Must! Charities Youth Board raises $12,500 for CELEBRE Program

By Staff Report · Fri May 29 2026

SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY — The Must! Charities Youth Board raised $12,500 this year to support the CELEBRE program through People's Self-Help Housing, helping low-income and first-generation high school girls prepare for higher education.

The Youth Board, made up of 27 local high school students, spent the year volunteering with and evaluating 12 nonprofit organizations throughout San Luis Obispo County before selecting CELEBRE as its fundraising partner.

CELEBRE — which stands for College Enrollment for Leaders Entering Bright Rewarding Educations — provides mentorship, workshops, family engagement, and college tours aimed at helping students access higher education opportunities.

“Thank you to the Must! Charities Youth Board for investing in our students and the future of our community,” said Itzelt Santos, who leads the CELEBRE program. “This investment will ensure that CELEBRE students keep getting the opportunity to tour colleges and build skills that will help them graduate and continue on to successful careers.”

Organizers said the donation is already creating a lasting impact. During a recent college tour at the University of California, Santa Barbara, CELEBRE alumna Michelle, now a second-year student at UCSB, returned to guide current participants around campus and expressed interest in mentoring future students after graduation.

Youth Board member Amelia Peterson said the experience helped students recognize the importance of giving back to the community and expanding opportunities for others.

The Must! Charities Youth Board program, sponsored by JB Dewar, gives local students hands-on leadership and philanthropy experience through direct engagement with nonprofit organizations across the county.

More information and applications for the 2026-2027 Must! Youth Board will open in July and will be available at mustcharities.org/who-we-are/youth-board/