At Jobs for Youth, we believe that the career journey is about more than getting a job: it’s about finding, and being, yourself. As we teach in our workshops, the best way to figure out what you want to do is to figure out who you are.

We believe that this process of becoming is the right of every youth in this County. Our community and our JFY Al Teglia Scholars are at a critical time in their lives, as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to disproportionately impact marginalized populations and racial injustice continues to occur in our nation. As Nancy Magee, San Mateo County Superintendent of Schools, said in a recent statement, “Closing opportunity and access gaps is our moral imperative when we know that a quality education is the key to improving outcomes for so many children and families.”

We agree.

And so, this year, we stand alongside the San Mateo County Office of Education against racism and injustice. Our Breakfast, to be held virtually this year, will celebrate the belief that the career journey is best embarked upon as a journey of self-discovery—and that standing against systemic oppression is part of ensuring every youth has this chance. 

We invite you to join us by investing in the lives of our Scholars, who break barriers every year as students who will be the first in their families to attend college, who are former foster youth, and who succeed in the face of diverse challenges, including systemic race and class barriers. Every donation will receive a special invitation to our Be Bold! Be Brave! Be You! virtual celebration. We look forward to celebrating our 2020 Scholars and to creating a brighter future with all of you.