Our Philosophy

Founded withing a research project, CASA directly links what we physically do in the community to a theoretical and research-proven framework.

Providing university students the real world experience working in local communities and learning by doing "theory in practice"
We recruit undergraduates to participate as program mentors, through which they learn to
  • Connect academic knowledge with the community’s funds of knowledge
  • Engage in collaboration with each other and children in fun activities
  • Foster a multilingual/multicultural environment where children feel comfortable sharing
  • Understand technology as a medium for artistic and personal expression

Preparing PreK-6th graders to imagine their fullest potential in future learning opportunities and beyond
Participants in LCM will learn
  • critical thinking skills to navigate their own global citizenship in the 21st century
  • technology and art skills in various media as a form of artistic expression and personal reflection
  • collaborative inquiry and reflection on their personal lives, community, and world
  • to embrace their linguistic and cultural backgrounds as intellectual tools for problem solving and art
  • to imagine their future potential and build confidence in their academic and social success

Inspiring social citizenship ( giving back to your community) in learners of all ages
The La Clase Magica program provides a optimal space for community development because
  • College Students are able to impact their community, learn from their experiences, and influence college campuses
  • Child participants create interactive projects that lead to discussion about community issues, ultimately engaging them in problem solving and community improvement
  • Community partners and volunteers to CASA can have a fulfilling experience working with children and serving a community's needs

Developing critical, innovative, and creative thinkers that will benefit San Diego county's future
CASA specifically wants to connect learners during the most pivotal parts of life :
  • college students who are making life decisions about their careers and citizenship in a changing, globalized, economic landscape
  • P-6th graders who are rapidly absorbing the technological, social and educational challenges in a changing educational landscape, but may not have the tools to assess how they are being affected



We believe that San Diego college students affecting San Diego youth, will improve the quality of life for More San Diegans through the cycle of
  • increasing middle and high school retention in low income/minority communities
  • Increasing representation of low income/minority populations in local colleges and universities
  • increasing connections and influence of college-minded people to do good in the local community