LAYC Youth Kairo Vivas Graduates from University of Maryland

Monday, May 21st 2007 was a special day for one of the center’s friendliest faces.

Kairo Vivas, who became a friend and teacher to many youth in the Columbia Heights neighborhood through the science lab programs he ran for elementary school children during the summers at LAYC, graduated from the University of Maryland on May 21st, with a Bachelor’s in Family Studies.

Kairo worked at LAYC’s Community Science Workshop, in partnership with the Smithsonian National Zoo, as a part-time job during his two years studying at Montgomery Community College. Later, during his two years at the University of Maryland, Kairo worked part time as a teacher’s aide for LAYC Upward Bound’s Saturday Academy science classes.

It is with great pride that we see Kairo finishing up his Bachelor’s degree with a major in Family Studies, now prepared to work with the Latino population in a different setting.

Paul Holzer, Director of LAYC’s Upward Bound program, said, “Kairo is an inspiration to all students who dream of attaining a degree but who don’t see a way to pay for it. With help from federal and local financial aid, participating in the LAYC’s IDA college savings program, and in the New Futures Scholarship program, Kairo has earned an associates and bachelor’s degree without having paid anything out of pocket. Congratulations Kairo!”