cohort of up to 60 tech and design interns and the Pathways program model for career exploration and skill development. With a focus on practical skill building and networking for in-demand tech careers, Digital NEST calls itself a movement that empowers youth to become the CEOs of their own lives. “Our mission is to ensure that every young person—no matter where they come from—has access to the skills, resources and network they need to thrive. I look forward to working with our team and partners to create even more pathways for youth to achieve prosperity for themselves, their families and their communities.” -Tony Nethercutt, president FIRST TEE - MONTEREY COUNTY Year Founded: 2004 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 74 paid, 163 volunteers Budget: $5,200,000 (831) 800-3452 firstteemontereycounty.org BIG IDEA: First Tee - Monterey County links golf with tutoring, mentorship and life skills coaching for more than 11,370 local kids each year. For this organization’s Big Idea, they’re taking a big swing. First Tee aims to launch a Mobile Innovation Lab, bringing golf simulators, STEAM learning and life skills directly to schools and neighborhoods. In this nimble classroom, participants will explore swing mechanics, physics, coding and college prep—supporting First Tee’s goal to reach 25,000 kids by 2029. “I had such an amazing time as a participant, volunteer and eventual staff member at First Tee. I not only learned how to be a better golfer, but it helped prepare me to be successful in life and my career. I am grateful that a program like this exists in communities that truly need it the most. It is there to open doors and provide mentorship.” -Reinel Pauline Nocon FOUNDATION FOR MONTEREY COUNTY FREE LIBRARIES Year Founded: 1989 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 1 paid, 3 volunteers Budget: $415,000 (831) 424-3564 fmcfl.org BIG IDEA: The 17 far-flung branches of the Monterey County Free Libraries system are coming together for this year’s Big Idea. Against budget cuts and rising demand, libraries are doing more with less. Your donations help support and expand essential services of a library, which can include everything from serving as an emergency shelter to hosting a toddler’s story time. The Foundation for Monterey County Free Libraries supports especially remote, rural communities needing the digital lifelines, bookmobiles and safe spaces of their library. “Discipline isn’t a one-time event—it’s a lifestyle you choose to commit to every day. For me, daily commitment looked like finishing homework, doing research or setting aside time to read, even when it wasn’t easy. The safe, welcoming environment of my local Monterey County Free Libraries branch in Carmel Valley nurtured the discipline and drive I needed to succeed in school. The librarians created a space where I could focus, feel supported and truly be myself. It wasn’t just a place to study—it was a place where I felt encouraged to grow.” -Maddox Zarazua, 18 90 Monterey County GIVES! 2025 mcgives.com EDUCATION & YOUTH DONATE ONLINE MCGIVES.COM GBA: GIL BASKETBALL ACADEMY Year Founded: 2009 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 0 paid, 60 volunteers Budget: $225,000 (831) 710-1499 gilbasketballacademy.com BIG IDEA: The GBA: Gil Basketball Academy coordinates a 350-plus member organized sports league for athletes as young as 4. This league serves East Salinas, including the Alisal Union, Salinas City and Salinas Union school districts. All of that effort would be enough for a Big Idea. But GBA’s programming also integrates youth leadership and character building. Donations will support GBA’s leadership development curriculum, mental wellness workshops and opportunities for youth to speak publicly about their experiences. “Before joining Gil Basketball Academy, I lacked confidence. I rarely spoke up and often questioned my abilities both on and off the court. But being surrounded by passionate coaches, dedicated teammates and inspiring college mentors helped me break out of my shell and begin believing in myself. One of my most unforgettable experiences was traveling with GBA to Japan and Greece, where we connected with student athletes from around the world. It opened my eyes to new cultures and made me realize that the world is so much bigger than Monterey County.” -Diego Hernandez, 17 SPOTLIGHT “It wasn’t just a place to study—it was a place where I felt encouraged to grow.” - Maddox Zarazua, 18, Foundation for Monterey County Free Libraries
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