Student Projects
“Service before self” is the motto of Ford Dimension and Dream Builders. Each year our student leaders are broken into 4 teams and paired with corporate sponsors and community advisors to create, develop and implement significant civic projects. At an Awards Night in early spring the teams compete for monetary awards that they donate back to a community organization of their choice.
It’s a win-win for all Involved!
These projects would not be possible without the assistance of various non-profit organizations that serve as Community Partners to our program. These organizations provide expertise, guidance, resources, venues, and collaborations for our students’ service projects. Thank you Community Partners!
Team The Garlic Company
Escape the Vape – Team “Escape the Vape” sought to educate youth on the fallacies of vaping and how dangerous the activity can actually be. They created a video with accompanying educational material, presenting it to students at Emerson Middle School and the Leaders in Life Youth Conference. The team also advocated for a city-wide vaping awareness campaign. Mayor Karen Goh proclaimed the second week of February “Vaping Awareness Week” to encourage all Bakersfield residents to engage in healthy behavior and avoid vaping.
Team Bank of the Sierra
AdulTeens – After realizing that too many high school students graduate without the necessary skills to navigate into adulthood, Team “AdulTeens” decided to educate students at the Regional Occupational Center (ROC) and throughout the entire Kern High School District. They created a series of video clips showing teenagers how to “adult,” with the content including how to open a bank account, change a tire, tie a tie and vote. By giving class presentations and uploading their work to Instagram and YouTube, Team “AdultTeens” successfully reached students from Kern County and beyond.
Team Dignity Health Mercy and Memorial Hospitals
SOS – Students Offsetting Stigma – With tests, college applications, and a sometimes difficult social life, local high school students are too often plagued with anxiety and depression. This is compounded by an unnecessary stigma that surrounds mental illness. In order to raise awareness of this issue, Team “S.O.S.” gathered information from local behavioral health experts, using the information to design an educational poster that has been distributed to all KHSD schools. The team also created a video that educates viewers on resources available, encouraging students to ask for help if needed.
Team Aera Energy LLC
Greetings from Bakersfield – Bakersfield is full of vibrant, passionate, change-seeking individuals, but oftentimes our town isn’t seen that way, even by our own citizens. With the goal of trying to change this perspective, Team “Greetings from Bakersfield” interviewed over 30 local business owners, professors, philanthropists, athletes, and leaders who represent the diversity and passion of Bakersfield. The team compiled their stories and pictures into a photo book called “Greetings from Bakersfield.” The book is being sold at the Kern County Museum, with all proceeds going towards the Museum’s greatest needs.
