The SMYF was able to go to Hutchinson Lodge near Donner Lake thanks to the Sierra Club. We spent the long weekend hiking, exploring nature, having snowball fights (yes there was snow left!), and bonding with our new students.

The San Mateo Youth Foundation’s violinists were honored to play for Jerry Hill’s Birthday Party again this year. Juniors Calaena and Michelle, along with the Director of Academic Outreach, Jose posed with Jerry below. Executive Director, Esmeralda Ortiz, and mentor Jocelyn Ortiz were able to attend the festivities as well and cheered on their fellow SMYFers during their performance!

“Campbell, San Mateo County Superintendent of Schools, hosted a College Essay Writing Seminar on Sept. 7 at the San Mateo County Event Center. Fourteen San Mateo Youth Foundation alumni mentors worked in groups with over 150 students. They shared their personal stories and provided guidance on students’ personal statements for their college applications. Students also gained knowledge about the University of California’s comprehensive review approach to admissions. Attendees included students from six of the seven high schools in the San Mateo Union High School District as well as La Honda-Pescadero Unified School District.

Founded in 1991, SMYF has guided hundreds of low-income students into colleges such as UC Berkeley, UCLA, UC San Diego, UC Davis, MIT, Harvard, Yale and Stanford, providing financial and emotional support.

The Foundation has the support of many community leaders, including Assemblymember Kevin Mullin who has high praise for SMYF.

“‘I am a true believer in the foundation’s mission and efforts to open up access of higher education to all segments of society,” he said. “We are so fortunate to have the San Mateo Youth Foundation in our community. I commend the foundation’s members who have dedicated themselves to ensuring a college education is made a reality for those who would not otherwise have the opportunity.'”

For the full article, please click here.

See the post from the San Mateo County Event Center by clicking here.

The San Mateo County Times recently featured the San Mateo Youth Foundation.

“While the funding discrepancies are disappointing, the people involved in SMYF are closing the achievement gap and changing the fabric of our community, giving real opportunities to young people who would otherwise not have a competitive chance because of circumstances beyond their control. Because of the commitment and ingenuity of benevolent entrepreneurs like Birnbaum, partnerships with UC Berkely and support from high-minded politicians like Sen. Hill, SMYF is able to give students with limited prospects a place at America’s abundant table. Their station in life is no longer predetermined. However, the need is great and SMYF requires support from like-minded community members. For those who understand that, as our founding father George Washington stated, ‘Happiness and moral duty are inseparably connected.'”

Click here to view the full article.