Comstock's magazine 0520 - May 2020 | Page 88

CITY OF STOCKTON special promotional section Y OF STOCK Magliano says. With Stockton partner- ships formed early this year, CARB will continue to support and monitor progress throughout 2020. “We are a partner with the San Joaquin Valley Air (Pollution Control) District — they are in charge of partnering with local communities and businesses to form a community steering committee in Stockton,” Magliano says. TY NI PA R T N E R Aspire Public Schools I n 1998, Aspire Public Schools, one of the nation’s first charter management organizations, opened its first school, Aspire Vincent Shalvey Academy, in an old grocery store building in Stockton. Throughout its 20 year history, and now serving over 14,500 TK-12 scholars across 36 California schools, Aspire’s mission remains the same: open and operate small, high-quality, college-prep charter schools in low-income neighborhoods. Aspire Public Schools maintains a clear focus on “College For Certain,” even for the youngest scholars. Today, across its eight school sites in Stockton, Aspire serves over 3,800 scholars — working to close the achievement gap and change the odds stacked against them. Aspire’s Stockton-based schools alone have had a college matriculation rate of 89%, with 89% being scholars of color and 67% of scholars qualifying for free or reduced units while in high school — the equivalent of a free semester of college to up to an Associate Degree. To continue increasing the academic performance of underserved scholars, develop effective educators, and catalyze change in sites in South Stockton. The schools will serve an additional 1,200 TK-5 and 6-12 Aspire scholars, and provide close to 100 new job opportunities. Stockton scholars who complete college are more than likely to return and improve the educated workforce within SPONSORED PROFILE 88 Aspire Central Valley Regional Office 3311 E. Morada Lane Stockton, CA 95205 (209) 647-3047 AspirePublicSchools.org the San Joaquin County community. comstocksmag.com | May 2020 With two grants awarded to Stockton, applicants from nonprofit organizations are encouraged to apply this year to continue sustainability throughout San Joaquin County. The Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce currently engag- es with businesses, community lead- ers and government officials on green initiatives. Frank Ferral, program and public policy director of Green Team San Joaquin, a program of the chamber that addresses economic and environmental issues, coordinates annual events and manages teams to develop and comply with green business standards. It works closely with the California Environmen- tal Protection Agency and is aware of upcoming air-quality grants this year. “Our goal is to increase awareness and offer resources for growing businesses,” Ferral says. Each program established and promoted through the chamber is committed to creating a sustainable future. “These programs serve to inform, connect and educate our business communities and public sectors,” Ferral says. “Our team of consultants assist businesses by promoting environmental stewardship solutions — we encour- age our businesses in green cleaning practices to reduce costs and become green certified,” he says. The chamber also has a San Joaquin County Recycling Market Development Zone partnership, which focuses on landfill diversion and economic development. Ben Sanchez is a writer, artist and entre- preneur based in Stockton. He received a master’s degree from the University of the Pacific in communication and media rela- tions. On Instagram @minteaspc_. price lunch. Aspire graduates earn between 15 and 60 college public schools, Aspire is pleased to announce two new school Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce