Teenagers Create Solutions To Improve Others' Lives Through Design The FutureWhen he was just 8 years old, Durell Coleman told his mother he was going to be an inventor who would head up his own company. Today, the Oakland man has not only achieved his goal, he is now teaching teenagers how to create their own products to make others' lives better.
African American Shakespeare Company Reimagines Classic Plays For Black ActorsWhen Sherri Young graduated from the American Conservatory of Theater in the 1990s, there weren't very many roles for African Americans like her, so this week's Jefferson Award winner launched her own theater company.
Tacolicious School Project Funds Cash-Strapped Public SchoolsThis week's Jefferson Award winners make tacos the "meat" of their fundraising program. And so far, they've generated more than a million dollars for cash-strapped public schools.
Volunteer Park Patrol Maintains Oakland's Wildland ParksStan Dodson founded Park Patrol, a volunteer program within his non-profit "Oakland Trails" to maintain Oakland's three wildland parks.
Music Therapy Program Empowers The Developmentally DisabledThis week's Jefferson Award winner is unleashing the power of music to improve the lives of people with developmental disabilities.
'Write To Read' Program At Camp Sweeney Helps Young People Re-Engage With EducationStatistics show that 85% of young people in juvenile hall are functionally illiterate. But they are far less likely to commit another crime if they get the kind of support that comes from this week's Jefferson Award winner.
'Missing In America' Project Secures Proper Burials For Forgotten VeteransWhen the fire chief of Windsor in Sonoma County retired seven years ago, he found a second career and, not surprisingly, it too was in public service. This week's Jefferson Award winner, Ron Collier serves military veterans who've served their country but have been forgotten.
Ranchin' Vets Helps Military Veterans Adjust To Civilian LifeMilitary personnel coming home from active duty can sometimes face big challenges getting back into 'regular' life. But this week's Jefferson Award winners have found a way to help.
Furry Friends Pet Relief Keeps Animals Out Of East Bay SheltersThe SPCA says about 6.5 million animals end up in shelters every year in the U.S., and about a quarter of them are euthanized. But this week's Jefferson Award winner is trying to change those staggering numbers by keeping cats and dogs from ending up in local shelters.
Champions of Science Program Sparks Curiosity In Oakland StudentsDeep inside Oakland's Chabot Space and Science Center, middle school kids are mixing up ingredients like water, dirt, and sand to create their very own model of a comet. But it's not the mix that has these kids engaged and inspired: it's their teacher, confirmed science geek Dan Stanton.
'Miracle Messages' Reunites The Homeless With Loved OnesWe've seen the crisis of homelessness spread throughout the Bay Area. But this week's Jefferson award winner says doing something about it means looking at someone who is homeless as a person.. not a problem. Then, listen to their story in order to help them.
