SUCCESS STORIES

EDUCATION AND TRAINING

Hoover High School’s Academy of Information Technology Awards Program, June 11, 2007 During their internship program with the San Diego Futures Foundation, 65+ interns from Hoover High School gained valuable hands-on experience while refurbishing a computer system they got to keep. They also gained marketable job skills to add to their resumes, and technical skills that enhance these students’ professional and personal development.

In June 2007, SDFF Board Member Russel Buetow presented two outstanding student interns with awards. The Intern of the Year received a framed certificate and a new Dell Latitude D620 laptop. The Intern of the Year (Runner Up) received a framed certificate and a Fuji “Fine Pixs” digital camera.

• SDFF Intern of the Year – Diego Ascenio

• SDFF Intern of the Year (Runner Up) – Isamar Sanchez

We chose these awardees for several reasons, including: their initiative in learning new technology both in the classroom and in their free time; their willingness to assist other students in the program (both awardees stepped up regularly when others in the program needed assistance); their demonstrated desire to learn and take on challenges, and their great attitude!

The awardees were recognized at Hoover High School’s Academy of Information Technology graduation ceremony, in front of more than 500 of their family, friends, teachers and community members.

HIGH SCHOOL INTERNSHIP PROGRAM

San Diego Futures Foundation manages an internship program for City Heights students at Hoover High School ‘s Academy Of Information Technology and Arroyo Paseo Charter School.

When [AOIT students were] asked about their best experiences in the academy, 12 of the 17 mentioned the Futures Foundation internship. Normally, when asked about internships, students give bland responses of what they learned in the internship. These students, a year later no less, gave descriptive skill sets they learned, mentioned Kirk’s name, and articulated in a non-rehearsed way what they learned and gained from the experience. Rarely, high school students retain knowledge and skills in the way I witnessed during the interviews.

-- Lance Larson, Program Specialist, San Diego City Schools

Adult Internship Program

San Diego Futures Foundation has a place for adult students who are seeking careers in technology through training at community colleges and technical schools or those who are in career transition.

Koko Cattran, a graduate from the Intern Program stated, “My technical skills and knowledge were greatly enhanced by the experience." But most rewarding for Koko was the opportunity, provided by the Futures Foundation, to take her new skills and gain hands on experience at a San Diego based nonprofit. It is one of the most powerful ways that the San Diego Futures Foundation is impacting our community. “The opportunity to work with many of these no-profit organizations is invaluable for a robust technical education,” she added. Futures Foundation interns have a “leg up” on their competitors pursuing technical jobs, because they have hands-on experience. Her internship experience, performed at the San Diego Opera, resulted in being offered full-time employment. “I had a chance to demonstrate my skills and the volunteer work translated into a full-time paying job.”

COMPUTER DONATION PROGRAM

“Our thanks to the Futures Foundation for this wonderful gift of computers. It is support such as this that has helped us achieve success at this point, and poise us for further success in the future.”

-- Cindy Stankowski, San Diego Archaeological Center.

“Your donation helps us strengthen efforts to improve the lives of children and youth in San Diego County.”

--Sandra L. McBrayer, The Children’s Initiative

“Your computer donation will richly enhance our staff’s productivity and aid us in continuing our work of helping hurting families.”

--Gael B. Strack, Family Justice Center

“Your gift will assist our students in learning life lessons and the “how to” of computers. Your donation will have a significant impact."

--Debby Syverson, San Pasqual Academy

Foster Family Donation, June 6- 8, 2007

One hundred deserving foster families received free computers in June as a donation from the San Diego Futures Foundation. In an effort to help foster kids succeed in school and prepare for success in our increasingly high tech world, SDFF, with support from the County Board of Supervisors, has made foster families a priority for free computer donation.

“Because some sections of our community are experiencing a lack of access to technology and computer based skills, an entire generation of young people might be prevented from gaining quality jobs, and many educational opportunities might be closed to them,” said Barbara Nichols, President of the Board of Directors for the San Diego Futures Foundation. “As a major part of our mission, we recognized this need to help children – especially foster kids -- understand technology and the role it can play in their future.”

TECHNICAL SERVICES FOR NONPROFITS

“SDFF was professional, helpful, on-time, and on-budget. SDFF helped us ensure we have technology that we can manage ourselves.”

--R. Lorenzo Higley, M.S.W., Communities Against Substance Abuse

Our staff at The Deaf Group Home are operating more efficiently and effectively as a result of the work SDFF provided, which has enabled them to better serve the youth in their care. These youth have computers and a network which enables them to complete schoolwork, locate local community resources that assist them in their foster care transitions, and communicate with family and friends.”

--Walter Philips, Executive Director, San Diego Youth and Community Services

“Thanks to SDFF’s intervention, the level of frustration with technology is so much lower. Technology is now a tool, not a hindrance. Everyone at SDFF is incredibly great to work with. We feel like they are an integral part of our team.”

--Shara Fisler, Executive Director, Aquatic Adventures