We fund organizations with strong and effective leadership that prepare children and youth from economically vulnerable households for fulfilled and productive lives.
The foundation believes that early work experience is a predictor of long-term employment as an adult and creates a pathway for economically vulnerable youth out of poverty and into the middle class in the Bay Area by either:
Meeting youth where they are and providing comprehensive support to ensure young people gain meaningful employment, develop soft skills, and understand the culture of work through hands-on job experiences.
Strong programs in this area serve youth ages 16-24 from communities of persistent poverty, including Transition Age Youth and homeless youth, by connecting them to opportunities that get them on the economic ladder. Programs should provide youth with access to employment where they receive a minimum of $16.50 per hour and provide support with resume building, interviewing, and workplace soft skills.;
—OR—
Providing youth with specialized training and skills in fields where they can build a living wage or middle-class career.
Strong programs in this area provide intensive instruction related to industries such as media, healthcare, technology, and trades. Youth participating in the program will have access to mentorship from industry leaders and preparation for industry-specific credentialing.
Successful applicants in both areas must demonstrate the ability to collect longitudinal data about the impact of their programs, including data on job placement rates, credential completion, and wage growth where appropriate. In addition to program support, foundation funding can be used for data collection and evaluation.