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Building dreams for future generations
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Posted by LisaWSWV Wed Nov 30, -0001 00:00:00 PST
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0 responses 0 comments Southwest senior students are making an impact on their community and finding ways to follow their dreams thanks to the generosity of the Jim Burke Education Foundation.

The foundation operates two programs that benefit Bakersfield students — Ford Dimension and Dream Builders.

“This program is so important because we get a little glimpse of what the world is like and how we can conquer it,” said Kevin Lott, a Southwest senior attending West High School and a member of Dream Builders. “It prepares us for college and allows us to be effective in our community.”

Ford Dimension is actually what started it all. The program began in 1975 with a pilot group of four seniors from West High School in Southwest Bakersfield. It was originally designed to be a youth connection panel for the dealership that provided off-campus orientation and education about business, according to program officials. Ford Dimension continues to foster connections between students and the business community, but has also evolved to emphasize volunteerism, career development and business ethics.

In 1995, alumni of the Ford Dimension program came together to honor Jim Burke with the establishment of an education foundation in his name. Each spring the foundation distributes more than $12,000 to teachers, students and community organizations in the form of scholarships, mini grants and awards.

An elite group of students is hand selected by teachers, counselors and finally through screenings by the Jim Burke Education Foundation to participate in Ford Dimension and Dream Builders. Every school handles the application process differently. Applications are delivered to schools in late January and students can be recommended to fill out an application or do it by their own volition. They are then screened and whittled down until about 50 applicants remain. The remaining applicants are invited to an ice cream social where they are scored by a panel of judges on leadership, communication and social skills. Ten are asked to participate in Ford Dimension and 22 to 24 are asked to join Dream Builders.

“I decided to become involved because I thought it would help me with the transition to college and be a great way to meet new people,” Lott said.

Students from both of the foundation’s programs meet once a month where they plan community projects, listen to inspirational speakers and network. Program participants are even given the opportunity to shadow individuals in careers that they would like to pursue. Luncheons are also held with elected government officials, corporate Ford executives, and members of local organizations.

“The most memorable experience in this program was listening to a speaker talk and convince me that it is a great idea to write out your goals and dreams,” Lott said. “I plan to use the tips given to me throughout college and apply them in my everyday life.”

Students develop community service projects under the guidance of advisors, community leaders and college students.

“Being a part of the Dream Builders has given me the opportunity to make my community a better place,” said Mara Arevalo, a senior attending South High School and a member of Dream Builders. “I am glad to have had this experience.”

The projects must meet certain stipulations and students submit a written project proposal and give an oral presentation to a committee in order to have their project approved.  All of it giving students experience in future college class projects and corporate careers.

“I have greatly enjoyed the connections with the community that I have made through this program. Over the summer, helping to teach the importance of physical activity to students at the Mercy Learning Center was a very rewarding experience,” said Carolyne Vu, a senior at Garces Memorial High School and part of Ford Dimension.

The students are currently working on four projects:
• An after-school health, nutrition and exercise program at Voorhees Elementary School.
• A puppet show about bullying and being a hero for a school assembly.
• A pen pal project between veterans and junior high students.
• An art supply drive and art instruction for students at a homeless shelter.

Students also have the opportunity to serve as youth mentors and work with local organizations like CALM, Habitat for Humanity and the Special Olympics.

“The other high school seniors in the program, both Ford Dimension and Dream Builders, are wonderful people to spend time working with. We all have great drives to be successful, yet we still have the heart and desire to make a true difference in our world,” Vu said.

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