San Diego Youth Services (SDYS) is a well-known non-profit in San Diego that has been serving at-risk youth since 1970. Since this time, the agency has provided services to help stabilize the lives of more than half a million youth and their families. The Community Youth Development Board is made up of a group of youth who are active members of one of the SDYS programs and are committed to the goals and vision of the agency.
Some of the programs that the agency fosters include support for homeless and run-away teens as well as pregnant and parenting youth. SDYS is committed to a vision of strengthening the community by means of strengthening the family and the support systems of the youth they work with.
The Community Youth Development Board is a way of strengthening the youth's sense of self and giving them a voice in their program as well as in their community. Throughout the year, the Community Youth Development Board takes on a number of projects that honor diversity and celebrate individuality. Some of the events that the Board has participated in include a celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Juneteenth as well as San Diego's Gay/Lesbian Pride Parade. They have even organized a voting summit for teens and young adults to encourage voter registration and inform other youth about the importance of voting. Recently, they have created a number of scholarships to encourage youth in the SDYS programs to continue their educational pursuits.
Purpose of the 5k Walk/Run and Goal of the Community Youth Development Scholarships
This Halloween, the Community Youth Development Board will be hosting the “Steps for Success” 5k walk/run. This event is intended to build on a crucial element of the Community Youth Development Board's vision, which is to support at-risk youth who are working toward attaining a higher education. As such, all of the money that is raised will go toward “Community Youth Development Scholarships.” These scholarships will be awarded to youth that the agency serves who are currently enrolled in school, and the funds will help them purchase backpacks, textbooks, scantrons, and other critical educational supplies.
Details and Logistics of the Steps for Success 5k
The 5K walk/run will take place on October 31, 2009. Registration begins at 8 a.m. and the run/walk itself starts at 9 a.m. The event will be held in De Anza Cove, which is located at 3000 East Mission Bay Drive in North Mission Bay. Parking is free in the designated lots.
The registration fee is $25 for adults and $15 for children ages 12 and under. Everyone who participates will receive a free t-shirt and an environmentally-friendly tote bag, as well as some good exercise and the satisfaction of having helped a child in need.
Registration applications can be submitted via regular mail or can be completed online. For regular mail applications, the paperwork should be sent to:
San Diego Youth Services
Community Youth Development
Annual 5K Scholarship Fundraiser
3255 Wing St.
San Diego, CA 92110
Philosophy and Motivation of the Community Youth Development Board
As the Community Youth Development Mission Statement reads, “The Community Youth Development Board is dedicated to helping youth become self-sufficient and reach their highest potential by investing in them, strengthening their families and building their communities. It is our intent to inspire more young people to not only complete their high school education, but to continue to college and even obtain an advanced degree.”
With this 5K event, the Board is certainly taking steps toward achieving that goal. By participating in this event, the community can partner with the SDYS youth to help make this a very successful first annual walk/run and encourage the youth to establish this as an annual event in honor of educational pursuits.
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