POMONA – To bolster student achievement and provide financial resources for students who aspire to attend a university, Cardenas Markets presented the Pomona Unified Partners in Learning Foundation (PUPIL) with a $25,000 check during a ceremony on March 17, cementing the newfound partnership.

Representatives from Cardenas Markets, which operates three stores in Pomona, presented the check to PUPIL to fund scholarships for students and inspire them to reach for their dreams as owner Jesus Cardenas did when he immigrated to America from Mexico and started his first market in 1981.

“This partnership with Cardenas Markets demonstrates the long-standing support the community has for PUPIL and our District’s students,” Board of Education President Adrienne Konigar-Macklin said. “The foundation’s efforts to provide students with top-notch, innovative experiences pique their interests in topics that may ultimately decide their careers. We are grateful to PUPIL and the Cardenas family for giving our students that opportunity.”

PUPIL has distributed more than $100,000 in philanthropic funds to upgrade learning equipment at District schools, formed community alliances that provide funding for student support services and partnered with community organizations to provide activities, resources and programs for students throughout the year. It will hold its third annual Scholarship Luncheon, PUPIL’s largest fund-raising event of the year, on May 12.

The donation from Cardenas Markets, which operates 29 stores in two states, will continue PUPIL’s goal of providing stimulating educational opportunities to students.

“This is a perfect partnership because Mr. Cardenas learned from his mistakes and found success,” PUPIL Fund Development Director Carol Pelton said. “Pomona Unified has turned into a success story, and these donated funds go toward extraordinary programs that are not in the District’s budget. Without donations like the generous one we received from Cardenas Markets, we wouldn’t be able to do what we do for our students.”

PUSD Superintendent Richard Martinez also emphasized that donations of this caliber also support science, technology, engineering, agriculture and math (STEAM) programs and teachers, who are engaging students through science labs, technology and summer programs.

“Our ultimate goal is to always make sure no student gets left behind. That is what PUPIL does for our schools – it provides opportunities for everyone,” Martinez said. “We are thankful to Cardenas Markets for their generous donation and tremendous support. It is because of community partners like them that our students and teachers are empowered to flourish in our schools.”


PHOTO CAPTION:

CARDENAS: Pomona Unified Deputy Superintendent Stephanie Baker, left, Superintendent Richard Martinez, PUPIL Fund Development Director Carole Pelton, PUPIL CEO Jeanelle Jimenez and Board of Education Member Frank Guzman accept a $25,000 donation from Cardenas Markets’ Marco Robles (holding check) for student scholarships at a check presentation ceremony at Cardenas Headquarters on March 17.