SALINAS, CA – With the goal of changing lives and unveiling new potential in young students, Taylor Farms’ new state-of-the-art Learning Center is truly a sight to see. Yesterday, March 9th, I was lucky enough to travel out to Salinas, California, to see the impacts of the new building for myself.

The company’s ribbon cutting ceremony brought together names like Taylor Farms’ Chairman and CEO Bruce Taylor and Future Citizens Foundation (FCF) Board’s Chairman David Gill, as well as the smiling faces of Salinas’ future leaders–who will be able to directly benefit from the new center. 

“What we like about it of course, is the character development,” said Bruce Taylor, Taylor Farms Chairman and CEO, as he addressed the crowd of students and community members. “As I’ve said many times, as a society we don’t fight for equality of results, we fight for equality of opportunity. And what better opportunity than for you all to have a chance to develop the skills, the character, the tools you need to reach your potential, your promise in life. That’s what all this is all about.” 

Boasting several rooms with bright colors and a modern feel, the excitement of the children present was infectious. Surrounded by leading tech and enthusiastic volunteers, it was evident that children were there to not only learn, but play and grow.

This sponsorship is just one more way Taylor Farms is continuing its dedication to supporting local youth through education. As the company explained in its press release, the learning center is significantly expanding the educational efforts of FCF's First Tee of Monterey County, as well as the Pay It Forward Scholarship & Mentoring Programs, providing youth of all backgrounds access to the innovative learning component.  

The 5,000-square-foot facility, located at The First Tee of Monterey's Campus in Salinas, was both initiated and built by FCF's Capital Campaign, with Taylor Farms sponsoring.  

"We are grateful to Taylor Farms and Monterey County's generous philanthropic community who have taken the lead to respond to the invitation to invest in our new Center for Learning," said David Gill, Chairman of the Future Citizens Foundation Board and Co-Founder of Gill’s Onions, in a statement.

From every sponsor or community leader who took to the mic–or paused for a moment to speak to the families directly impacted by the center–it was clear that this Learning Center was a true investment in the spirit of Salinas. Cultivated to open new horizons to its youth, and lay the cemented groundwork for future success, the Center will continue to raise Salinas upwards as a produce focal point.

The Center will provide a wide array of services designed to help participants from ages 7 to 22 define success on their own terms. Programs offered will primarily focus on three areas: Academia, STEAM, and Life Exploration and Preparation. Grade specific tutoring, homework assistance, coding/website development classes, vocational exploration, college preparation, and mentoring support are also among the variety of specific programs offered. 

Other lead gifts for the Capital Campaign were made by the Monterey Peninsula Foundation, Andy & Phyllis D'Arrigo Charitable Foundation, David & Susan Gill, Mann Packing, and D'Arrigo Bros. Co; in addition to other notable produce companies and community leaders.

Which company will step to the plate next, to uplift and fortify future generations? AndNowUKnow can’t wait to find out. 

Taylor Farms Future Citizens Foundation