Investing in the next generation is imperative to the future of San Diego.
Today’s youth are tomorrow’s leaders, and research shows that young people who are surrounded by a variety of opportunities for positive encounters show higher rates of successful transitions into adulthood later in life. This is why philanthropists with the 4SRanch~Del Sur Community Foundation (4SCF) are so committed to supporting the next generation.
On May 9 at its Annual Grants Celebration, 4SCF leaders announced $19,250 in grant funding to four nonprofit organizations strengthening the health and well-being of youth in the community. Each grantee will help develop, educate and support children and young adults, encouraging growth in academics and personal health.
By funding youth initiatives, 4SCF supports the healthy development of the next generation. A physically and emotionally healthy population leads to a better educated population and workforce – a vital aspect to San Diego’s future success.
The 2019-2020 4SCF grantees include Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater San Diego, Del Norte High School Music Boosters, Oak Valley Middle School – Poway Unified School District and Poway Unified School District Running Club.
Developing Future Leaders
One 4SCF grant recipient is Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater San Diego for the project CHARACTER COUNTS! — an interactive youth program available to all Boys & Girls Club members that focuses on developing academic, social and emotional skills.
With more than 20 years of proven success, the CHARACTER COUNTS! has provided hundreds of youth in the region with opportunities and resources to achieve academic success, build good character and make healthy lifestyle choices.
An emphasis on a holistic approach to health, wellbeing and personal development combined with a variety of enrichment programs and activities has contributed to the success and longevity of the program. CHARACTER COUNTS! includes 6-week sessions followed by opportunities to participate in and move through the 4S Ranch Boys and Girls Club leadership groups.
“All members would begin with sessions focused on the fundamentals of each core value, after the first 6-week sessions we would begin elevating the curriculum and participation into leadership components such as the Kindness Club, Club & Community Ambassadors, Jr. Leaders and Jr. Staff,” said Emily Mitchell, 4S Ranch Brand Manager for the Boys & Girls Club of Greater San Diego. “The plan is that after each 6-week cycle we could conduct a hands on learning or service event to reinforce the learning from the past session.
The CHARACTER COUNTS! program is focused on setting participants up for success in the future by focusing on initiatives that instill good habits in the classroom, teach behaviors that help participants flourish in the workplace and create engaged, responsible and productive citizens. The grant will be used to expand the program’s reach by providing more equipment and materials necessary to run CHARACTER COUNTS!
Make A Lasting Impact
The San Diego Foundation Regional Affiliate Program enables communities to leverage charitable funds from its residents who take collective action through grantmaking.
Since 2008, 4SCF has supported the community and thanks to its endowment fund, the organization will continue to benefit the community for good, forever.
If you aren’t a member yet, the Regional Affiliate Program is the perfect way to become an active participant in your community’s growth, wherever you live. Working alongside your friends and neighbors, you can help your community and build a strong, resilient neighborhood today, and into the future.
