Principal Jeff Olivero has implemented a new program, known as the African American Study Group, and he has invited teacher-nominated African American UC student leaders to join.

Recently data was collected at University City High and around the district. It showed that when it comes to test scores, grade point averages, and AP exam scores, African American students are the lowest performing of the most represented ethnic groups. Olivero gathered an assembly of students to meet on a regular basis to discuss issues regarding performance and ethnicity, in the hopes of getting more African American students concerned about their futures and those of their peers.

The main goal of the group, according to Olivero, is to insure that the study group develops solutions to the problem of low performance rates among their peers. At the meetings, he explained, students are encouraged to state their own opinions as to what they think are the causes for the low performance.

Olivero said, “Kids are kids, and they are all capable of learning. Therefore, there is no reason that this should be happening at our school or anywhere else.”

Before coming to UC High, Olivero was principal at Mira Mesa High School, and he stated that his biggest regret during his time there was that he never addressed this issue. Now that he sees a similar situation occurring at UC, Olivero said, “I refuse to make the same mistake again.”

The African American students and the staff involved in the study group agree with Olivero. They believe that this is a growing problem, and after looking at the data as a group, it became undeniably clear to them. Sophomore AJ Lee said, “As African American students, we understand why other African Americans are not doing their work. If we find a way to let kids know they can be successful and show them all their options, then hopefully they will try harder.”

Counselor Clayton Ballard stated that this core group is a good start for gaining awareness and educating the students involved, but he hopes that it will go deeper and reach all students and not just African Americans.

According to study group members, the program has attracted the attention of many additional staff members on their prep periods. These teachers and counselors come from various ethnicities, showing that the study group has peaked the interest of people from a variety of backgrounds.