$10,000 Taco Bell Foundation Grant Awarded to Local Boys & Girls Clubs’ CareerLaunch Program
Scott Pratt giving members a tour of his business.
For Immediate Release
Visalia, CA (February 23, 2022) – Boys & Girls Clubs of the Sequoias received a $10,000 grant from the Taco Bell Foundation to support youth throughout Tulare County. The funds will go towards CareerLaunch, the Club’s career exploration and preparation program for teens. It is designed to support youth in evaluating their skills and interests, preparing for their first job, and building a path to their career. This grant will educate and inspire the next generation of leaders.
Important aspects of the CareerLaunch program are the one-on-one mentorships, business tours, job shadowing, and training opportunities. Recently, a group of Visalia Club members went on a field trip to Pratt Farm Management. Owner, Scott Pratt, took the members on a tour of his business to give them a greater understanding of his line of work. Members received insight about the positions both within and connected to the company; the documentation, office work, and financial aspects; the everyday processes, mechanics, and technology; and the importance of relationships with clients. These kinds of field trips allow young people to picture themselves realistically in that work environment and gain a better understanding of which roles and industries are suitable for them.
Club members learning about the daily operations of Pratt Farm Management.
“We are honored to partner with the Taco Bell Foundation in championing the educational dreams of our young people,” said Galen Quenzer, CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of the Sequoias. “The vision we share with the Taco Bell Foundation is one in which every young person has access to quality education and the resources they need.”
Boys & Girls Clubs of the Sequoias is one of more than 400+ youth-serving organizations that will receive a portion of the $10 million in grants being presented by the Taco Bell Foundation this year. The grants are an example of the Taco Bell Foundation’s mission to fuel young people’s boldest educational ambitions.
“We are proud to support like-minded organizations through our Local Grants Program,” said Jennifer Bradbury, Interim Executive Director of the Taco Bell Foundation. “Together with these organizations, we work to break down barriers so students nationwide can continue creating and innovating. This $10 million is going back to those in our local communities who are most hungry to learn.”
Visalia Gindick Club members walking through the walnut dehydrator.
About Taco Bell Foundation
Taco Bell Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt public charity that educates and inspires the next generation of leaders through programming like the Live Más Scholarship and the Local Grants Program. Since 1992, the Taco Bell Foundation has reached more than 4 million young people across the country and has awarded more than $110 million in grants and scholarships, focused on education and career readiness. In 2015, Taco Bell and the Taco Bell Foundation launched the Live Más Scholarship, a program aimed at empowering the nation’s young innovators and creators. In May 2021, the Taco Bell Foundation awarded $7 million in Live Más Scholarships to 420 students. For more information visit TacoBellFoundation.org.
About Boys & Girls Clubs of the Sequoias
Boys & Girls Clubs of the Sequoias is focused on helping all young people, especially those who need us most, become responsible, caring and productive members of society. Boys & Girls Clubs were established in Tulare County in the 1990’s when Exeter and Visalia community leaders responded to the need for a positive place for local youth to spend free time after school. Today, Boys & Girls Clubs of the Sequoias provides services at 15 Clubs throughout Tulare County. Clubs provide a wide span of activities for local youth, varying from STEM to sports. www.bgcsequoias.org
For More Information
Please contact: Leticia Betancourt | (559) 592-4074 | leticia.betancourt@bgcsequoias.org