County Supervisor Horn; Tom Allison (Academy Principal), Karl Higgins (Political Consultant to Air Products); Eileen Turner and Carolyn Neilson (Air Products Carlsbad employees), Debby Syverson (Development Liaison for San Pasqual Academy)

In October 2007, California was devastated by wildfires. As a responsible corporate citizen, Air Products helped with an immediate donation of surgical masks to improve breathing.

Once the fires were contained, Air Products realized that the help didn’t just stop there – work was needed to help rebuild and address the long-term needs of those hardest hit.

That’s when we heard about the San Pasqual Academy. The Academy (a first-in-the-nation residential education campus for foster youth) was badly damaged. These children had been in many foster homes and had attended many different schools. For many, the Academy is “the end of the line,” where they get food and shelter, education, and a sense of family until they reach adulthood.

The fires cost the institution 19 campus housing structures, and much of the surrounding vegetation, which is normally used as part of their education program and as a food source. The quality of life and the morale of the students were greatly affected.

Through the coordination of County Supervisor Horn, Air Products Carlsbad, California employees visited the Academy to see how we might help. The Academy felt that if they could get their cyber-café up and running, the students would benefit most. As a company that supports technology and education, we agreed. So, on December 20, Air Products presented the San Pasqual Academy with a one-time donation of $25,000 to purchase computer equipment. This donation will help with the children’s studies and social activities and help them feel that things are getting back to normal.