One summer day in 1995, I woke up a lost & rebellious teen run away with no goals & by the next morning I found myself the elected District Attorney for a fictious micro-city as part of San Bernardino's GEM Program. This experience was the foundation of what later inspired me to attend college, complete a B.A. In Legal Studies, and go on to a 14 year career as a Legal Professional for the United States Navy. This opportunity was afforded by San Bernardino County's GEM (Growth-Excellence-Maturity) Program, sponsored by the San Bernardino Employment & Training Agency. GEM Program gives economically challenged youth the opportunity to become productive members of society.

How it works? A group of low income teens attend 10 day camp at Cal State University. Students are there full time to include overnight in order to have the full university campus experience. The teens design & participate in running a mock "micro-city," complete with a mayor, city manager, police dept, fire chief, judicial system, comptroller, & newspaper editor. Along the way the teens learn career objectives & how to take responsibility for civil & economic order, & creating jobs.

Well due to lack of funding, the program may be disappearing by a vote. Educating & supporting our local youth is the best way to invest in a prosperous future for our babies & the city. Please help by signing this petition. Lets put the pressure on our Mayor to keep this valuable program up and running.