Give Youth Like Mohamed the Chance to Dream Beyond Limits
At EBALDC, nearly 25% of our 4,000 residents are youth—bright, energetic individuals full of potential. But for many of them, the world beyond their neighborhood feels out of reach. That’s why, thanks to a generous grant from the California Natural Resources Agency, we were able to take 165 K-12 students from the East Oakland Havenscourt neighborhood on 35 life-changing field trips to local and regional natural and cultural gems. From the cutting-edge exhibits at the San Francisco Exploratorium to the stunning landscapes of Yosemite National Park, these experiences weren’t just educational—they were transformational.
For many of these youth, it was their first time leaving Oakland. Mohamed, a 17-year-old participant, shared his unforgettable experience with us. “I would never have had the chance to experience something like this,” Mohamed said, recalling his rafting trip on the American River. For Mohamed and his peers, traveling outside of Oakland was a rare opportunity, but one that opened their eyes to the world’s possibilities.
On his journey to Yosemite, Mohamed described a pivotal moment: “Through the heat at Yosemite, we made it to the waterfall as a team. We encouraged one another because in Oakland, it is not as hot and we weren’t used to it.” These shared moments of challenge and triumph, in an environment so different from their own, brought the youth closer together and deepened their resilience.
But the impact of these experiences goes far beyond a single trip. Mohamed, who first joined EBALDC’s Youth Programs as a young child, is now a proud member of our Teen Program, and he’s waiting to hear back from colleges, with dreams of becoming a doctor. Without programs like these, youth like Mohamed would never have been exposed to the opportunities that help shape their futures.
Your generous donation can help make this vision a reality for more youth in our community. When you contribute to EBALDC, you’re not just supporting field trips—you’re providing opportunities for young people to dream big, discover new possibilities, and build the skills and confidence to achieve their goals.
By donating, you give youth like Mohamed the tools to overcome obstacles and the chance to explore worlds beyond their own. Your support creates opportunities for young minds to thrive, paving the way for future doctors, engineers, artists, and leaders.
Together, we can help more youth reach beyond their circumstances, just like Mohamed. Will you join us in making their dreams possible? Click here to donate!