A Dream as Big as our Hearts
What We Do
We award $5,000 scholarships to high school students impacted by homelessness paired with ongoing mentorship and support to help them remain successful throughout their educational journey.
Our History
It all started with an internship.
New Beginnings Fund for Unhoused Youth founder Jennifer Weck spent a year as a social work intern at a local school that served youth impacted by homelessness.
It was there that she met her fellow New Beginnings Fund co-founder, Jessica Codallos Zarate.
Their time working together changed the trajectory of their lives.
As they learned first-hand the levels of trauma, challenges, obstacles, and everyday struggles that youth and families impacted by homelessness face, they knew that more needed to be done.
With the help of the Lucky Duck Foundation, The San Diego Foundation, and generous founding donors,
The New Beginnings Fund for Unhoused Youth was born.
Who We Are
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Our Vision
Is that every youth in San Diego and across the nation will have access to continuing education of their choice and will be equipped the with resources and information they need throughout their educational journey.
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Our Purpose
Is to inspire young generations of youth experiencing homelessness to dream big & have access to resources that equip them to achieve those dreams. To help end homelessness through access to continuing education.
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Our Philosophy
Is to work alongside students to help them understand their unique strengths, skills, gifts, and desires. We believe that no person deserves to live in poverty, and that every person has an individual set of strengths they can harness to propel them into a brighter future.
Our Team
New Beginnings Fund Executive Board
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Jennifer Weck
CEO/Founder - MSW/PPSC
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Jessica Codallos Zarate
Chief Scholarships Officer
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Regan Wiese
Chief Fundraisng Officer
Did you know that for every 10 individuals who secure housing, 16 more become homeless?
For obvious reasons, this is unsustainable.
Many of the current solutions in San Diego focus on housing, which is essential. Here at New Beginnings Scholarship Fund we support, champion, and partner with government and nonprofit organizations to continue finding solutions to this growing problem, but we also believe that we have our own unique solution.
At New Beginnings Fund for Homeless and At-Risk Youth, we are laser focused on ONE thing - helping youth pave the way for something different.
We believe that supporting youth is the best way to PREVENT future instances of homelessness.
By giving youth access to funds for school and supporting them throughout their educational journey, we are changing the future - one person at a time.
Are you a student, looking to apply for the New Beginnings Scholarship or learn more information?
Are you a community member who cares about the lives and futures of youth in your neighborhood?
Scholarship Timeline
Throughout the year
Make a donation to the fund in order to grow the program and support more students
January
Common Scholarship Application goes live through the San Diego Foundation
January - March
Students attend a FREE application workshop
March
Applications are reviewed
June
Scholarship recipients are notified and scholarships are awarded!
We celebrate!
July
Students join New Beginnings Scholars Program and receive guidance and support throughout their education.
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