“If you are planning for a year, sow rice;
if you are planning for a decade, plant trees;
if you are planning for a lifetime, educate people.”
CYP was founded by people who are passionate not just about teaching,
but growing the future full of healthy individuals who will lead their community.
We believe in the next generation to be hope-filled and thriving in building their future.
BENNIE HOPE (BAEK), MAED, CMSCC, CSESC, SRA, ASIST
FOUNDER, CEO
CALIFORNIA YOUTH PARTNERSHIP LLC
Bennie has spent 30+ years in education with a focus on training students as well as teachers, and parents. She holds Multiple Subjects and Special Education Specialist credentials in California and a Masters in Education with an emphasis in Applied Behavior Analysis. Through research, she has found correlations between early sexual debut, childhood trauma, and health risks that follow. It is her conviction that living in today’s hyper-sexualized and isolated, virtual-based culture laden with so many social pressures, students, teachers, and parents need tangible support to navigate toward a hopeful path. She is dedicated to meeting the growing need of building social and emotional competence in youth and to training the adults with culturally relevant strategies to support youth. She brings solutions by teaching life skills that develop the will power, way power, and goal setting skills that lead to a healthy self, healthy relationships, and a healthy future for our youth.
STEVE MARTENS, BA, MDiv
CO-FOUNDER, ADVISORY BOARD MEMBER
Steve’s passion has long been to see the needs of those around him and to try to help meet them. Following a stint in the Army, including service in Viet Nam, he worked as a Research Analyst for the State of Oregon. He was in vocational service for over 30 years, the last 13 years serving in administration for an international organization focused on Europe. The final four years, Steve served as Chief of Staff for the President of the organization and was a member of the U.S. and International leadership teams. Steve has dedicated many hours to research, setting up operational procedures, advising and consulting with CYP management re: HR issues and continues to be a strong integral part of CYP and its growth. .
In loving memory of Kathy Martens, co-founder of California Youth Partnership.
September 1948- September 2023
KATHY MARTENS, BS
CO-FOUNDER
Kathy dedicated 13 years to teaching in various settings. She also volunteered in public elementary school for 5 years. Her heart beat strongly for children and for helping them build the tools they would need for success. CYP provided the opportunity for her to engage not just in academic training, but in the crucial life skills training that every young person needs in order to have a healthy, successful life today. She brought so much enthusiasm, love, and commitment in making CYP what it is today.