USD SOLES Celebrates Third BiGI Induction Ceremony: Advancing College Access One Cohort at a Time
BiGI was created to open doors that too often remain closed for young people. By bringing together families, educators and community partners, we are building a network that surrounds our scholars with opportunity and support
The University of San Diego’s (USD’s) School of Leadership and Education Sciences (SOLES) welcomed its newest BiGI scholars this month, inducting 104 middle school students into a bold initiative that was created to address the significant barriers preventing equitable and inclusive learning environments for youth in San Diego County.
The third annual BiGI Induction Ceremony celebrated rising sixth, seventh and eighth graders, along with their families, as they joined a community built to nurture genius, expand opportunity and transform what learning can look like when students are empowered to bring their full selves to the classroom.
Founded in 2023 through a partnership between USD, the San Diego Foundation and the San Diego Unified School District (SDUSD), BiGI is designed to remove barriers to education while affirming the unique identities, strengths and genius of every student.
Among the attendees was Fabiola Bagula, ’07 (MEd), ’16 (PhD), the newly appointed permanent superintendent of SDUSD. Her attendance was especially notable as both a USD SOLES double alumna and a lifelong advocate for educational equity. She was honored with the BiGI Squad Award in recognition of her leadership as well as her enduring commitment to students and communities across San Diego. Dr. Gloria E. Ciriza, San Diego County superintendent of schools was also honored with the award, and although she was unable to attend, her contributions were recognized and celebrated.
“The induction of our newest BiGI scholars is always a highlight of the summer, and this ceremony was a powerful reminder of the promise these young students carry,” said Kimberly A. White-Smith, EdD, dean of SOLES. “Having Dr. Bagula with us made the celebration even more meaningful, as her journey from SOLES alumna to district superintendent reflects the very kind of impact we hope to inspire in our BiGI scholars.”
The seven-year program, which supports admitted scholars from sixth through 12th grade, was established not only to uplift students but also to adapt to the unique developmental needs of neurodivergent learners through a multifaceted, identity-affirming approach that nurtures each individual’s inherent genius. This vision comes to life through summer and Saturday programming that offers wraparound services, STEAM-focused academics, counseling, college workshops and more.
“BiGI was created to open doors that too often remain closed for young people. By bringing together families, educators and community partners, we are building a network that surrounds our scholars with opportunity and support,” said Dean White-Smith. “By harnessing access into action and ensuring education serves as a pathway to possibility, SOLES is demonstrating the power of education to ignite potential and shape brighter futures.”
Now in its third year, BiGI continues to grow in both reach and impact. With 180 active scholars across three cohorts, the program reflects a global community of families who speak at least seven languages and represent four continents, bringing a diversity of perspective and possibility.
Through mentorship, culturally responsive teaching and intentional support from specially trained educators, BiGI equips students with the resources and encouragement they need to thrive academically and personally, laying the foundation for long-term success.
“BiGI is rooted in the belief that every young person carries a unique genius that deserves to be cultivated,” said Sean Green, ’12 (MA), ’22 (PhD), assistant dean for the Office of Innovation and Community Engagement. “Our role is to help them dream boldly, to see themselves as scholars and leaders and to give them the tools to pursue those dreams with confidence. By the time they reach 12th grade, we want our BiGI scholars not just ready for college, but ready to transform the world around them.”
By welcoming its third cohort of scholars, SOLES is turning its mission into action, creating meaningful impact across San Diego and investing in the promise of our local youth whose talents will shape the future of our communities and whose voices will lead the way forward.