Mark Keppel High School Dream Center asks city for partnership after budget cuts

Gracie Tugas and Danielle Villanueva of the Mark Keppel High School Dream Center described the center's mission: a safe on‑campus resource for students focused on inclusion, mental‑health awareness, and community engagement. They outlined events from the prior year—an NEA/CTA visit, a Dia de los Muertos program, a Parent Academy for immigrant parents, anti‑bullying trainings, and an art gallery—and said funding cuts to their primary financial supporter have constrained activities for the coming year.

Students asked city leaders to consider financial or operational support and to help coordinate partnerships with the library and Parks & Rec. Council members praised the Dream Center, offered to promote events and discussed possible partnerships and resource referrals. "Thank you so much for sharing, an incredible presentation and narrative work you do," the presiding officer said. Staff and council agreed to follow up and connect the Dream Center with city departments.