Digital Commons Network^™

Building Inclusive Communities: Addressing Bullying And Supporting Lgbtq+ Youth In Monterey County, Mayra Luna

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Bullying among LGBTQ+ youth in Monterey County is a significant public health concern, contributing to increased rates of depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation. Rainbow Connection, a program within Monterey County’s Child and Adolescent System of Care, works to improve school climate and promote inclusive environments through partnerships and community engagement. This capstone project implemented an anti-bullying event in Salinas, a prominent town in Monterey County. Pink Shirt Day event is to raise awareness of bullying prevention and promote LGBTQ+ inclusivity. The project included collaboration with community partners, distribution of anti-bullying educational materials, and engagement with youth, families, and school members. …

Cultivating Connection: A Culturally Responsive Mental Wellbeing Curriculum For Latine Youth In Santa Cruz County, Suzzy Landeros

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Latine adolescents experience high rates of stress, depression, and stigma surrounding mental health, in part due to limited access to culturally responsive support and safe spaces for connection. The purpose of this internship project was to develop and implement a trauma-informed, culturally responsive, mental wellbeing curriculum to address barriers related to stigma, limited culturally responsive support, and disconnection, while supporting emotional awareness, connection, and use of grounding strategies among youth. The project was implemented through United Way Santa Cruz County in partnership with Watsonville High School and Soquel High School and served high school-aged youth. Development of the curriculum included …

Digital Outreach For Environmental Equity: Bridging The Nature Gap In Castroville, California Through Social Media, Phoebe C. Deacon

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Too many low-income residents of Castroville are not spending enough time in nature, causing negative impacts on both physical and mental health. Ventana Wildlife Society provides programs including after-school programs, Single Day Adventures, and summer camps for youth and families in Monterey County, particularly those from underserved communities. This project focused on the Castroville program. Castroville is a low-income, agricultural, isolated pocket of Monterey County, one of the communities where Ventana allocates its resources. This project implemented an outreach and educational intervention through use of social media by updating the Instagram page for Ventana’s North County Outdoor Program and posting …

Expanding Nature Access For Underserved Communities, Natalie Garcia

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Too few children in Soledad have regular access and connection to outdoor spaces, leading to increased stress and fewer opportunities for positive mental health outcomes. This capstone project was implemented at Ventana Wildlife Society through the Nature Coach Pilot Program, promoting mental health through individualized outdoor plans throughout Monterey County. The program primarily serves underserved communities with limited access to local parks and outdoor resources, while also being open to the general public. The purpose of this project was to support the implementation of the Nature Coach Pilot Program by increasing awareness of accessible green spaces and encouraging engagement in …

Youth Programs Social Media Awareness Campaign, Noelia Fernandez

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Youth experiencing or at risk of homelessness often lack awareness of available support services, limiting their ability to access needed resources. This capstone project was completed at Community Action Board’s Youth Homeless Response Team (YHRT), a program that provides outreach, case management, and support services to youth in Santa Cruz County. The project focused on youth and young adults who engage with or could benefit from YHRT services. The purpose of the project was to increase awareness and engagement through a targeted social media awareness campaign. Implementation included planning and designing youth-friendly content, developing promotional materials, and collecting both quantitative …

Cultura Y Confianza: Strengthening Culturally Competent Outreach To Support Women’S Mental Health In Watsonville, Sarra L. Huerta

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Women in Watsonville experience ongoing mental health challenges, including stress, anxiety, and depression, while facing barriers to accessing culturally responsive support. This capstone project was completed at Growing Greatness, a community-based organization that provides outdoor and wellness programming for youth and families in Watsonville, California. The project focused on improving outreach to better engage women, particularly Latina women, who may experience barriers related to stigma, language, and trust. The intervention involved developing a four-module bilingual curriculum designed to strengthen culturally competent outreach practices among staff, volunteers, and interns. The purpose of the project was to create more accessible, community-centered messaging …

Empowering Families To Support Youth Mental Health In Santa Cruz County, Monica Garcia‐Martinez

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Youth mental health challenges have become an increasingly urgent public health concern, particularly among Hispanic and Latino adolescents in Santa Cruz County, California. United Way Santa Cruz County’s Jóvenes Sanos program is a youth-led initiative through the United4Youth Department which aims to reduce stigma surrounding mental health, promote peer-to-peer connectedness, and provide opportunities of growth and leadership skills. However, barriers connected to parent involvement and participation in collaboration of parent-program relationships has limited parental communication about mental wellness, the primary contributing factor for effective youth support, mental health, and overall well being. This capstone project was designed to strengthen parent …

Father Engagement: Play Is The Way, Cristian Mendoza

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

This capstone project focuses on enhancing father engagement in family and community life, emphasizing the critical role fathers play in their children's learning and overall development. Implemented through Encompass Community Services, in alignment with Collaborative Health and Human Services, the project targets families with young children, particularly fathers who may face barriers to active involvement. The initiative aims to identify areas that need additional support, recognize existing strengths, and develop strategies that foster meaningful participation in their children's lives. A central component of the project is the planning and execution of a father-focused community event. Responsibilities included organizing engaging activities, …

Breaking The Stigma: Connecting The Community To Mental Health Resources, Nancy Iniguez

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

United Way Santa Cruz County is a nonprofit organization which serves in various counties across the nation. The Jóvenes Sanos (JS) program, helps support youth in providing support and mental well being to the community. In supporting the cause of reducing the stigma of mental health. This project, Cultivating Community, was a resource fair which was aimed to support low income individuals of the community to learn about the different resources surrounding mental health, and increase knowledge of the importance of self care and mental wellbeing. In collaboration with other non-profit organizations, several workshops were implemented to demonstrate different forms …

Empowering Minds: Navigating Mental Health Through Workshop Based Learning, Isabel E. Rocha-Fernandez

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Luna Y Sol is an organization located in Santa Cruz county, specifically in Watsonville. The organization serves youth with the ages ranging from 12 to 17 and their families. Luna Y Sol supports youth with Mental Health, Trauma and those who are exposed or have direct involvement with violence. The program offers youth a safe place and community for them to visit when needed. The project implemented at Luna Y Sol consisted of a four part mental health workshop for youth. The purpose was for youth to become more aware and familiarized on the topic of mental health which included, …

Addressing The Lack Of Parental Involvement With Spanish-Speaking Parents In Education, Zaira Cortez-Zacarias

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Student achievement and engagement at an independent studies school must be improved by the lack of parental involvement among Spanish-speaking parents. Learning for Life charter school provides an alternative, flexible learning environment for middle and high school students (grades 7-12) who require more individualized attention and they serve students in Monterey, Salinas, San Benito, and Santa Cruz school districts. Identifying obstacles to parental involvement in Spanish-speaking families and creating plans to improve engagement and communication were the goals of this project. The project's main objectives were to develop outreach strategies that are sensitive to cultural differences, provide language assistance, and …

Reimagining Inclusion: Shaping The Future Of Special Education Engagement, Selena Rodriguez

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

For this Capstone Project, the researchers investigated how special education teachers, general education teachers, and a behavioral technician at Landscape Elementary view student engagement and what they think could be done to improve it. This is important because students with special needs deserve quality education that revolves around equity. It is argued that special education teachers require increased support that empowers them to effectively engage students and promote their learning. The primary stakeholder perspectives chosen were three general education teachers, two special education teachers, and one behavioral technician, because they all have experience in working with students with special needs. …

Improving Mental Health In Hispanic Communities, Paola Vargas

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

AIM Youth Mental Health is advocating for children who are suffering from lack of resources, guidance, and clinical research. The division implementing this project is the outreach program. The intern and team will passionately work together to make this event successful by creating bilingual fliers that share information about the agency's programs and training. Depression and suicide are the most common issues occurring in Monterey county as of today and has been affecting many families. Providing these resources will unite and educate professionals, parents, and students about school programs available for youths and measures for adults as well. The most …

Community Program Resource Guide Of Activities For Youth, Bernadette M. Delariva

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Youth Alliance serves 81% of clients who are economically disadvantaged in the community of Hollister, with 75% identifying as Hispanic, and 70% of participants between the ages of 6-17. The problem to address is the community's lack of youth social support. The project is a Program Resource Guide for the clients of Youth Alliance. This project will address the issues of parents being unable to find accurate start dates, prices, and any financial assistance. An expected outcome of community collaboration around providing activities for youth is a decrease in crime, drug, and violence rates within the youth population. The project …

Adolescent Mother's Experiences In Mental Health: Bringing Forth Awareness, Nylda E. Jaramillo

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

The Youth Homeless Response Team (YHRT) is a program that serves unaccompanied youth, who are currently at risk of being homeless or fleeing a domestic violence situation. By providing case management. Within the program's population of focus, a large portion of unhoused youth are adolescent mothers. This project addresses the high prevalence of poor mental health among young mothers. Acknowledging financial insecurity as a contributor the project entailed, hosting a diaper donation event called “Dance For Diapers.” so that diapers may be delivered to low-income young mothers at YHRT. The event was able to raise a total of $105 and …

Empowering Latinos To Pursue A Degree In Astronomy/Physics, Ivon Tapia

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Empowering Latino students to pursue careers in astronomy/physics is possible if we find the correct way to help them. Astronomy can help our planet, and physics teaches us how to appreciate our earth and everything around us. Currently, Latinos are underrepresented in these careers. This senior capstone examines the different ways that schools could empower Latino students to pursue careers in astronomy/physics. Through the use of literature review, interviews with two teachers and one astronomer, and an anonymous survey of students, the result findings indicate that introducing careers in astronomy/physics to Latino students at a young age could spark their …

Familia Adelante: Hope For Youth And Families At Risk, Gustavo A. Salgado

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Partners for Peace (P4P) will implement the Familia Adelante (FA) project to help at-risk Latino families. Counselors, probation officers, and parents recommend cultural change adaptation programs for Latino families. DePanfilis (2006) believes neglect damages brain development more than trauma, but self-esteem issues affect adolescent behavior more than violence. Providing evidence-based services and support can help prevent abuse and neglect. Child abuse usually leads to delinquency, antisocial behavior, and unhealthy sexual behavior in adolescents. FA projects require parents to set limits, communicate with their children, work together, love, and use discipline as a corrective tool. P4P's FA project helps immigrant families …

Academy-Based Learning: The High School Education You Wish You Had, Marion Ramos

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

This capstone project focuses on the impact of high school academies on student success. This is important because high school academies provide students with cross-curricular experiences related to a specific pathway or field they are interested in. An evidence-based argument is offered that high school academies provide specialized programs catering to students' interests and career aspirations. These academies provide students with a comprehensive and challenging curriculum that enhances their academic performance and prepares them for college and career readiness. By focusing on a particular subject or field, students receive a high-quality education that fosters their skills and knowledge in a …

Academy Based Learning: The High School Education You Wish You Had, Derek Gomez

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

This Capstone Project focuses on the impact of high school academies on student success. This is important because high school academies provide students with cross-curricular experiences related to a specific pathway or field they are interested in. An evidence-based argument is offered that high school academies provide specialized programs catering to students' interests and career aspirations. These academies provide students with a comprehensive and challenging curriculum that enhances their academic performance and prepares them for college and career readiness. By focusing on a particular subject or field, students receive a high-quality education that fosters their skills and knowledge in a …

Project Emerald: Youth And Their Ability To Shine, Johnatan Portillo Ventura

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

This Capstone project was implemented at Growing Greatness located in Watsonville, CA to address the lack of access to leadership programs for the underserved youth in Watsonville with purpose of empowering them to become effective communicators and advocate for them to inspire change through an in-person workshop about speaking to inspire them for action by and speaking with passion, empathy and purpose. The project was implemented using a focus group based approach that involved participants and youth leaders. The evaluation of the project revealed that it met most of the expected outcomes, and that the participants reported significant improvements in …

Veterans Transition Center Self-Care Guide For Case Managers, Camille Quiroz

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

The Veterans Transition Center provides transitional housing for homeless veterans in Monterey County and assists veterans in increasing their self-sufficiency. This project was completed within the Permanent Supportive Housing Program, which provides housing for up to two years. At the macro level, case managers and social workers experience work burnout earlier in their careers due to a lack of mental health support. The VTC currently has no established mental health support system for case managers. This project is an educational intervention designed to increase the case managers’ awareness of mental health and the importance of self-care by providing resources in …

Improving Knowledge Of Parents Of Hispanic Culture On Emotional Trauma And Abuse Towards Children, Marisol Ramos

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Some Hispanic/Latinx parents or caregivers raise their children in similar modalities of how they were raised, which, in the culture of the United States may include negative components that could lead to emotional abuse and trauma.

To address parents and/or caregivers' lack of knowledge to reduce those parenting practices that can contribute to emotional trauma and increase those practices that can improve well-being, I have created a one-day workshop curriculum for parents attending the Monterey County Department of Social Services weekly parent meetings in Salinas, California.

Marketing Plan: Increasing Access & Creating A Local Voice, Lizzy Hahn

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Too many youth in Santa Cruz County are not seeing their basic needs being met. Basic needs of residents include education, health and financial stability, three of the main focuses described in United Way of Santa Cruz County’s (UWSCC) mission. The pandemic has only exacerbated the effects that low-income families and individuals have experienced, with youth at the forefront of those affected. UWSCC aims it’s programming towards local at-risk youth, providing needed support services and resources to the community. When systems for distributing these services and resources were switched from in-person to predominantly virtual pathways, it became harder for low-income …

Reimagine 2021, Bryanna Amezcua

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

United Way of Santa Cruz has been a resource for the community for many years. Sadly, after the pandemic hit, it caused many financial hardships for the nonprofit organization. There is a lack of economic support for nonprofits all over the US that could be heard around the world. United Way exists to be able to support those in need, but at this moment they cannot provide that support without help. This is due to several reasons including high rates of unemployment, decreased spending during the pandemic, and reduced person-to-person contact with potential donors. All these factors contribute to the …

Social-Emotional Learning Icebreakers, Annabell Melgoza-Lopez

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Youth Alliance is a non-profit organization located in Hollister, California. GUIAS is a program that encompasses youth leadership, supports, and guides students to become socially responsible and emotionally stable to confront challenges. San Benito High School (SBHS) is one of the many schools that GUIAS focuses on in social-emotional learning among students through case management. It is important for students to be aware of their social, emotional, and cognitive development challenges and coping mechanisms. The problem addressed is that students ages 8-18 do not understand the importance of Social-Emotional Learning. Some contributing factors to this are that students’ culture leads …

Wellness Through Nature, Yulissa Ochoa

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

The Ventana Wildlife Society's mission statement is to conserve native wildlife through science, education, and collaboration. VWS addresses the lettuce curtain and lack of access to green spaces with “Salud y Naturaleza ''. The Lettuce Curtain refers to the disconnect between the Salinas Valley and the coast. This Nature Prescription program removes the barriers of transportation, cost, and language, giving access to nature to families in East Salinas by organizing free family trips to the coast and a weekly nature class. With easy access to nature, people will be encouraged to spend time in the outdoors to better their mental …

Building Capacity For Evidence Representing Qualitative And Quantitative Data Of Monterey County’S Child Welfare Services, Devin Dunn

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Current processes for policy development in Monterey County are primarily focused on qualitative data and anecdotes from agency personnel. The Onsite-Review component of the Child and Family Services Review (CFSR) set forth by the Children’s Bureau is structured to help Monterey County identify its strengths and areas needing improvement. These quarterly reviews ensure that Monterey County adheres to federal child welfare guidelines, helps to develop a narrative of what children and families experience while engaging with the county’s child welfare services, and enhances capacities for positive outcomes for these individuals. A Data Dashboard was developed to visually represent quantitative data …

Resources For The Homeless Youth, Cindy Garcia-Silva

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

The internship was completed at Youth Alliance, across all of their projects. The rise in homelessness around San Benito county and its adjacent counties has caused numerous people to lose their homes. Most of these people are low income and their children have to go through losing their home, living in shelters, or seeking shelter with a family member or family friend. This project was devised and used to provide research and background information on homelessness and what it can do to youth who have to experience homelessness. The purpose for developing this binder is to help address the high …

The Rise Of Spanish Speaking Advocates At Casa Of Santa Cruz, Jackelin Rodriguez

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

CASA of Santa Cruz County is a nonprofit organization that serves youth in the foster care system, by pairing them with a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA). CASA’s are volunteers who devote their time by supporting youth through dependency court. The Hispanic/Latino foster youth that requires a Spanish-speaking advocate wait twice as long for a CASA, compared to a youth who is non-Spanish speaking. This research project gathered information regarding the importance of Hispanic/Latino youth in foster care being paired with a Spanish-speaking advocate. Interviews were conducted with former youth who were matched with a CASA. The interviews showed when …

Increasing Nutrition Education In Elementary Schools, Guadalupe Zamora Madrigal

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

There is a lack of nutrition education in most elementary school curriculums. The importance of healthy nutrition is essential because most parents supply food for their children. Children don’t often get to control the foods they intake because parents choose their food choices for them. Most of the time parents don’t make the healthiest food choices and it affects a child’s well being. Therefore, teaching children about a healthy nutrition can encourage them to make healthier food choices for themselves and benefit their wellbeing.