The Making Hope Happen Foundation is thrilled to announce partnerships with SoCalGas and Edison International to equip area youth with cutting-edge, high-road skills for green jobs and 21st-century industries. These partnerships will open doors to careers in fields such as information technology, cybersecurity, and green infrastructure, empowering students from diverse backgrounds to thrive in a rapidly evolving workforce.

Edison International: Shaping the Tech Talent of Tomorrow

A generous $10,000 grant from Edison International will power a dynamic collaboration with Tomorrow’s Talent. This initiative will use the innovative YouScience assessment to evaluate the natural strengths and aptitudes of at least 30 local youths. From this group, five exceptional students with talents in information technology and cybersecurity will receive specialized training and secure 60-hour paid internships, giving them hands-on experience in high-demand fields. Students whose skills align with non-technical areas will have access to additional career development programs through Tomorrow’s Talent, ensuring all participants are set on a path to success.

SoCalGas: Pioneering Grassroots Green Energy Advocacy

Thanks to a remarkable $40,000 grant from SoCalGas, eight high school and community college students from disadvantaged backgrounds will embark on a transformative, year-long paid internship. Participants will gain critical knowledge through classroom instruction, field trips to green energy companies, and immersive work-based learning opportunities. This program not only trains students for careers in sustainable energy but also empowers them to lead grassroots advocacy efforts, shaping a greener, more sustainable future for their communities.

Investing in Youth, Building a Sustainable Future

“These partnerships are a testament to the transformative power of collaboration,” said Niki Dettman, Making Hope Happen Foundation Chief Executive Officer. “By combining the resources of Edison International and SoCalGas with our commitment to youth development, we’re creating meaningful opportunities for young people to gain the skills, confidence, and experience they need to thrive in the workforce of tomorrow.”

The Making Hope Happen Foundation brings strategically applied philanthropic support to the mission of the San Bernardino City Unified School District.  Its programs focus on creating successful, life-long learners from cradle to career. With its donors and partners, the Making Hope Happen Foundation prepares future students by teaching parents how to maximize the brain development of infants and toddlers, inspires engagement among current students by investing in innovative ideas that make school more relevant, awards mentor-supported scholarships to help SBCUSD graduates achieve professional success, and drives a renaissance in San Bernardino by serving as the backbone of the Uplift San Bernardino collective impact initiative.

For more information about the Making Hope Happen Foundation, about its four pillars, or to support its work with a tax-deductible charitable contribution, visit www.makinghope.org.