In a show of continuing support for the local education community, the Cal Coast Cares Foundation has awarded $95,000 in grants to over 60 local educators for inspiring, innovative class projects. The grants support a variety of projects related to STREAM (Science, Technology, Reading, Engineering, Arts, and Math) and were awarded to educators in San Diego and Riverside Counties.
The foundation has awarded more than $1.6 million dollars in educator grants and student scholarships since it was established in 2015. “We are proud to support local educators who are bringing creativity and innovation into their classrooms,” Penney Newell, Manager of the Cal Coast Cares Foundation shared with GB Magazine. “These grants help spark curiosity and a love of learning in students, and that is something to which we are deeply committed. In times like these, these grants take on even greater meaning. They help ensure that impactful learning experiences do not get left behind.”
Previous grant recipient Carrie Northum, a teacher at San Ysidro High School, shared, “Receiving the Cal Coast Cares Foundation grant made it possible for me to offer my students the opportunity to learn principles of mechanical, electrical, software, and systems engineering in a fun, hands-on manner. This will enrich not only their time in the classroom but the quality of their life after.”
The Foundation also awards scholarships annually to local students to help them pursue higher education goals at local community colleges, four-year colleges and universities. Earlier this year, the foundation awarded over $200,000 in scholarships to 82 local students.
Scholarship recipient Kimberly Kritzer added, “This scholarship came at an important time as I was navigating housing insecurity and grieving the loss of both of my parents. The support provided encouragement to keep moving forward and reminded me that others believed in my potential.”
This year, the Foundation also expanded its reach and impact by partnering with local nonprofit Urban Street Angels to provide scholarships to students entering trade and vocational programs. Urban Street Angels serves transitional youth ages 18-25 who are experiencing homelessness. The partnership with the Cal Coast Cares Foundation supports students in a variety of trades programs including construction, plumbing, welding, culinary, emergency medical services and nursing assistance.
Ashton Lopez, a recent graduate the Urban Street Angels trade school program, shared, “At 23 years old, former military, homeless and living in a tent shelter, I was given a chance to rise above my circumstances and soar. Today, because of the Urban Street Angels trade school program and Cal Coast Cares, I am a full-time EMT and it has helped me transform my life.”
The foundation hosts an annual golf tournament as its signature fundraiser. This year, the tournament raised over $200,000 thanks to corporate sponsors, community partners, and individual donors. The foundation also relies on donations from individuals, families, and local businesses throughout the year to help provide scholarships and grants.
Every donation to the Cal Coast Cares Foundation helps light a spark in a young mind. Join us in shaping the future, one classroom, one student, one dream at a time, by donating here: www.calcoastcu.org/foundation
