuitively — that mentoring works. The number of ways mentoring

can help a youth are as varied as the people involved. While the lists and statistics can be impressive, personal stories

can be even more impressive. Reflect on your mentor success story & recall how mentoring works from different

perspectives in your life.

If you are interested and willing to share a couple days each month, please call Jerrica Franks at (877)878-4673 or

email her at jfranks@bhgh.org.

We are so thrilled for one of our New York scholars, Austin Joseph, who has a feature in JAY Z's online publication, Life and Times. Austin is currently in his junior year of high school and serves as a leader in the boys program and continues to impress us with his creativity and commitment to education. Coming from the more stark side of Cape Cod, MA, he moved to NYC to reside in the La Salle Hall, directed by Jean Yves Lafond, in the hopes of getting a better education at Bishop Loughlin Memorial High School, and pursuing his dreams in the big apple. This young man aspires to be a world class artist/entrepreneur in the fields of music and fashion.

Prior to coming to BHGHNY, he created Gourmet Records, an independent record label which was recently featured in hip hop mogul's Shawn Carter’s (aka Jay-Z) life and times website where his compilation album, Amuse Bouche, was premiered. During his career at La Salle Hall, he has also worked alongside his older brother in creating a high-end men's wear clothing line, Alexander Jackson, and a street wear brand known as, GGG777.

Aside from Austin's artistic and entrepreneurial ventures, he works diligently as both a scholar and a leader of La Salle Hall. With an approximate average of 90, he balances school government, volunteering as a tutor, leading the percussion section in his school band, an ambassador for BLMHS, member of the National Honors Society, taking part in various community service projects, and being a prefect within the dorm's rankings with various enrichment courses for English, math, physics, and the SAT's. Austin strives to study fashion in attaining a higher education. An awesome kid, and a fresh ingredient to add into the BHGH mosaic!

To check out Austin’s recent feature, click here: http://lifeandtimes.com/lifetimes-premiere-the-gourmet-family-amuse-bouche-album-stream

Page 5 Nat iona l A lumni Assoc iat ion Volume 1, Issue 2

The Boys Hope Girls Hope National was established to

ensure an on-going development of the alumni profession-

ally and personally through a support network. We want

to contribute to the mission of BHGH through the shar-

ing of their unique talents, skills and experiences, and to

be ambassadors to help perpetuate the mission of

BHGH Alumni Association.

We are still looking for leaders to take on positions with-

in the Alumni Association Board.

12120 Bridgeton Square Dr.

Bridgeton, MO 63044

We’re on the web!

www.bhgh.org/alumni

Phone: 877-878-4673

Fax: 314-298-1251

E-mail: alumni@bhgh.org

National Alumni Association

As the year ends, we think about all we are grateful for and our relationship with you is one

thing we treasure. We wish you a Happy Thanksgiving, Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas,

Happy Kwanzaa and much success in the New Year!