SV2’s Pathways to Opportunity Year explored two overlapping sectors — Education and Workforce Development — both of which provide proven pathways out of poverty. After robust learning panels in the Fall and a rigorous process of hands-on learning and diligence this spring, Partners selected four outstanding organizations as finalists. All four Executive Directors made in-person presentations, and all four organizations hosted site visits. After a thorough final decision discussion, Partners selected Partnership for Children & Youth and Working Partnerships USA as Grantees. Each will receive a grant of $100,000, given over three years. In addition, Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center and Teen Success Inc. were awarded finalist grants of $5,000 each.
The Partnership for Children & Youth (PCY) is an advocacy and capacity-building organization championing high-quality learning opportunities for underserved youth in California, with an emphasis on after school, summer learning, and community schools in under-resourced communities. Their groundbreaking work includes accessing funding for school nutrition programs, advocating at the statewide level for after-school programming and social-emotional learning, and training housing agencies to more effectively meet the needs of children and youth in affordable housing communities.
Working Partnerships USA tackles the root causes of inequality and poverty by leading collaborative campaigns for quality jobs, healthy communities, equitable growth and a vibrant democracy. Since their founding in 1995, they have been pioneering policy campaigns that are then adopted across the nation — from the groundbreaking Children’s Health Initiative to raising the minimum wage to the growing movement for a fair workweek.
SV2 Partners appreciated the focus on policy and advocacy efforts to change systems and meet the needs of low-income workers and students — as well as the ways that direct service work with their constituents informs both organizations’ policy work. Join us in welcoming these effective and impactful organizations to the SV2 Portfolio!