MAOS (FRIENDS OF MONTEREY ACADEMY OF OCEANOGRAPHIC SCIENCE) Year Founded: 1994 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 3 paid, 95 volunteers Budget: $213,000 (831) 392-3801 maosmontereyhigh.org BIG IDEA: Located in the depths of Monterey High School lies the Monterey Academy of Oceanographic Science, a college-prep program for ninth- to 12th-grade students across Monterey County. Alongside a traditional high school curriculum, MAOS’ Big Idea integrates advanced science courses and dives into the rich natural and networking resources available in Monterey Bay. Donations support this program’s general operations, including specialized field trips for each grade; seniors complete marine biology field work. Since its founding, 95 percent of MAOS graduates have chosen higher education. “Throughout my high school years, MAOS has helped me excel in challenging STEM courses and has pushed me to find learning opportunities out in the real world. Even better, I truly appreciate the work that MAOS puts into building a strong community with staff, students and families. I have felt supported in every way possible, and because of MAOS, I feel confident in my abilities to flourish in college.” -Sajida A., 17 MONTEREY COUNTY AGRICULTURAL AND RURAL LIFE MUSEUM Year Founded: 1980 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 6 paid, 50 volunteers Budget: $120,000 (831) 385-8020 mcarlm.org BIG IDEA: The Monterey County Agricultural and Rural Life Museum brings the dynamic agricultural and rural history of Monterey County to life. This King City Big Idea features several exhibits, including the La Gloria School House, Olson Blacksmith Shop and Irrigation Museum. Support is needed to preserve artifacts, enhance exhibits and expand new programs like Traveling Trunk, which brings handson history into local classrooms through authentic artifacts from the museum. “The Monterey County Agricultural & Rural Life Museum isn’t just preserving artifacts—it’s preserving the stories, values and work ethic that built our community. Every visitor who walks through its doors leaves with a deeper appreciation for where they come from and a greater understanding of the people who built Monterey County.” -Teri Storelli MPC FOUNDATION Year Founded: 1994 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 7 paid, 100 volunteers Budget: $2,087,023 (831) 655-5507 mpcfoundation.org BIG IDEA: Dollars for Scholars helps Monterey Peninsula College students with basic needs assistance, so each student can focus on the hard work of being a college student. Last year’s MCGives! donors helped 521 students stay on track with their academic goals by funding food, temporary shelter and textbooks. In addition to basic needs, this Big Idea also provides wraparound services to support student success, like mentoring, scholarships and guidance for students seeking an internship or research opportunity. “I am majoring in nursing at MPC and was honored to receive a scholarship from the MPC Foundation. MPC has an outstanding anatomy lab and incredibly supportive professors who are excellent educators and role models. Both of my parents worked in the strawberry fields and when I drive by the fields on my way to MPC, I am reminded to work hard and not take this incredible opportunity for granted. I hope to one day provide the best care possible to those in need through my nursing education and service skills.” -Isidro G. 100 Monterey County GIVES! 2026 mcgives.com EDUCATION & YOUTH DONATE ONLINE MCGIVES.COM “With places like ARIEL, there’s still hope in the world.” -Amelia Forstell, 15, ARIEL Theatrical RESTORATIVE JUSTICE PARTNERS, INC. Year Founded: 1987 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 8 paid, 35 volunteers Budget: $640,000 (831) 869-7641 restorativejusticepartners.org BIG IDEA: Restorative Justice Partners, Inc. believes true justice for youth looks like an opportunity to learn and grow from mistakes, instead of enduring criminal punishments. This nonprofit works to establish restorative spaces where the young person involved in a crime is brought together with the people harmed. This Big Idea believes that when direct communication reveals real consequences, healing and long-term behavior change can occur. Restorative Justice Partners, Inc. envisions a system that chooses understanding over punishment. “To me, restorative justice is to reassure justice to victims. Being a victim does not mean it’s your fault. Learning to not feel guilt or blame, and how it can take time to heal…Everything was very important—the effects we have when we commit a crime, the time and the damage we do to others.” -Anonymous SPOTLIGHT
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