YMCA Project Cornerstone
1998-2000
- The Youth Alliance commits to lead a countywide developmental assets initiative. It is a collaborative of the following community-based organizations: YMCA of Silicon Valley; YWCA of Silicon Valley; Girl Scouts; Boy Scouts; Big Brothers/Big Sisters; Boys & Girls Club; and Estrella Family Services. Project Cornerstone is now an initiative of the YMCA of Silicon Valley.
- A leadership team is recruited, headed by County Supervisor Blanca Alvarado, former San José Mayor, Susan Hammer and Santa Clara County Superintendent of Schools Colleen Wilcox.
- Asset surveys are administered to 7,000 middle and high school students across the county.
2001-2004
- A listening campaign is launched, resulting in our unique 41st asset—Positive Cultural Identity.
- A Public Policy Team is formed to infuse assets into 17 cities and Santa Clara County government.
- The first parent study group is formed and the first Expect Respect youth workshops are launched.
- School Partnerships work begins in 19 middle and high schools.
- The California Department of Education incorporates the developmental assets into their criteria for the California Distinguished Schools award.
2004-2009
- The ABC and Los Dichos parent engagement programs are launched in elementary schools.
- Kids in Common incorporates developmental asset measures in their countywide Children’s Agenda.
- The YMCA Board of Directors formally integrates Project Cornerstone into its organizational structure.
- 1,500 adult volunteers deliver literature-based parent engagement programs in Silicon Valley schools.
- School Partnerships work continues in over 150 schools, reaching more than 25,000 students.
2010-2015
- Project Cornerstone received the Bold Steps for Children Award from Kids in Common.
- The bilingual Preschool/Transitional Kindergarten program is launched.
- Project Cornerstone received the Kaiser Permanente Thriving Volunteers Award in recognition of the contributions of our volunteers in Silicon Valley.
- Asset surveys are administered to 38,000 students in 4th through 11th grades.
- 2,800 adult volunteers delivered programs to 33,000 students in grades K-6. 2,342 youth are empowered in Expect Respect workshops. 1,200 teachers and parents are trained in the developmental assets framework.
2016-2019
- Asset surveys are administered to 43,000 students in 4th through 11th grades.
- Civil rights icon, Ms. Ruby Bridges speaks at the Asset Champions Breakfast.
- 6,400 adult volunteers delivered programs to over 95,000 students in grades PK-8. 1,100 youth are empowered in Expect Respect workshops. 900 teachers and parents are trained in the developmental assets framework.
- Project Cornerstone launches a Middle School asset building and SEL curriculum.
- Project Cornerstone celebrates 20 years! View our special 20th Anniversary Video