A Teen Found the Courage to Explore New Horizons, Thanks to You

From the 2025-26 School Year Impact Report

A safe space to explore new experiences can transform a teen’s life—and Sebastian Martinez-Estrada is living proof.

Sebastian, who graduated from Sonoma Valley High this past May, found new friendships, work experience, and volunteer opportunities at the Empowerment Academy, the after-school program for teens made possible by donors like you.

As he started high school, Sebastian tried a couple of workshops at Teen Services in Boyes Hot Springs, a program of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Sonoma Valley. The following year, Teen Services and SVEF partnered to open the Empowerment Academy on the campus of Sonoma Valley High School, and Sebastian made it his home away from home.

With the Empowerment Academy just steps away from his final class of the day, it was easy for Sebastian to jump right into homework in the study hall. He joined the Keystone leadership group and made new connections, which brought him out of his shell.

One of his first activities as a Keystone member was volunteering to sell drinks at a community Cinco de Mayo celebration with an Empowerment Academy friend. The normally shy Sebastian had a blast calling out to passers-by to get them to buy their wares.

“We had the courage to shout, ‘Hey, come here, try this,’” Sebastian recalled. “I just felt so much excitement and joy.”

Sebastian was hooked, and began seizing opportunities to help out in the community—ultimately earning the Volunteer of the Year award from Teen Services in his senior year.

Now that Sebastian has graduated, he’s embarking on big adventures. After a trip to South Korea and Japan, he’ll enroll at Santa Rosa Junior College.

Sebastian credits the staff at Empowerment Academy for inspiring him to expand his horizons.

“They give you courage. They give you bravery,” he said. “They know we can do good in the world.”

​Thank you for giving Sebastian a place to grow, learn, and explore his future.

2025-2026 Impact:
Empowerment Academy

• 28% of the high school student body attended Empowerment Academy
• 12% growth in participation year over year
• 78% of students who signed up completed workforce readiness class