MONTEREY COUNTY EDUCATION PROJECT
MCEP is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit whose mission is to
support, encourage, and fund education innovation in Monterey County.
WHAT WE DO
MCEP's vision is to provide education alternatives for children in Monterey County by supporting programs, both within and outside the school environment, that meet the individual needs of children and parents. At MCEP, we are guided by a set of core values that drive our mission to support, encourage, and fund education innovation in Monterey County.
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Our vision is rooted in these values:
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Innovation
We embrace and foster innovation, continually seeking new and creative ways to meet the needs of students in our communities.
Teamwork
Collaboration and teamwork are at the heart of our approach, as we believe that working together with educators, families, and community stakeholders yields the best outcomes.
Community
We recognize the importance of community engagement and strive to be an integral part of Monterey County's educational landscape.
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Research
Our commitment to evidence-based pedagogy ensures that our programs and initiatives are built on research and best practices.
Family
We highly value families and their unique values, priorities, and needs as essential partners in the educational journey of every student.
STEAM
We support and value STEAM-based education, preparing learners for success in a technology-dependent world.
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Engagement
We promote active engagement in the learning process, fostering curiosity and a thirst for knowledge.
Individualization
Recognizing that every learner is unique, we support programs that meet individual needs.
Data
Our decision-making is guided by measurable results and data, ensuring accountability and continuous improvement.
Confidence
We believe authentic confidence is built through productive struggle and real achievement, and seek to provide opportunities for both.
Relationship
We actively build relationships with students, families, and the community, working collaboratively to advance education for all.
Responsibility
We manage our resources with fiscal responsibility to ensure the maximum impact of our initiatives.
Fun
We believe that learning should be engaging and enjoyable, fostering a positive and joyful educational experience.
These values form the bedrock of MCEP's commitment to education excellence in Monterey County. Together, we aspire to make a meaningful difference in the lives of students, educators, and the community we serve.
Meet the Board
Jackie Scott
Jackie Scott has been an educational leader for over 30 years, teaching in a variety of contexts and a variety of levels. With an MA in Educational Leadership and Curriculum and Instruction, her passion is helping students fall in love with learning and gain authentic confidence to pursue their own passions. Additionally, she loves being a mom to her three young-adult kids and volunteering in the community. She has served on many local boards of directors and founded the local non-profit, They Are One, which has worked with local and international at-risk children since 2010. Jackie is the founder and director of Kairos Learning Solutions, a Salinas-based educational organization supporting students and families since 2020.
Venessa Gilbride
Venessa Gilbride lives in the Toro school district, is a dedicated mother of three and a pivotal force behind the Washington Union district's inaugural science fair. While managing family responsibilities, she also excelled as an administrative assistant at Faith + Family Farms, specializing in county and state farming compliance regulations. Passionate about merging the private sector with education, Venessa is committed to understanding and implementing the latest educational best practices for the community's benefit.
The Future Looks Bright
The COVID-19 pandemic revealed challenges in education and increased the demand for alternative educational pathways. Parents in Monterey County seek more individualized, STEAM-focused, effective educational experiences for their children, whether their school is in a classroom or the home.
Success Made Accessible
Financial support for families facing barriers to quality education, ensuring accessibility regardless of financial constraints.
A Space for Success
Expanding STEAM Opportunities
NEXT STEPS
Getting Started
We are actively scheduling meetings to discuss financial partnership opportunities and to present our strategic plan in detail. We look forward to the opportunity to collaborate with local donors to drive positive change in Monterey County's educational landscape.
Timeline
We have a strategic plan ready for implementation upon securing a location and funding, and we aim to launch in 2025.