The East County EDC Foundation
was established in 1998 as a 501c3 non-profit corporation to address
specific research, education, and economic development projects.
Over its first six years the Foundation has placed high priority
on education programs supporting the youth of East County.
The Foundation has made commitments to those students
that might otherwise "fall through the cracks" by developing
and funding programs to continue shop classes in East County high
schools and community colleges. Its first success was to spearhead
implementation of guitar making classes in three East County high
schools. Sponsored and certified by Taylor Guitars, students in
these classes make a complete guitar in one semister. Taylor staff
trains the high school teachers in their state-of-the-art factory
and tutors students who need extra help to complete the guitar
on time. Needless to say, there is a waiting list for these classes.
To leverage the success of the Taylor guitar making
classes, the foundation launched its Adopt a Shop initiative,
hoping to inspire other companies into taking on shop classes
that relate to their businesses.
Shop classes and their teachers cannot afford the
most basic supplies. Through the Foundation, donations have been
made to upgrade machinery, buy basic tools and supplies, and provide
plenty of raw materials.
With the help of Bob Taylor and Taylor Guitars,
a scholarship fund was established in Matt Magagna's name through
the Foundation, to help students in vocational/technical schools
and community colleges who may be struggling and need an extra
boost to help keep them on the right path.
Starting in 2004, the Foundation launched a series
of fundraisers to benefit its educational initiatives, including
the Adopt-a-Shop initiative to expand the Taylor Guitars model
for underwriting direct support to shop classes in other industries.
Over the years, with the generous support of the East County community, we have been able to
provide over $350,000 to shop classes, teachers, and students.
Each year the Foundation continues its annual presentation of
awards to the best industrial technology students in East County
high schools and two community colleges.
