At San Diego Gas & Electric® (SDG&E®), our employees are empowered to give back to our communities, beyond delivering safe and reliable energy services to our 3.7 million customers. As part of our commitment to the communities we are privileged to serve, we support a variety of initiatives through shareholder funds, employee giving programs and volunteerism. Our philanthropic strategic priorities include climate action, emergency preparedness and safety, economic prosperity and K-16 STEM. We know that, for the region to thrive and become more sustainable, we have to do our part to ensure no one is left behind.
MAAC Sixty Years Strong – Creating Pathways for Success
What’s next? The question many young adults ask themselves as they plan their futures – a question filled with hope and possibility. But for those in under-represented communities, it can raise feelings of uncertainty and fear. It is not just about what’s next but about how to get there. For 60 years, MAAC (Metropolitan Area Advisory Committee on Anti-Poverty of San Diego County, Inc.) has been meeting youth in San Diego right where they are, working to offer support towards a thriving future.
MAAC is one of San Diego County’s largest and most impactful, nonprofit social service organizations, supporting more than 100,000 individuals annually in five key areas: Economic Development, Education, Health & Well-being, Housing and Advocacy and Leadership Development. By maximizing self-sufficiency through high-quality programs and advocacy, they empower individuals and families to work towards building lives they want and deserve.
Next Level: Youth Empowerment in Action
Systemic barriers are keeping some of San Diego’s youth from entering the workforce, whether it is limited access to affordable training or lack of career mentorship. MAAC created the Next Level Youth Workforce Development Program to combat these challenges head-on. Next Level is designed for individuals who reside or study in the greater South Bay or North County areas. The program provides training, certification and skills necessary for career advancement.
When entering the program, participants set specific goals within an individualized, yearlong plan that brings them closer toward a full-time job that pays a living wage. Through the program, students can choose to pursue career pathways in building trades, healthcare, finance and child development.
Next Level helped America Rodriguez find the courage to go after a lifelong dream of pursuing a career in healthcare. “I was feeling depressed because I didn’t think I was good enough,” America shared. “I did not know anything about the medical field – it was such a drastic change. But the program gave me the motivation and support I needed.”
As part of her plan, she began an externship at Family Health Centers. Through this learning opportunity, America discovered a passion for helping others, and her feelings of self-doubt were replaced with confidence. “I feel really comfortable now,” she said enthusiastically. “One of my favorite parts is getting to know the patients. Every day brings something new.”
America is now a full-time medical assistant at the same Family Health Center clinic where her journey began, and her aspirations continue to grow. Next Level was more than a program; it helped her rediscover her purpose and believe in her capabilities.
Partnerships that Power Progress
SDG&E’s partnership has been instrumental in Next Level’s ability to succeed. SDG&E’s Economic Prosperity grant initiative invests in community organizations that build equitable recruitment systems, expand career pathways in under-represented populations and support the resilience of local businesses and educational institutions. Through shareholder funded grants, SDG&E invested in MAAC’s vision to sustain and grow Next Level – deepening their reach to benefit more San Diegans.
“Partnerships like this are powerful because they open doors that too many young people have historically found closed,” shared Arnulfo Manriquez, President and CEO of MAAC. “This grant funding is an investment in tomorrow’s leaders, helping them break generational cycles and build bright futures filled with unlimited possibilities. Together, we are creating pathways to prosperity and inspiring lasting change.”
To learn more about SDG&E’s community investments, visit www.sdge.com/community
