Digital Commons Network^™

The Need For Health And Community Resources In Monterey County, Yesenia Lustre

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

The Monterey County Health Department in the Planning Evaluation and Policy Unit (PEP), focuses on three areas; facilitating the implementation of the Health Department Strategic Plan, aligning and monitoring the department's performance standards. PEP has had an intern who noticed the needs of Monterey County residents facing barriers when accessing health and community resources. The Monterey County’s Population is at 444,732 and more than half of the population are people of color. With having such a diverse population there are a lot of barriers to consider when accessing health and community resources such as language barriers and navigating health insurance. …

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 …

Engaging Santa Cruz County Employers, Jayne Prieto

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

This internship was completed at the Community Action Board of Santa Cruz County (CAB), which is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping low-income at-risk youth and adults. The intern was fortunate to work with the Links2Work!, an Alcance program. Links2Work! helps individuals gain work experience and find linkages to employment. Currently, the biggest challenge is finding employment for those individuals impacted by the justice system. Their past histories have disqualified them from jobs. The intern’s Capstone Project was to find fair chance employers in the county of Santa Cruz that will allow the organization to better serve job seekers and …

Healthy Living’ Nutrition Education In Kindergarteners, Delia Estrada

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Nutrition should be considered an important factor in one’s life, and be discussed into further context at school as well as at home. Having healthy nutrition can help with physical growth and development of an individual, allowing children the development of mindset, capacity building, capabilities, cognitive development, gross and motor skills within an individual's effective consumption of healthy and nutritious meals. In order to support the nutrition skill regulations, I have developed a two-day curriculum for Kindergarten children at Alisal Community Elementary in Salinas, California. In this curriculum, I would explain to the participants how to differentiate a healthy meal …

Teaching Healthy Communication Skills For College Students With Disabilities, Molly Mcshane

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

For college students with disabilities, interpersonal communication can be difficult. There have not been sufficient supportive services for college students with disabilities when it comes to learning communication skills in a college environment. Without effective communication skills, college students with disabilities may face social barriers and fewer chances for personal connections, which may lead to social isolation. In order to address this issue, I planned to create a 2-hour lesson for members of the Student Awareness for Disability Empowerment club (S.A.D.E) at California State University, Monterey Bay.

Access To Public Assistance Benefits & Services Outreach, Maria Saucedo

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Monterey County Department of Social Services Community Benefits Branch provides temporary public assistance to eligible residents of Monterey County to meet their basic needs. Programs include temporary cash assistance, General assistance, Medi-Cal, CalFresh, and CalWorks. The goal of the agency is to promote the social and economic self-reliance of each individual they serve. Low-income families and individuals are faced with a lack of access to benefits and services that are provided to help. There are many factors as to why we see inequality and a lack of access to benefits and services, such as access to technology, education around resources, …

Addressing Common Misperceptions About Palliative Care, Katya Blandino

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

The Central Coast Visiting Nurse Association and Hospice provides home medical care and end-of-life services to people across Monterey, San Benito, Santa Cruz, and Santa Clara counties. This project was designed to address the problem of underuse of hospice and palliative care services. Contributing factors include misconceptions about hospice and palliative care, negative stereotypes associated with end-of-life methodology, and fear and discomfort in facing the death of loved ones. These factors frequently result in negative consequences, including late admission to programs, greater financial costs to patients and families, and greater discomfort for end-of-life patients. The project consists of an educational …

More Than A Record: The Impacts Of The School-To-Prison Pipeline, Lydia Soto

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Young individuals are constantly being negatively impacted by the school-to-prison pipeline. It’s initial purpose was to ensure school safety but over time schools have been relying on police officers to deal with minor student behavior and actions. This has caused youth to be labeled as “troubled” and be pushed out of schools and into the prison system. This causes youth to develop mental and emotional distress and limits their opportunities at a brighter and successful future. MILPA Collective is a non-profit organization that facilitates rites of passage programs, as well as advocating to end mass incarceration by calling for the …

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 …

Enhancing Youth Awareness Of Protecting The Environment: What We Save, Saves Us, Alexa Hanson

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

By incorporating environment protection within our daily routines, children can become more aware of how to reduce waste, save electricity, and to understand the importance of why we should protect nature. The project executed ways for the children to realize that simple changes in their daily routines, can make an impact in our world. A simple task, like turning off the water when brushing your teeth can help reduce the amount that is being used within the households. Each household is different in how they contribute to protecting the Earth so it is crucial to let the children know that …

The Prevention Of Bullying In Elementary Schools, Cecilia Martinez

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

This Capstone project focuses on bullying prevention and its importance in elementary school years. Bullying may start when a child enters elementary school. It is important to inform students of the types of bullying many students can receive. Learning about the damages bullying can have to a student. Bullying can affect a child mentally, physically, and emotionally. In some cases, bullying can lead the child to become depressed and commit suicide.

Syringe Exchange Program Outreach, Jael Bucio

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

It is estimated that 1 in 5 people infected with HIV are unaware that they are infected and most of the new sexually transmitted HIV infections in the US originate from HIV-infected persons who are unaware of their infection. Access Support Networks (ASN), is a community based nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide support to neighbors and loved ones living with HIV or Hep C. ASN offers harm reduction and prevention education to reduce the increase in HIV rates in Monterey County. The contributing factors affecting the increase in HIV cases in Monterey County are attributed to people’s socioeconomic …

Preventing Teasing Among 1st Graders, Jocelyn I. Del Real

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

This paper discusses the different types of teasing that can occur and how it may effect children, as well as children being able to indicate one action they tend to do from the 6 pillars of characteristics in the near future.

Covid-19 Prioritization Triage Tool, Topanga Cheeves

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Smart Path to Housing and Health, an agency a part of the Santa Cruz County Department of Human Services is a local homeless action organization that specializes in a coordinated entry system that provides access to housing and service assistance to low income and people who are experiencing homelessness. Homelessness is a complex macro social and health issue that affects the quality of life because it increases unhealthy conditions for people living in poverty or who’s neighborhoods surround these encampments. Contributing factors such as lack of affordable housing, eligibility requirements, poverty, poor physical and mental health, addictions, and broken family …

Increasing Mental Health Awareness In The Homeless Youth Community, Kelly Joyce

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Mental illness within the homeless community is a pressing issue, which requires an increase in awareness throughout the community in order for it to be properly addressed. A lack of funding for low-cost or free mental health care, difficulty accessing existing programs by the homeless, and few options for care have contributed to the issue of mental illness and poor mental health among the homeless youth community. This can lead to various severe consequences, such as declining mental state for those within the community, prolonged homelessness, and an increased risk of developing a substance abuse disorder.

The Youth Homeless Response …

Improving The Identification And Diagnosis Of Learning Disabilities, Madalyn Nico

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

This Capstone Project focuses on improving the identification and diagnosis of learning disabilities. This is important because diagnosing a child properly will help teachers understand the students' learning styles and better position the teachers to create more effective learning environments. Also, teachers will be able to better support and accommodate their students both academically and socially. It is argued that many teachers do not have the right resources, understanding, or authority to diagnose learning disabilities. The primary stakeholder perspectives obtained were from teachers, staff, and students because of their relevant experiences and roles in identifying and addressing learning disabilities. After …

Time Management And Organization Skills In First Generation Freshman Eop Students, Jennifer Ventura

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Being a First Generation Freshman can be frustrating, confusing, and overwhelming but with the help of EOP many students learn to create affective time Management skills and Organization Skills. Freshman year does not have to be scary and filled with procrastination, allowing yourself to create that small space of time where You can maintain yourself organized is very beneficial throughout your years at California State University, Monterey Bay and in the Educational Opportunity Program.

College Students Are Often Unaware Of How To Maintain A Healthy Romantic Relationship, Giselle Saavedra

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Erikson's Theory Intimacy vs Isolation

Improving Stress Management For Female College Students, Kelsey Acosta

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Although many college students report feeling stress, women may have a unique perspective and experience regarding stress. Gilligan's theory states that women consider their relationships when considering decisions. This decision-making process can create an added layer of the already existing academic stressors that women face. Stress management techniques that acknowledge the unique stressors that women face are essential to improve mental health and provide an optimal college experience.

Increasing College Students’ Awareness Of The Influence Social Media Has On Romantic Relationships, Jazmin Chaidez-Rocha

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Many young adults are unaware of the influence social media has on romantic relationships. Social media can have an effect on individuals’ communication skills, being a victim of cyberstalking, and cause jealousy characteristics such as distrust. To address the lack of awareness, I created an interactive presentation for college students in the greek community at California State University, Monterey Bay.

The Impacts Of Social Media On Social Movements, Gabriela Aguilar

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

As time passes by there is more representation of social movements due to their high exposure on social media. Technology has become a major part of our everyday lives and on average we spend many hours on social platforms. We are exposed to the injustices that occur every minute of every day through social media. Before, when technology was not accessible for everyone the news people received were from television, newspapers, or even magazines. Now, we have platforms such as Twitter and TikTok among others that provide us with news on any malpractice that occurs in our communities and society. …

Where Do We Start? Improving College-Prep Resources Available To Students Of Color, Hilario Mosqueda

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

This paper serves to demonstrate and respond to the severe lack of college preparation (college-prep) resources available for students of color in the k-12 public education system. College-prep resources are crucial for students to be able to make the transition from high school to college. First generation students are especially in need of these resources as they lack the knowledge that second-generation students may receive from their parents who have already been through the process of applying, transitioning, and experiencing what higher education is like. Surveys were administered to current high school students of color applying for college. Survey data …

Reducing Barriers With Staff And Clients At The Veterans Transition Center Of Monterey County, Cynthia Frerkson

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

The Veterans Transition Center of Monterey County assists homeless veterans and their families in reducing barriers with housing, income, and healthcare. Many clients create issues consciously or unconsciously for themselves and staff due to mental illness related to trauma from childhood or military. Which leads to even greater issues when they self medicate with substances. Three contributing factors of veterans developing daily issues at the Veterans Transition Center with staff are mental health issues, substance use disorder, and further mental health problems due to inability to afford housing. Three consequences due to homeless veterans with mental illness and substance use …

Pobody’S Nerfect: Improving The Identification And Diagnosis Of Learning Disabilities, Jocelyn Kiser

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

The focus of this Capstone Project is on improving the identification and diagnosis of learning disabilities. This is important because diagnosing a child properly will help teachers understand the students' learning styles and better position the teachers to create more effective learning environments. Also, teachers will be able to better support and accommodate their students both academically and socially. It is argued that many teachers do not have the right resources, understanding, or authority to diagnose learning disabilities. The primary stakeholder perspectives obtained were from teachers, staff, and students because of their relevant experiences and roles in identifying and addressing …

Lean On Me; Social Emotional Learning Creates Successful Students, Michaelene Cummins

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

The Focus of this Capstone Project is to really lean into the social emotional side of learning. Students were already silently suffering with mental health struggles prior to the Pandemic and they have only worsened since going back to in person classes. As educators it is our job to provide a safe space to nurture the development of self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, decision making, and relationship skills. Social Emotional Learning has always been important but given these unprecedented times it is essential that we as educators and staff provide our students with the most well equipped social emotional learning skills …

Outreaching For New Providers, Mari Arredondo

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Intern was able to be part of In home Support Services with the County of Santa Cruz. The program provides services to people that have a current disability and are not able to care for themselves. The program allows people to continue to live in their own homes and get the services they need to be able to keep living independently. The program currently needs providers to care for the people in their homes. There are currently about 165 providers and out of those they only have 65 that are available to be able to help the current clients that …

Destigmatize Addiction Through Education, Miranda Martinez

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

After interning at Valley Health Associates the problem identified was the lack of education on substance abuse. With much of Salinas being multicultural and spanish speaking, we begin to identify the challenges associated with getting information to the public about substance use and the treatment options. Some contributing factors associated with the lack of education on substance use are family, social, and environmental factors, lack of education overall, and the stigma/shame associated with substance use; however the unfortunate consequences associated with this are misconceptions about drugs overall and an increase of fatal overdoses. The capstone project will focus on individuals …

Why Culture Matters: The Importance And Effectiveness Of Creating A Multicultural Classroom When Teaching Elementary School Students In Public Schools, Haley Judith Quintana

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

The focus of this Capstone Project is to analyze the benefits of having a multicultural classroom in elementary schools. Multicultural education refers to any form of education or teaching that incorporates the histories, texts, values, beliefs, and perspectives of people from different cultural backgrounds. Teaching about multiculturalism can increase not only the teacher's knowledge, but also the students' learning. From this Capstone project the researchers learned how some teachers and parents feel about having different cultures being taught in the classroom. Based on the information that is collected the researchers found ways to incorporate multiculturalism. Upon interviewing four elementary teachers …

Today A Reader, Tomorrow A Leader: How Reading Comprehension Plays A Role In Academics Among Low-Income Students, Marissa Sandra Francisca Torrez

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

For this Capstone Project, the researcher investigates how teachers and low-income families view the resources needed for students to increase their reading comprehension and what they thought could be done to improve access to those resources. Interviews included a fieldworker who has a child enrolled in a middle school, a middle school Community Liaison who is very familiar and close to low-income families and the issues they face with education. Additionally, three middle school students completed a survey on reading comprehension. Based on an analysis of the interviews, surveys and the relevant research literature, the researcher used what they had …

Welcoming Classroom, Comfortable Learning Experience: Implementing Social Emotional Learning In The Classroom, Daniela Muradas

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Many students have difficulty expressing their emotions and working with others in elementary school classrooms. The focus of this capstone project is on implementing social-emotional learning in the classroom. This is important because students will learn proper ways to deal with their emotions, work with others, and have better self-awareness. An evidence-based argument is offered that students need guidance and support from their teachers to be able to create a positive space for their learning. Considerations of the issue included the perspective of two parents of elementary school students because they know the needs of their children, and a teacher …