Solano Community Foundation offers teacher grants | dailyrepublic.com

The Solano Community Foundation on Wednesday announced three new programs.

The foundation has $25,000 to award $1,000 “Make Learning Fun!” grants.

“This new microgrant program provides direct funding to teachers for classroom projects, helping to ignite creativity and enhance learning experiences for students across the county. We want to support the educators who are shaping our future generation by giving them the tools to make learning a dynamic and enjoyable process,” Leslie Janik, the new chief executive officer of the foundation noted in a newsletter.

Source: Solano Community Foundation offers teacher grants | News | dailyrepublic.com

Fairfield council approves free FAST fixed route travel for youths | dailyrepublic.com

By Amy Maginnis-Honey

The City Council gave its blessing to free rides for youths, 6-18, on the FAST fixed bus routes beginning Dec. 1.

Council members approved the agency’s proposal to accept only Clipper cards and paratransit passes on all fixed-route services, microtransit and paratransit.

Councilman Doug Carr was not present.

Source: Fairfield council approves free FAST fixed route travel for youths | News | dailyrepublic.com

High school students wanted for Leadership Council | dailyrepublic.com

Rep. Mike Thompson and Assembly Majority Leader Cecilia Aguiar-Curry are seeking high school students interested in participating in the 2024-25 Student Leadership Council.

The council is a program “that allows local students to work directly with their elected officials and staff to develop leadership skills, learn how government works, and engage with our community.”

It is open to any high school student in the 4th Congressional District and the 4th Assembly District. Student leaders are expected to attend a minimum of three to five mandatory meetings during the year.

Source: High school students wanted for Leadership Council | News | dailyrepublic.com

Leaven Kids celebrate 15 years with two new awards | dailyrepublic.com

Leaven Kids, a nonprofit committed to early childhood education, celebrated its 15th anniversary at its annual fundraising gala at the Silverado Resort and Spa in Napa.

The gala brought together more than 300 business leaders, community partners and philanthropists to support its mission of youth educational development.

The gala is Leaven Kids’ flagship fundraising event, featuring a formal dinner, live auction and keynote address. All proceeds from the evening will directly support the organization’s after-school programs, which provide tutoring and educational resources to students living in historically underserved neighborhoods.

Source: Leaven Kids celebrate 15 years with two new awards | News | dailyrepublic.com

Hispanic Chamber offering $1,000 scholarships | dailyrepublic.com

The Solano Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is offering three 2024 Future Leaders scholarships.

“This scholarship is designed to support and empower high school seniors and college freshmen from Solano County as they pursue higher education and work toward becoming the leaders of tomorrow,” the chamber announced.

An essay (500-700 words) or a short video is required and must include personal background, future goals and aspirations, involvement in school and the community and how this scholarship will help in achieving academic and career objectives.

Source: Hispanic Chamber offering $1,000 scholarships | News | dailyrepublic.com

Summit for young leaders to be held in Vallejo on Oct. 19 – Times Herald Online

The “Brown Girls In Congress Leadership Summit” will be held on Saturday, Oct. 19 to help empower young girls by understanding the political system.

Girls ages 8 – 17 are invited to attend the summit from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The event will be held at Solano Community College Vallejo Center, 545 Columbus Parkway.

Organizers say the event will aim to empower the next generation of future leaders by “introducing young girls to our political process and show them how our political system is structured.”

Source: Summit for young leaders to be held in Vallejo on Oct. 19 – Times Herald Online

Financial workshop for college-bound students planned | dailyrepublic.com

The Fairfield Cordelia Library will host a financial planning workshop on Sept. 19.

The library is partnering with Bay College Planning for the one-hour, free workshop for parents and guardians of high school-aged students who plan to attend a college or university after graduation.

Topics to be addressed include financial aid application process; colleges that offer merit aid; developing a college funding plan; how to maximize scholarships; and CT and SAT exam preparation.

Source: Financial workshop for college-bound students planned | News | dailyrepublic.com

Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation establishes $400K scholarship to support Solano County students – The Vacaville Reporter

By Thomas Gase

The Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation on Friday announced the launch of the Momhi Scholarship Fund, created to provide financial support to students from the City of Vallejo pursuing higher education.

Momhi — which means “share” in the Patwin language — will contribute a total of $400,000 in scholarship funds to Touro University California, Cal State University Maritime Academy and Solano Community College.

“The Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation has deep roots in this region, which encompasses our ancestral homeland. We share a mission and vision with these educational institutions to uplift our community,” said Anthony Roberts, Chairman of the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation Tribal Council. “The Momhi Scholarship Fund, established earlier this year represents an invaluable opportunity for us to partner with Touro University California, Cal State University Maritime Academy and Solano Community College to help outstanding local students, who may not have the financial means to achieve their dreams.”

Source: Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation establishes $400K scholarship to support Solano County students – The Vacaville Reporter

Local education pushes Solano jobless rate up before start of school | dailyrepublic.com

Solano County’s unemployment rate continued to climb in July, as the state EDD reported there were 1,400 fewer local jobs than in June.

However, the losses were largely in local education as the schools transitioned from summer to the new term.

Local education had 9,800 jobs in June and 7,900 in July, the Labor Market Information Division of the state Employment Development Department reported.

Source: Local education pushes Solano jobless rate up before start of school | News | dailyrepublic.com

SolTrans offers free bus service for youth | dailyrepublic.com

Students 18 or younger can ride all SolTrans routes for free as part of the agency’s Back to School program.

Solano County Transit “encourages parents and guardians to consider utilizing local or express bus services to ensure a smooth and stress-free start to the school year. Riding the bus not only offers a convenient alternative to driving but also helps alleviate traffic congestion around schools, promoting a safer environment for students,” the agency said in a statement.

Source: SolTrans offers free bus service for youth | News | dailyrepublic.com

Child Support Services has back-to-school, back-to-work events this month | dailyrepublic.com

The Solano County Department of Child Support Services, with the county Office of Education, will distribute 125 back-to-school-ready backpacks “to children in foster care, and to children who are experiencing homelessness.”

Additionally, Child Support Services, in partnership with the county Family Justice Center, will distribute back-to-work professional clothing for parents entering or re-entering the workforce.

The giveaways are part of the county’s recognition of August as Child Support Awareness Month. This year’s theme is Shelter, Safety and Solutions.

Source: Child Support Services has back-to-school, back-to-work events this month | News | dailyrepublic.com

For Child Support Awareness Month, Solano County officials lend a hand – The Vacaville Reporter

By Richard Bammer

With public school classes to resume in a few short weeks, Solano County officials are on board with back-to-school and some parental needs in August.

The Department of Child Support Services, in recognition of Child Support Awareness Month, will join the Solano County Office of Education to donate 125 back-to-school backpacks for children.

Additionally, the department, in partnership with the Solano County Family Justice Center, will distribute back-to-work professional clothing for parents entering or reentering the workforce.

Source: For Child Support Awareness Month, Solano County officials lend a hand – The Vacaville Reporter

Syar Foundation donates $1 million to Early Learning Center | dailyrepublic.com

The Syar Foundation has made its $1 million commitment to the Vallejo Early Learning Center a reality.

Susan and Jim Syar this week presented Solano County Supervisor Erin Hannigan with the check.

“The Syar family and their philanthropic foundation has a strong history of supporting Vallejo. Their early support of the First 5 Center on Sonoma Boulevard and now their very generous contribution to the Early Learning Center in south Vallejo cements their family’s legacy to our community, especially to the children and young families,” Hannigan said in a statement released Wednesday through the county administration.

Source: Syar Foundation donates $1 million to Early Learning Center | News | dailyrepublic.com

Cub Scouts leading local youths in literacy | dailyrepublic.com

Cub Scouts at Pack 720, based at Fairview Elementary School in Fairfield, took an urban hike from their school to the Fairfield Civic Center Library downtown in order to take a tour, learn about the library, get their first library card and sign up for the library’s Summer Reading Program.

This was the first of two visits to the library in July. The next visit will be on Tuesday, July 30, in order to submit their summer reading results, and participate in the library’s programs: a live animal show at 3 p.m. Both visits were organized in cooperation with children’s librarian, Joan Parker.

Source: Cub Scouts leading local youths in literacy | News | dailyrepublic.com

Benicia Police announce August academy for youths | dailyrepublic.com

Youths entering seventh and eighth grades may register for the Benicia Police Department’s Youth Citizen Police Academy.

The academy offers an introduction to law enforcement and many of the tips and tools that Benicia Police uses during daily operations.

Students will learn about arrest procedures, drugs, ethics/integrity, investigations, crime scenes and internet safety, among other topics. They will also have the opportunity to attend equipment demos, operate a speed radar gun, and get up close to the steps involved in evidence collection.

Source: Benicia Police announce August academy for youths | News | dailyrepublic.com

Leaven Kids Summer Success offers additional educational resources | dailyrepublic.com

Leaven Kids, a nonprofit committed to early childhood education, recently launched Summer Success, a six-week program that offers educational resources and tutoring to young students living in historically underserved neighborhoods throughout California and Texas.

The program seeks to address the critical issue of summer learning loss, which disproportionately affects children from low-income neighborhoods who often lose access to essential educational resources when schools close during the summer months. Without these resources, many students experience a decline in academic achievement upon returning to school in the fall.

Source: Leaven Kids Summer Success offers additional educational resources | Hydrography | dailyrepublic.com

FBP’s youth Art Calendar Contest deadline extended through June 17 – Times Herald Online

By Lynzie Lowe

Fighting Back Partnership has extended the deadline for its annual youth Art Calendar Contest through June 17.

“We wanted to extend it a couple more weeks since students will have more time during their summer break,” said Vinessa Huinac, a Family Navigator at Fighting Back Partnership.

The contest has showcased art created by youth in Vallejo for more than 30 years, raising awareness about various themes that directly impact the community, according to Dr. Melvinia Turner King, Executive Director of Fighting Back Partnership.

Source: FBP’s youth Art Calendar Contest deadline extended through June 17 – Times Herald Online

Young artists showcased at Solano County Fairgrounds – Times Herald Online

By Thomas Gase

Solano County has long been known for its emerse talent with the arts. Judging by Saturday’s showcase at the Solano County Fairgrounds, that won’t be ending anytime soon.

The 4th Annual Solano Student Art Showcase, hosted by the Solano County Office of Education at McCormack Hall, included over 400 pieces of art by over 375 different artists ranging from the fourth grade to seniors in high school. This year, there were three components — a performing arts exhibition, a displayed art exhibit and a community health fair.

The Solano Student Art Showcase community health fair featured 15 local agencies offering interactive booths with services and resources. There was also a few tables with activities, including students creating their own masks.

Source: Young artists showcased at Solano County Fairgrounds – Times Herald Online

Students can win cash prize for anti-fentanyl video | dailyrepublic.com

The Solano Public Health has launched its first “One Pill Can Kill” Video Contest.

Solano County youth are invited to create compelling videos that raise awareness of the risks of fentanyl-laced pills and promote healthier choices.

High School or college level students can win up to $1,500 for their efforts.

“This contest is a creative way for young people to have fun, spread the word– and maybe even save a life,” Robin Cox, MPH, CPH, Solano County’s Health Promotion & Community Wellness (VibeSolano) Bureau Chief, said in a press release. “Knowing the source of any pill taken is critical to prevent an overdose. Teens may take street pills thinking they’re Oxycodone, Adderall or Xanax, risking potential death if they are counterfeits laced with fentanyl.”

Source: Students can win cash prize for anti-fentanyl video | Fairfield | dailyrepublic.com