The Prebys Foundation provided $5.89 million to 24 organizations as part of their commitment to ensuring San Diego County youth (age 16-26) are thriving and actively engaged in their communities
The Prebys Foundation invests in visual and performing arts, medical research, health care, and youth success. Their ultimate goal is to equip youth with access to careers that provide self-sustaining wages, financial stability,and social mobility.
These investments provide internships to give young adults the skills and training to be successful in the workplace and allow youth who do not normally have access to paid internships the opportunity to earn and learn while building their social and professional network. The organizations who received a grant provide internships and/or apprenticeships in high-potential industries that are needed in San Diego. They also serve youth from historically under-invested communities.
“Paid internships help students gain essential experience, skills, and professional connections, ultimately bridging the socioeconomic gaps that too often leave them behind,” said Grant Oliphant, CEO of Prebys Foundation. “We are excited to announce our 2024 ‘Youth Workforce’ grantees, who will expand the availability of internships and apprenticeships in key industries essential to San Diego County’s economy, including healthcare, creative fields, IT, STEM, education, construction, and environmental sectors. Our collective goal is to help more young people find pathways to successful careers and contribute to a brighter future for our community.”
The San Diego Regional Fire Foundation (Fire Foundation) will use the grant to significantly grow its current Paramedic Scholarship Program. The Fire Foundation will now be able to offer financial assistance to more youth who plan to pursue a career in emergency medical services and serve their communities. “We are proud to introduce Chau Ly, an EMT with the Escondido Fire Department, as our first Prebys Paramedic Scholarship Recipient and putting him on a path for a long career in the fire service.”, Frank Ault, Chairman, San Diego Regional Fire Foundation.
“Fire Chiefs throughout San Diego County say the current lack of paramedics is a top priority issue. We are thankful to the Prebys Foundation for partnering with us on this crucial need and for supporting youth on their path to becoming paramedics. Our grant will enable EMTs who cannot afford to attend a year-long paramedic academy the opportunity to become paramedics which will change the trajectory of their lives and open up for them wide-ranging career opportunities in public safety. As paramedics, not only will they personally benefit, but they will be providing emergency medical services to residents in culturally diverse neighborhoods throughout San Diego.” – Joan Jones, Executive Director, San Diego Regional Fire Foundation.