Scuba Diving Lessons and Certification - Folklorico Dancing Instruction - Mariachi Music Lessons in Trumpet, Violin and Guitar - Art Lessons - Computer Training - Soccer Team Sponsorship - Field Trips - Trail Riding - Scholarships

Scuba Diving
The goal of the BHIC's scuba diving program is to take the youth of East Los Angeles out of the barrio and into a New World of diving. The candidates will develop respect, honor and integrity while training to become certified scuba divers. The scuba diver's program will teach the candidates to empower themselves to succeed and to be proud to say, "I finished the course and it changed my life."

The BHIC provides the scuba diving classes at no expense to the candidates. Licensed instructors conduct the classes using the Diver City (di-ver-si-te) program designed by our staff in conjunction with the County of Los Angeles Scuba Diving Programs instructors. This program targets inner-city youth and combines scuba diving standards and curriculum used by the County of Los Angeles, military-style structure, technology, sensitive teachers and lots of fun.

Our staff, to determine physical strengths, mental preparedness, maturity and personal goals process the Diver City candidates. The candidates do not have to know how to swim but must have a willingness to learn. Swimming classes and other swimming sports are available and the candidates can remain in this preliminary program until qualifying for the divers program. All candidates are welcomed and congratulated for entering the scuba diving program, which leads to a lifetime of discovery and adventure.

The formal classroom sessions are held at the BHIC's office in the El Mercado de Los Angeles (El Mercadito). The pool training classes are held at Roosevelt High School and the local beaches are the sites for the salt water diving. The program is finalized with an overnight trip to Catalina Island for the deep-water dives.

The class size is limited to 12 candidates and the duration of the session is 12 weeks. The candidates become a certified diver after completing 30 hours of training and after demonstrating to the instructor that he/she has attained sufficient skills, knowledge, and a safety conscience attitude.
We now have new pool hours at the East Los Angeles Community Youth Center. Mon-Fri open swim 3pm-6pm and for adults 6pm - 8pm. We are also hosting pre scuba course workouts and training. Also are new scuba program will be begining in the next couple weeks and the kids scuba course will begin in June. So we are currently recruiting new candidates.

Neighborhood Dances
The BHIC uses the banquet room within the marketplace in Boyle Heights known as the El Mercado de Los Angeles (El Mercadito) 3425 E 1 Street, Los Angeles, CA. The Los Angeles Police Commission granted permission to conduct dances and the first event was held on October 30, 2002. There no entrance fee but donations are solicited.

At present, there are no promotion or advertising funds, but the community is learning of this new recreational program by word of mouth. The youth attending these dances are excited about this new program and are able to enjoy themselves without harassment. Local musical groups and volunteer disc jockeys provide music. Licensed security officers provide security.

We also encourage local bands to use our facility as their venue to showcase their music and acts. This is a very popular, loud and exciting weekly event that will continue to grow.

Soccer Team Sponsorship
The BHIC is sponsoring a local soccer team whose members are from the vacinity of the El Mercado. The players are young teenagers who practice on an empty lot next to the building. They provide their own coach and arrangements are being made to enroll them in a local soccer league.

Skateboard Parks
There is a great need for skateboard parks in Boyle Heights. The BHIC will work with the Los Angeles City Parks and Recreation Department and the Community Redevelopment Agency to provide funds for the development and maintenance of at least four skateboard parks. Local businesses will be solicited to sponsor one of the parks. The BHIC will monitor the activities of the youth using these skateboard parks and will schedule tournaments between the parks.

Trail Riding
The BHIC is participating with the Honda sponsored Red Rider Ranch Off-Road Training & Education Center. This is a one- day course at the Pacific Ranch in Colton, California. The course is designed to provide all the basic mental and physical skills needed to ride responsibly and to fully enjoy off-road motorcycle riding. The BHIC will enroll twelve people from ages 6 years to adult per outing at least once per month.

Field Trips
The BHIC will conduct monthly field trips to the many points of interest and recreational activities in Southern California. Too many of our barrio children never leave the "concrete jungle" and do not know what's beyond Pasadena or Montebello. This is an important part of our program because of the great need for our residents to expand their knowledge of society.

Cultural Programs

Folkloric Dance Instruction
Regional folklorico dances are an important part of the Latin culture. The BHIC will provide the professional dance instructors to conduct the traditional dance classes to the children of East Los Angeles. There is no charge for these lessons and the BHIC will provide the shoes and dresses for the children whose parents cannot provide them. The children, when they are ready, will be asked to provide entertainment at local senior citizen centers and other community functions.

Mariachi Music Lessons
The BHIC will provide the music teachers for weekly lessons in trumpet, violin, and guitar. The lessons will concentrate on the music of the Mariachi, which is the traditional music of most of the youth of ELA. There is no charge for these lessons and the BHIC will provide the instruments. The classes will he held at the BHIC field office located in the El Mercado using the same stage the professional mariachis perform.

Art Classes
The art classes will be conducted weekly at the BHIC's field office. Local artists will conducted the classes at no charge to the students. Additional support and instruction will be given to those students who show a potential in art. The classes will also include demonstration drawings by the instructors.

Computer Training and Tutoring
The BHIC believes that there is a continuing need for computer training and tutoring for the residents of all in Boyle Heights. Computers are available at the field office. Tutors are available at the local college as needed.

Scholarships
Scholarships are available for those students who demonstrate a potential in recreation and art careers. The amount of the scholarships will depend upon the fundraising success of the BHIC.