After 34 years of dedicated service to the community, Your Future Is Our Business announced today that it will conclude operations and transition all contracts and programs to United Way of Santa Cruz County, effective June 30, 2026.
This planned transition ensures the continuity of vital work-based learning and career exploration services while positioning these programs for long-term sustainability and growth within United Way’s established infrastructure and countywide network of partners.
“For more than three decades, Your Future Is Our Business has empowered students to explore their futures by connecting education with real-world career experiences,” said Deborah Lindsay, Executive Director of Your Future Is Our Business. “While this marks the conclusion of our organization, we are proud that our mission and programs will continue through United Way of Santa Cruz County, an organization that shares our values, our commitment to equity, and our belief in the power of youth opportunity.”
Since its founding, Your Future Is Our Business has served tens of thousands of students, connecting them with thousands of professionals, mentors, and career pathways that have shaped educational and life outcomes across generations.
Mario Castillo, now the Assistant Director of the PVUSD EAOP/Access Program, remembers, "I went out of high school in 2006 straight to a four-year University at San Jose State, and I wanted to major in business because of my experience with Your Future Is Our Business."
Beginning July 1, 2026, United Way of Santa Cruz County will oversee all existing programs and services, including the weekly radio program What to Be on KSQD. Program participants, partners, and funders can expect seamless continuity of services throughout the transition.
“This transition is deeply personal to me,” said Yvette Brooks, CEO of United Way of Santa Cruz County and former Executive Director of Your Future Is Our Business. “I have seen firsthand how this organization has transformed lives by opening doors for young people, especially those who may not have otherwise had access to career exploration and mentorship. United Way’s mission to advance youth opportunity and
economic mobility aligns directly with this work, and we are committed to honoring and expanding the legacy built over the past 34 years.”
Brooks added, “This is not an ending. It is an intentional step to ensure that this impactful work continues to thrive for future generations.”
All community partners, including mentors, partner organizations, and funders, will be contacted directly with detailed transition information in the coming weeks.
For more information, please contact:
Deborah Lindsay
Executive Director
Your Future Is Our Business
yourfutureisourbusiness@gmail.com