Young Woman Benefits from "Youth Down 2 Business" Program

Martha Ramirez is a current Santa Barbara City College student and former Santa Ynez High graduate. At Santa Ynez High, Martha participated in PHP’s Youth Down 2 Business (YD2B) Program. Martha was referred to YD2B as an “at risk” student due to falling grades and an apparent lack of motivation. YD2B staff mentored and tutored Martha to improve her grades and as her grades improved so did her motivation. In time, Martha was able to enroll in college prep and advanced placement classes. She even volunteered to work at PHP events. Martha also participated in an YD2B paid internship at PHP. Martha soon began to mentor other YD2B students.

During her senior year Martha developed an interest in architecture and decided to participate in an annual county-wide competition held at Santa Ynez High. In her first competition, Martha managed to be one of the three finalists for the school. David Goldstien, a Solvang architect and one of the competition’s judges later offered Martha an internship through YD2B. Her work during the internship so impressed David that he offered Martha a job at his firm.

Martha is very honored and excited to have such an amazing opportunity to learn and the YD2B staff is proud to have provided Martha with the opportunity to change the trajectory of her life and fulfill her promise.