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Youth Pathways to Workforce -
Creating a pipeline to living-wage careers.
A Legacy of Impact, A Future of Possibility
Since 1950, Peninsula Family Service (PFS) has grown into one of the Peninsula’s most trusted and dynamic nonprofits, reaching thousands of individuals annually through dozens of programs, sites, and services across San Mateo County.
PFS has evolved to meet the ever-changing needs of the community we support. We serve people at every life stage—from birth to older adulthood—through four core focus areas: early learning, financial empowerment, older adult services, and employment pathways.
Our programs prepare children for success, help families build financial stability, promote connections for older adults, and support the workforce of tomorrow. Throughout decades of change, one thing has remained the same: our commitment to empowering individuals and the community.
Dr. Charles Hansen, Chief Operating Officer
Dr. Charles Hansen is the Chief Operating Officer at Peninsula Family Service (PFS), where he leads organizational operations across programs, workforce development, data systems, and facilities, ensuring the agency functions at the level its mission and community demand. Since joining PFS
in 2022, he led the organization’s CalAIM transition, partnered with UCSF and San Mateo County Behavioral Health on the Overcoming Loneliness Campaign, and most recently launched Youth Pathways to Workforce, a career and college readiness initiative connecting underserved young people to meaningful economic opportunity.
During the Holidays on a High Note lunch, we will hear from Dr. Hansen about this year’s Holidays on a High Note Fund-A-Pathway to Success. Your generosity helps equip students for career readiness in high-demand positions through hands-on experiences, opportunities to earn industry-recognized certifications, and pathways to apprenticeships.
Fund-A-Pathway to Success
From Classroom to Career: Building the Next Generation of Skilled Workers
Every young person deserves a clear path to a successful future. Yet for many high school seniors, the transition from classroom to career can feel uncertain, especially when traditional college pathways are not the right fit or when financial and other barriers stand in the way of meaningful employment.
Youth Pathways to Workforce, recently launched by Peninsula Family Service, is creating another path forward. This 20-week career readiness program prepares high school seniors for rewarding careers in the skilled trades through industry certifications, career readiness, financial empowerment, and direct connections to registered apprenticeships.
By connecting talented young people with opportunity, the program is helping create a pipeline to living-wage careers while strengthening the future workforce of San Mateo County.
The program is based at Sequoia High School in Redwood City and serves an inaugural cohort of 20-25 graduating seniors. Students will explore career pathways such as electrical work, plumbing, carpentry, HVAC, and welding while building the skills, confidence, and professional networks needed to successfully transition from the classroom into the workforce. This includes:
5 Industry Certifications — Students earn up to 5 credentials that support entry into skilled trade careers
Career Readiness — Resume development and interview preparation
Financial Empowerment — Workforce readiness training
College & Career Tours — Skilled trades site visits
Leadership Opportunities — One-on-one coaching
Hands-On Trade Showcase — A culminating event to demonstrate new skills
A Direct Pathway to Registered Apprenticeships — Through our partnership with the San Mateo County Central Labor Council
Help Build a Pathway
By supporting Youth Pathways to Workforce, you are helping students gain the credentials, skills, and connections they need to take their next step.
100% of the proceeds from this Fund-A-Pathway to Success opportunity will directly benefit the young people participating in this PFS program.
Here’s How Your Gift Makes an Impact
$300 Covers the fees for three industry-recognized certifications for one Student – such as CAL OSHA-10/30 and CPR/ First Aid
$500 Prepares one Student for the worksite with a helmet, safety vest, tool belt and boots, all professional-grade
$1,000 Supports the planning and production of the Hands-On Trade Showcase, the culminating event for Students to demonstrate new skills, present built structures, and connect with potential employers. Projected Showcase cost: $10,000
$2,500 Pays for building materials and access to specialized equipment for the immersive, hands-on experience for five Students as they build comprehensive structure(s) for their capstone project
$5,000 Underwrites light meals and snacks for the classroom and transportation for field trips for the cohort of 20–25 Students during the 20-week program
You can use the QR code below or, if you prefer to pay by check, please make it payable and mail to:
Foothill Auxiliary
1259 El Camino Real, #186
Menlo Park, CA 94025-4208
Foothill Auxiliary to Peninsula Family Service is a recognized 501(c)(3) organization
Tax ID #94-3250535
