KidWorks Launches College Success Initiative

At KidWorks, 100% of our  high school seniors graduate on  time and 100% go on to college or university. And until now, we thought of them as our alumni. With the launch of our new KidWorks College Success Initiative™  we now serve students from Pre-K to B.A., making an 18 year commitment to each student at KidWorks.  

The students we serve live near or below the poverty line.  Often their families are caught in a poverty cycle and are just surviving.  The best way to break the cycle is preventing it in the next generation. Currently 89%  of low-income students leave college without a degree and 25% leave after their first year.   Our KidWorks College Success Initiative™ is aimed at ending the poverty cycle by providing our students the tools they need to graduate from college and begin careers that break the cycle.  At KidWorks, we know eventually the cycle of poverty breaks.  One family at a time.

Philanthropist, business leader, educator and long-time supporter of KidWorks, David A. Pyle, has provided us with a one million dollar matching grant opportunity.  This grant provides KidWorks with the funding needed to implement our new KidWorks College Success Initiative™.  Donate to the KidWorks College Success Initiative™  and double your impact.  You will be helping us improve our community by ending the poverty cycle. Every dollar you give becomes two and every dollar you give changes a life!

What do a Philanthropist, Navy Seal, and College Student all have in Common?

One has helped countless students earn credentials in order to fulfill their career dreams.  Another has risked his life to keep our country safe and preserve freedom.  A third was inspired by KidWorks to pursue a fit and healthy lifestyle—and then share his passion with others.

You’ll have a chance to be uplifted as you hear from each of these three at KidWorks’ 11th annual Foundation for Success Luncheon on Thursday, Nov. 2 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in Santa Ana.

David A. Pyle, is a philanthropist, Founder/Chief Executive Officer of American Career College and shareholder of West Coast University.  At the luncheon, he will be honored with our prestigious 2017 Dan Donahue Leadership Award. 

“This very special award recognizes David’s fervent support for KidWorks’ youth and families,” said David Benavides, KidWorks’ Executive Director.  “For decades, David has been a leader and innovator in the private, postsecondary education community, and he is as passionate about the community as he is about supporting health care and educational programs that aid underserved children and families.”

“I have been a supporter of KidWorks because these young men and woman are being developed as our future leaders and will be making a difference in our communities,” David Pyle said.  “Seeing firsthand the interaction of the kids, family members, staff and volunteers as they grow is inspiring and something I am proud to be a part of.”

Chad Williams is our keynote speaker.  He is author of the bestselling book, “SEAL of God.” He shares his journey through the grueling Naval Ops training, illustrating the SEAL mindset and ethos that revolve around leadership, teamwork, integrity, safety, mental toughness, discipline, overcoming adversity and grit. 

Chad entered the military's most difficult and grueling training known as BUD/S. As one of 13 out of a class of 173 trainees, Chad climbed the mountain and earned his Trident, which signifies he had become a Navy SEAL.

According to his website, “Serving his country proudly through multiple deployments on SEAL Teams One and Seven, Chad continued to hone the technical skill, tactical proficiency and attention to detail that our nation's best warriors adhere to.  In an ironic final operation in Iraq, Chad's shares the story of how his SEAL Team was set up on a premeditated ambush similar to the location and scenario that took the life of his mentor Scott Helvenston.  But on that occasion Chad and his Team were victorious, overcoming the enemy and odds set against them.”

Alfredo Padilla is one of KidWorks many amazing student success stories.  He is a recent California State University, Northridge graduate, where he earned his degree in kinesiology. 

Alfredo was part of KidWorks programs from age 11 through high school, and credits our team with helping him to learn healthy eating and exercise habits.  Alfredo turned this passion towards helping others, including serving on the KidWorks’ staff during high school and college.

He organized KidWorks-sponsored fitness and Zumba classes for the moms in the community, managed our gym, led weight training classes for the youth, coached our baseball team and helped manage and train the KidWorks running club for youth and parents. 

This event sells out every year so purchase your ticket early so you don't miss out!