The Black InGenius Initiative (BiGI) at the University of San Diego (USD) has become a cornerstone of hope and is transforming lives, one student at a time.
This groundbreaking program is shaping the futures of young Black scholars in San Diego County by focusing on addressing educational inequities.
Before each school year begins, BiGI celebrates the induction of a new cohort of bright, uniquely gifted 6th graders – marking the beginning of their journey toward academic excellence. For students who complete the program and are accepted into USD, the university commits to meeting 100% of their federally demonstrated financial need.
The program is more than just an educational support system – it’s a community, offering resources, guidance and encouragement to Black students navigating a school system where they may face disparities.
More than Academics
As part of its mission to ensure the long-term success of its scholars, BiGI prepares students like Jordan Dominguez for high school graduation and college readiness, offering a unique opportunity to explore potential and prepare for a bright future.
For Jordan, BiGI has meant not only a pathway to college but also the chance to bond with peers through hands-on experiences like building a robot.
“It’s a fun program,” he said. “You can meet other kids that are like you and open up more opportunities for you.”
His mother, Sahar, has seen firsthand how the program has positively impacted her son, particularly in his perception of his capabilities and his future aspirations.
“BiGI really does provide a lot of opportunities for not only accessibility to education, but also, feeling more confident,” she said. “That’s going to help in the future.”
Kara Randolph has noticed growing confidence in her son, as well.
“I’ve seen him be more vocal and expressive in many ways,” Kara shared, crediting the supportive BiGI community for the positive change in her son’s behavior.
The program fosters growth, confidence and a sense of belonging ensuring scholars are not only academically prepared but also equipped with the self-assurance to succeed in life.
Mentoring the Next Generation
A core part of BiGI is its pod leaders, like Umi Sharif – a third-year student at USD and a passionate advocate for the BiGI program.
“The kids that we interacted with all have different geniuses,” she said. “Getting to explore that and give them a sense of support that will propel them more into the future is an amazing experience.”
Airion Medina, a senior at USD, also serves as a mentor and pod leader. He uses his personal experiences to mentor students and loves to watch them flourish.
“You’re doing something that helps the community, and you get to just have fun,” Airion said. He strives to make sure each student feels loved and believes in themselves.
For pod leaders like Airion and Umi, the entire experience is very rewarding.
“I feel like I have made an impact on these kids’ lives,” Umi said. “It’s very fulfilling.”
About the Black InGenious Initiative
Housed within the University of San Diego’s School of Leadership and Education Sciences (SOLES), BiGI offers a wide range of services designed to help students overcome barriers they face in traditional educational settings.
Services include STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) academics, college workshops and personalized counseling. Through the program, students are empowered to thrive not only academically but also socially and emotionally.
BiGI – a partnership between the University of San Diego, San Diego Unified School District, and San Diego Foundation (SDF) – paves the way for students to access higher education. This partnership exemplifies how San Diegans and organizations can align their giving for a greater collective impact and lasting change.
Part of BiGI’s funding comes from the SDF Black Community Investment Fund.
