Perkins K-8 School, located in the heart of Barrio Logan, a neighborhood with one of the highest concentrations of impoverished residents in San Diego County, faces unique challenges in providing equal opportunities for its students. Four out of ten students at Perkins K-8 suffer homelessness, and many are living with chronic stress due to trauma in their lives. With limited resources available, the students at Perkins K-8 are at risk of falling behind academically and facing long-term consequences such as unemployment and poverty. However, thanks to the collaborative efforts of the San Diego Harbor Police Foundation (SDHPF) and the Port of San Diego Harbor Police, a transformative series of programs called “Empowering a Generation” is significantly impacting the lives of these disadvantaged students.

“Empowering a Generation” programs will lay a strong foundation during the elementary and middle school years to break the cycle of generational poverty and create positive life outcomes for disadvantaged students, including the successful completion of high school and postsecondary education and integration into the local workforce in San Diego’s high-paying industries. This integrative approach consists of several mutually supportive components that address the various needs of the students:

1. Classroom Furniture and Technology Upgrades
Recognizing the importance of creating conducive learning environments, the San Diego Harbor Police Foundation has funded upgrading aging classrooms at Perkins K-8 School. New specialized furniture, equipment, and technology have been installed to enhance the learning conditions and provide students with the tools they need to succeed.

2. Teachers RUL – Reading Comprehension Program
To address the academic challenges faced by the students, the Teachers RUL (Relationships Unity Love) program focuses on improving reading comprehension skills for third to fifth-grade students. Through one-on-one tutoring sessions, students receive personalized support to bring their reading comprehension to standardized levels. This program, offered during after-school hours, has already shown promising results in improving students’ reading comprehension rates.

3. Career Pathways
The Career Pathways program prepares students for success by exposing students in grades six to eight to various career options and helps shape their career choices. Through partnerships with regional employers such as Qualcomm, Solar Turbines, Port of San Diego, and General Dynamics, students can participate in tours, career panels, and hands-on learning experiences. This exposure to high-paying industries in San Diego aims to inspire and motivate students to pursue postsecondary education and integration into the local workforce.

4. Youth Mentorship
Mentorship is crucial in empowering students and providing them with guidance and support. SDHPF has established two mentorship programs as part of “Empowering a Generation.” The first program matches students with mentors from participating businesses, allowing them to receive guidance and set goals for their future. The second program, Officer-Student Mentorship, involves Harbor Police Department officers volunteering their time. Each officer adopts a grade level and stays with the group of students until they graduate. Officers regularly visit the classrooms, engage in mentoring activities, and foster positive relationships with the students.

5. Field Trips
The “Empowering a Generation” program includes educational and recreational field trips for the students. These field trips provide transportation and lunch, allowing students to explore new environments, expand their horizons, and apply their learning in real-world contexts. Shop With A Cop and Fish With A Cop are just two of our programs.

6. Empowered Parent/Guardian Programs
Recognizing the importance of involving parents and guardians in the educational journey, SDHPF offers evening classes taught by professionals. These classes equip parents and guardians with tools to improve their family situations, from financial planning to life skills such as stress management and communication. The program aims to create a supportive network that empowers the student’s well-being by empowering parents and guardians.

7. Food Security
Recognizing the impact of food insecurity on students’ well-being and academic performance, SDHPF has partnered with the Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank. Through the Food 4 Kids Backpack program, students receive weekend food packages to take home, ensuring they have access to nutritious meals outside school hours.

The impact of the “Empowering a Generation” program at Perkins K-8 School has been significant. By providing resources, mentorship, and educational opportunities, SDHPF and the Port of San Diego Harbor Police are transforming the lives of disadvantaged students. The program’s holistic approach addresses academic needs and social and emotional well-being, empowering students to break free from the cycle of poverty and achieve long-term success.
Fernando Hernandez, the principal of Grace W. Perkins K-8 School, expresses his gratitude for the support received from SDHPF and the Port of San Diego Harbor Police. He emphasizes the program’s positive impact on the students, stating, “The “Empowering a Generation” program has provided our students with opportunities they would not have had otherwise. It has given them hope, inspiration, and a belief in their potential.” ❦

About the Author

Jeff is a lawyer and a former Special Agent with the U.S. Treasury Department, where he worked on organized crime and complex financial investigations. Once his work with the Treasury Department concluded, he focused on progressively responsible business experiences, including 30 years at the Presidential and Chief Executive Officer levels. Jeff has owned and operated multiple corporations, including a publicly traded company, in industries to include water remediation, export trading with offices in fourteen countries, and offshore shipping. As President and CEO of the San Diego Harbor Police Foundation, he has created a robust Human Trafficking awareness training program containing six separate segments: Housekeeping and Room Service, Front Desk and Guest Services, Hotel Security, Airport Workers, Airport Security, and Food and Beverage. All of these training modules are available through their website at www.helpstophumantrafficking.org

Jeff is the recipient of multiple awards, including the President of the United States “E” Award for Excellence in International Trade, the 2021 and 2022 ASTORS Platinum Award for Excellence in Public Safety and Community Enrichment sponsored by American Security Today, and the 2022 Hope Rising award for the Foundations work in Human Trafficking.

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