Borrego Sun - Since 1949

Basic Assistance to Students in the Community (aka BASIC) continues its commitment to the community through its annual weekend Fine Art Show & Sale; The Circle of Art. The Circle of Art is one of the biggest events in Borrego Springs, drawing in over 50 artists from across the country at peak flower season.

While a Superbloom forecast has not yet been determined, we anticipate this Circle of Art to be the best one yet. We invite the community to join us on March 11 and 12 to enjoy food, mingle with new and returning artists, and add to your personal collection of art.

This year we're hosting a wide array of mediums from pottery, to photography, to basket weaving, all pieces that could fit elegantly in your home. Perhaps the best part is that a portion of your purchase goes directly to local students entering or continuing in college or trade school. Nestled in between a gorgeous mountain range, and at our town's only green space, the Circle of Art promises beautiful mediums and amazing scenery.

To find out more about this great event, for a good cause visit our website. http://www.borregobasic.org/circle-of-art

BASIC's Cradle to Graduation (C2G) programs provide opportunities to the Borrego children in the following ways:

With BASIC's sponsorship, over fifty (50) Borrego children through age 5 are currently receiving a free age-appropriate book each month from the Dolly Parton Imagination Library (DPIL).

BASIC's Scholarship Program enables Borrego students to enroll (start-school scholarships) and to continue (stay-in-school scholarships) their college or vocational school education.

Here are a few comments from the scholarship recipients:

"I thank you from the bottom of my heart for the opportunities that your hard work and generosity have given me and many students."

"I cannot thank BASIC enough for the opportunities it has given me to pursue my dream..."

"Thank you so much for your moral and financial support, on behalf of my siblings and me. You have set an amazing example for us and we hope to give back to our community someday."

"Year after year you have helped me achieve my goal of obtaining a bachelor's degree. Without your help, I would not have accomplished it. Now I start a new journey...."

The Summer Learning Academy gives a boost to literacy or mathematics to over thirty (30) students each year. In 2021, it made a huge difference through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. The programs were expanded to include: one class for reading; one class for middle school math; one class for writing; one class for English Language Development.

Here are some selected feedback from the Summer Learning Academy 2021 session:

From the students: "I've had a lot of fun and I've grown a lot too."; "I hope I come back next year.", "I'm going to read more."; "I am proud that I have gotten better at things."

From their teachers: "...the kids reestablished a solid base which they needed after the last year and a half."; "I am so proud to be a part of something so special as BASIC's summer Learning Academy."

From a parent: "Thank you for inviting my children to such a beautiful experience of summer classes...

If you would like to support our community by contributing to the education of our youth, please visit our website http://www.borregobasic.org, and donate!