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The focus of our initiative is on youth -targeted programs. With the current structure of <br />modern education, and many of its beneficiaries being below the age limit for working, <br />kids often look for ways — sometimes mischievous — to fill their time. If a community is <br />unable to offer an outlet for these kids, they will find alternative means to fill their time. <br />Rather than being left to their own devices, we believe in the importance of having <br />engaging opportunities for otherwise underprivileged youth. Not only is it a means of <br />keeping them focused on self -growth and improvement, but it also enables them to explore <br />and acquire new academic and social skills that would otherwise be out of reach. Of the <br />many organizations in Santa Ana, we feel that the following would benefit the most from <br />our contributions and cooperation. <br />City of Santa Ana Sponsored Community Youth Programs <br />The City of Santa Ana, through their Department of Parks and Recreation, already <br />offers a myriad of programs intended explicitly for youth engagement. Some of the <br />programs offered include youth basketball, chess clubs, and aquatics lessons. <br />Additionally, the Department provides alternative activities through their Project <br />PRIDE such as competitive kayak training, gardening training, and PRIDE clubs. <br />Project PRIDE has been particularly successful in their competitive kayak training, <br />providing, "local, county, state, and national tournaments throughout the year," <br />leading the teen participants to place well in competitions. The benefit of such an <br />engaging and successful activity is that it provides routine and stability through <br />training. Participants also develop mentor/mentee relationships positively impacting <br />other aspects of their life. <br />Like any program, these do not come without their costs. Not only are volunteers <br />required to help lead the events, but often specific items are needed to participate. <br />There is no chess without a board and pieces, or kayaking without a paddle and life <br />j acket. It is also of little benefit if the gear does not operate as intended. Half a paddle <br />or only one bishop changes the entire dynamic. In our conversations with these <br />various groups, we have determined that one of the most impactful things we can <br />do for the community is the insurance of continuity of these programs by replacing <br />various gear and equipment as the needs arise. <br />KidWorks <br />In line with our philosophy on local sourcing and hiring practices, KidWorks <br />focuses on providing a haven for children and youth during the summer months by <br />employing local college students. This method enables KidWorks to provide local <br />college students with the experience necessary to further their career after <br />graduation. Additionally, they set the example for the children they teach on what <br />is obtainable and how to achieve one's goals. <br />15 <br />