career beginnings mentoring program

Description

Career Beginnings was started 16 years ago as a grant funded program at Rancho Santiago College . In 1993/94, the project was transferred to a Board of Directors and the Santa Ana Unified School District . The Board prepared by-laws and was granted 501(c)(3) non-profit status in 1994. A twenty-page management plan was prepared in 1994 that is updated regularly. The CBMP Board has fifteen board members representing business, education and the community who donate many hours of their time to maintain the organization, to help recruit additional mentors and funds, and to advise the staff on enrichment activities. A thirteen member Advisory Board also helps provide overall program direction and contacts within the community Career Beginnings assists students from low/moderate income families in Santa Ana to graduate from high school and make thoughtful post-secondary choices to fulfill their potential as contributing members of the Santa Ana community. Without this help, many of these B- or C students become discouraged and drop out of school. During the past several years, CBMP students have had a graduation rate of 96%. Minority youth need mentors and the guidance that they provide to complete high school and build futures that allow them to be financially self-reliant. Volunteer mentors guide a youth into adulthood where he or she can rely less on public assistance and more on their academic success and work place skills to transition into the career of their choice.