Live in Peace Inc

LIVE IN PEACE

East Palo Alto is at a critical and unique point in history (and geography). The next decade will answer the following question: How will Silicon Valley impact communities of color, and how will communities of color impact Silicon Valley? Without intentional efforts to the contrary, the answer is unfortunately predictable: communities of color will be displaced, and the Valley will continue to miss out on the “untapped” genius within them. Live In Peace is pursuing strategies that change the narrative about our communities, shape the future of the Valley, and write the next chapter of history. 

 

PROGRAMS

StreetCode Academy: StreetCode Academy aims to connect academically-disengaged SUHSD students from the East Palo Alto and Bell Haven Neighborhoods to the high-tech industries of the Silicon Valley. We achieve these outcomes with an integrated combination of CS and high tech classes, character and professional development and a community-based hacker space that brings together industry professionals with StreetCoders. This year we will introduce over 100 young people to both the technical training and industry partners that will position them to access the local tech economy.

College Initiative: The Live In Peace College Initiative offers scholarships, academic & emotional support, mentorship and case management to students who are typically not eligible for more standard college prep programs. Since 2008 we have seen 8 of our students graduate from four-year colleges while 32 are currently in college and on track to graduate.

L.I.P. Studio: The L.I.P. Studio not only seeks to produce musicians of the highest caliber, but also young men and women of the highest character, creating music for the uplifting and healing of our community. Currently 40 students recieve 1-on-1 weekly music lessons. We assemble and direct youth bands, produce recorded music and videos, host monthly open mic nights, perform throughout the community and the Bay Area, and have three students who are now paid music teachers at the Studio.

Family Night: Every week we gather as a "family" to eat together, celebrate successes, share struggles, encourage each other, and build a collective vision for how we can help our community move forward in a positive direction. We implement the Alive and Free methodology to challenge the mindsets and behaviors that result in death and incarceration, replace them with "Rules for Living," and open up pathways for healing. For many young people, this family has become the source of love and encouragement that is sometimes absent in other parts of their lives.