South County Cal-SOAP & Youth Alliance Announce New Regional Partnership!
Beginning October 1, 2026, Youth Alliance will serve as the fiscal sponsor and organizational home of South County Cal-SOAP, strengthening both organizations’ ability to help young people pursue affordable postsecondary education and meaningful career pathways.
This partnership builds upon Youth Alliance’s more than 30 years of programmatic excellence, community-centered service, and strong organizational infrastructure. By bringing together the expertise and resources of both organizations, the partnership will elevate youth voice, strengthen support for students and families, and ensure that young people help shape the opportunities and systems intended to serve them. South County Cal-SOAP and Youth Alliance are excited about what this collaboration means for the future of San Benito County and South Santa Clara County, including the potential to expand services, deepen regional partnerships, and create more connected pathways of opportunity for young people throughout the region.
A partnership that serves the community.
South County Cal-SOAP is part of California’s Student Opportunity and Access Program. Serving Gilroy, Morgan Hill, San Juan Bautista, and Hollister, the program helps students and families navigate the path beyond high school through college and career advising, academic support, financial aid and scholarship assistance, college application guidance, campus tours, workshops, and other resources.
Through the partnership, Youth Alliance will provide financial management, human resources, compliance, contracts, development, and other administrative support. South County Cal-SOAP will continue to lead its student-facing programs and maintain its established relationships with local schools, families, and community partners.
“Creating a strong pathway for youth success is what Youth Alliance is all about. Erin Gemar and her team have created an incredible higher education support system, and we are excited for this partnership,” added Diane Ortiz, Chief Executive Officer of Youth Alliance. “By bringing together Cal-SOAP’s postsecondary expertise and Youth Alliance’s regional infrastructure and community-based approach, we can create a stronger continuum of opportunities for students—from discovering what is possible to taking the next step toward their future,” added Eduardo Navarro, Chief Operating Officer of Youth Alliance.
South County Cal-SOAP and Youth Alliance already serve many of the same communities and school districts. The partnership will strengthen regional coordination, expand student recruitment, and create new opportunities to connect young people with complementary educational, leadership-development, wellness, and career-readiness services.
“This partnership provides South County Cal-SOAP with a strong organizational foundation while allowing our team to remain focused on what matters most: helping students recognize their potential and successfully navigate the path to college and career,” said Erin C. Gemar, South County Cal-SOAP Project Director. “Together, we can connect more young people and families with the guidance, resources, and opportunities they need to achieve their goals.”
Both organizations look forward to beginning this new chapter and building on their shared commitment to educational access, equity, and opportunity for young people throughout the region.
Learn more about Youth Alliance and its services by clicking below.
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