Menu
Menu
What can a second chance do for a person? If you ask anyone at Urban Corps of San Diego County, they’ll tell you – a second chance can make a world of difference in a community.
The local nonprofit and certified conservation corps is dedicated to helping those who never finished high school get their diploma and paid job training to branch out into the world. Young adults, ages 18 – 26, get hands-on experience in green jobs like urban forestry, wildfire mitigation and more.
Through their work, Urban Corp of San Diego County uplifts the San Diego Foundation Strategic Plan pillar of ‘building resilient communities’ in our area and was recognized as part of the SDF 2022 Annual Report to Community virtual event.
“Our goal with our corps members is really to change their belief that they can be successful,” said Kyle Kennedy, CEO of Urban Corps of San Diego County. “With a high school diploma and the job skills that we teach them, it really gives them the mindset and belief that they can have a successful future in whatever they want to do.”
Melissa de la Fuente is one of those corps members. Just a few years back, she started the program without a diploma and has quickly climbed her way into a supervisor leadership role within the organization.
“I was always thinking about the high school diploma like how I’m going to be able to get a better job if I haven’t even finished high school,” said Melissa de la Fuente, an Urban Corps Supervisor. “If I see myself three years back, I’m totally on a different path and a better one. I know what I want, I know what I like, and I know what I want to do with my future.”
San Diego Foundation has awarded Urban Corps of San Diego County several different grants over the years – including to expand local green jobs for youth, the Opening the Outdoors program, the San Diego COVID-19 Community Response Fund and most recently, as part of the City of San Diego COVID-19 Small Business and Nonprofit Relief Fund.
To learn more about San Diego Foundation’s $150.8 million impact over the last year, read our 2022 Annual Report.
On August 9, 2022, we awarded $838,704 in Opening the Outdoors grants to 24 nonprofit organizations that offer equitable access to outdoor spaces in San Diego County.
“San Diego Foundation is proud to once again support its partners committed to increasing community-driven efforts to enhance accessible outdoor space, encourage youth to learn more through hands-on education and create the next generation of environmental stewards in the San Diego region,” said Christiana DeBenedict, SDF Director of Environment Initiatives.
This year’s grantees will help address these inequities and enhance access to the outdoors throughout San Diego County.
"*" indicates required fields
The Advisor monthly e-newsletter provides philanthropy news and trends and financial planning strategies for advisors and their clients.
"*" indicates required fields
"*" indicates required fields
Receive quarterly email updates about our Children and Families programs and initiatives and opportunities for you to support stronger families in our region.
"*" indicates required fields
Receive quarterly email updates about our Education programs and initiatives and opportunities for you to support enhanced learning experiences and increased access to college for San Diego students.
"*" indicates required fields
Receive quarterly email updates about our Environment and Climate programs and initiatives and opportunities for you to support equitable outdoor access and climate change resiliency.
"*" indicates required fields
Receive quarterly email updates about our Racial and Social Justice programs and initiatives and opportunities for you to learn about creating equitable opportunities for all and how to support our multicultural region and its diverse population.
"*" indicates required fields
This helpful resource provides you with information about corporate philanthropy and custom corporate giving solutions for your business.
"*" indicates required fields
This helpful resource will show you how you can leave a legacy to your family, your charity or your community that complements your will and trust(s).
"*" indicates required fields
