For TI employee Shannee Tong, a worldwide pricing manager in TI's Silicon Valley Analog group, volunteering gives her the chance to make a positive impact in the community of East Palo Alto, California, and the opportunity to be a catalyst for positive change.

Every Wednesday during the school year, Tong spends her evening at East Palo Alto Phoenix Academy (EPAPA) serving as a mentor to students in their senior class. EPAPA is an Aspire charter school where 100 percent of the students are first-generation immigrants, and 93 percent of the student population qualifies for free or reduced lunch programs.

An EPAPA graduation requirement is to gain acceptance into a four-year college or university.

"It's a great program to get the kids to college," Tong said. "There is a lot of uncertainty for these students because all of them are the first in their families to attend college, and for some, the first to finish high school."

Making an impact
Tong spends her Wednesday nights at EPAPA guiding students through their senior year in high school and providing assistance with the college admissions, financial aid and scholarship processes. She also spends many of her nights away from the school proof-reading student essays and communicating with students online.

With Tong's support, her current mentee has been granted admission to four universities and is in the process of completing her scholarship applications.

"I enjoy preparing my mentee for her college journey," Tong said.

"When there are not enough mentors available on Wednesday night, I help other students by mentoring them as well. I also provide feedback for board members and staff so they can continually improve the mentoring program."

EPAPA celebrated its first graduating senior class in 2011 with 100 percent of the students having gained acceptance into four-year universities. This year, there are 32 students in EPAPA's graduating high school class.

In addition to her volunteer work at EPAPA, Tong plans to run a half marathon in May to help raise money for endangered Sumatran Tigers.