program was honestly such a game-changer for me. I got to work in a real professional setting, take on leadership roles and actually see myself as someone who can make a difference. It was scary at first, but having responsibilities and speaking in public really helped me build confidence in myself. Now I feel like I’m not just a student—I’m a future leader.” -Stephanie Sanchez, 16 GREENFIELD COMMUNITY SCIENCE WORKSHOP Year Founded: 2011 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 19 paid, 75 volunteers Budget: $575,000 (831) 540-9830 instagram.com/greenfieldcsw BIG IDEA: If Inspector Gadget decided to take his show on the road, his setup may look like Greenfield Community Science Workshop’s ScienceMobile. This mobile science museum rolls from Chualar to San Ardo, decked out with 40-plus rotating, handson science exhibits made from recycled materials. Inside, students explore concepts like magnetism, fluid dynamics and electricity. Outside of the mobile lab, they launch water rockets, explore magnetic sand and feel atmospheric pressure. Donations fuel this Big Idea and its 330 enrichment sessions planned for this school year. “The ScienceMobile has brought unique learning experiences to our students through thoughtful, hands-on projects that pique their interest in science and technology. Students have learned that science is everywhere and accessible to anyone. The instructors make each lesson relatable and adjust the activities to fit all grade levels. The joy on the kids’ faces when the ScienceMobile rolls in is always motivating and refreshing.” -Edgar López, ProYouth Expanded Learning area program manager GROWER-SHIPPER FOUNDATION Year Founded: 2003 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 1 paid, 70 volunteers Budget: $193,130 (831) 422-9007 growershipperfoundation.org BIG IDEA: Grower-Shipper Foundation is planting fresh seeds for its three Big Idea core programs: AgKnowledge, Ag Jobs: Bringing a Greater Vision, and Ag Against Hunger. Donations will help expand the organization’s ability to educate more agricultural leaders, prepare young professionals for ag careers and recover more fresh food for families in need, respectively. Grower-Shipper Foundation believes this investment will address the sector’s pressing challenges: growing workforce gaps, soaring food insecurity and building the next generation of informed leaders who can shape sustainable agricultural policies. “Growing up in Salinas, my early memories of agriculture were shaped by long days of stoop labor in the strawberry fields. My father, who worked his way from sharecropper to farm owner, believed that experiencing this hard, honest work would motivate his six children to stay in school and pursue better opportunities. When I was invited to join AgKnowledge, I saw a chance to view agriculture through a new lens. The program went far beyond fieldwork, introducing us to the complexity of Monterey County’s agricultural industry. Through sessions with farm owners, scientists, educators, regulators and lawyers, I discovered an industry driven by innovation, collaboration and leadership. My ‘aha’ moment came when I realized AgKnowledge not only shares knowledge but sparks partnerships that strengthen our community. AgKnowledge changed my perspective—agriculture is far more than I once remembered.” -Jerry Hernandez 94 Monterey County GIVES! 2025 mcgives.com EDUCATION & YOUTH DONATE ONLINE MCGIVES.COM MY MUSEUM Year Founded: 1997 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 12 paid, 50 volunteers Budget: $593,390 (831) 649-6444 mymuseum.org BIG IDEA: At MY Museum, so much of a good thing is a Big Idea. This organization schedules a wide range of additional free programming for every guest to this immersive youth museum. Gymnastics on Wednesday morning, Friday art, a Las Vegas-esque summer residence and even Saturday-morning Zumbini (yes, that’s Zumba for little ones). These programs enrich the museum itself, consistently ranked as a popular spot for kids to play to learn, and learn to play. “Oh my gosh, what an amazing gem for little kids! Our toddler was so in love, we had to get the membership. We now go every week on Wednesday to a special gymnastics class with the marvelous Miss Shae, such fun! Shae is a gem, and so precious that we get to do gymnastics with her at our most favorite museum. Just wonderful all around!” -Marianna Gleyzer SPOTLIGHT “Programs like this empower students to make informed financial decisions early on.” -Angelica Roa, Junior Achievement of Northern California
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