90 Monterey County GIVES! 2023 mcgives.com Education & Youth DONate online mcgives.com preparatory program where a rigorous interdisciplinary curriculum combines hands-on science labs, internships and field studies. Students enjoy access to elite oceanographic experts studying real-world issues threatening our oceans. This “school within a school” seeks donations to support its innovative model, offered tuition-free and serving many first-generation and low-income students who can’t afford a private school experience. “MAOS has given me an invaluable, supportive space to grow as a high-achieving student among peers that value education just as much as I do. The level of teaching and education I received through MAOS was extremely advanced and prepared me greatly for my post-secondary future.” -Natalie Cerna Marina Youth Arts Year Founded: 2005 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 0 paid, 40 volunteers Budget: $56,906 (408) 209-3645 marinayoutharts.org Big Idea: The simple act of journaling can become an art form, helping students decompress their day or process anxieties. Marina Youth Arts’ Big Idea will teach the therapeutic value of journaling through its Creative Wellness For Kids Through Journaling and Art project. In partnership with the City of Marina’s after-school program, this nonprofit will teach a mixed media approach to journaling that includes embracing doodles, painting and other forms of self-expression appropriate for students K-12. “Marina Youth Arts is an amazing asset and is the foundation of the art experience for youth in Marina. My husband and I have supported Marina Youth Arts since its beginning. Since 100 percent of funds they receive are spent on after-school programs, any money donated to their cause is money well spent.” -Dorothy Emerson Monterey County Agricultural and Rural Life Museum Year Founded: 1983 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 7 paid, 50 volunteers Budget: $60,000 385-8020 mcarlm.org Big Idea: From humble beginnings as a collection of farm equipment, the Monterey County Agricultural and Rural Life Museum now offers a full crop of educational programs that provide an immersive history experience. Local fourth-graders travel back to 1849 with the Gold Rush Jamboree and other tour groups learn about bygone farming, dairy and educational practices. Donations to this Big Idea support this museum, which is located in San Lorenzo Park in King City, to remain open six days a week with free admission. “I feel very fortunate to have gotten to spend my last two years at the museum; they’ve provided me with invaluable experience and memories. I’m so excited to take the skills I’ve learned and apply them in college and my future career.” -Elsy Hernandez Monterey Peninsula College Foundation Year Founded: 1994 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 7 paid, 100 volunteers Budget: $1,763,871 655-5507 mpcfoundation.org Big Idea: Monterey Peninsula College Foundation’s Big Idea elevates work-based learning opportunities like apprenticeships, field experiences, internships and professional conferences as valuable, real-world experiences for students. However, the reality of low or nonexistent pay for such work opportunities means that low-income students can’t afford to participate and, too often, miss out. Donations to this Big Idea will help build a $300,000 endowment fund that will support stipends for future work-based learning students. All contributions will be matched dollar for dollar by a Department of Education grant. I learned the importance of being a good sport on and off the course, win or lose.” Sophie Southard, Pebble Beach Junior Golf Association Salinas Area Reading is Fundamental Year Founded: 1975 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 0 paid, 40 volunteers Budget: $50,250 455-0885 Big Idea: How do you make sure kids are reading age-appropriate books as much as possible? Get books into their hands, of course! The Big Idea from Salinas Area Reading is Fundamental is to continue doing just that—specifically, distributing three free books every year to 12,500 preschool to sixthgrade students in about 30 Title I schools serving low-income families in the Salinas area. This nonprofit emphasizes the joy students experience in choosing their own books, building a bond and interest that encourages reading. “I love reading. Growing up, my family was poor and so grateful to be able to receive books from RIF at Roosevelt Elementary School in Salinas. Our parents pushed us to do well in school and READ, READ, READ!” -Ba Tang, regional manager of U.S. Bank in Monterey spotlight
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjAzNjQ1NQ==