The program began in 1975 with a pilot group of 4 seniors from West High School. It was originally designed to be a “youth connection” panel for the dealership that provided off-campus orientation and education about the free enterprise system and the business community.   It has evolved since then into a 10 member board that continues to foster business-youth communication but with an emphasis on volunteerism, career development, and business ethics.

During the Spring Semester the representatives are involved in a “Lunch Buddy” program that involves sharing lunch at an elementary school with a designated "special needs" student once a week. They also participate on the Dream Builder service projects promoting the importance of “service over self.”

We are proud of our “kids” and what they represent in the community.  We now have over 350 alumni whose careers range from Catholic priest, Director of the New York Stock Exchange, International VP of Coors, Commander of the Kingfisher (nuclear minesweeper), pro football and baseball players to authors, musicians, doctors, lawyers and terrific moms and dads.

In December of 1994, over 200 Ford Dimension Alumni from across the country gathered to honor Jim Burke and thank him for the contributions he made to better the educational experiences of young people through the Ford Dimension program. As a tribute to him, they announced the founding of the Jim Burke Education Foundation. The Foundation’s purpose is to continue the spirit of Jim Burke’s generosity by contributing to the educational support of others.

Each spring the Foundation distributes over $12,000 to teachers, students and community organizations in the form of scholarships, mini grants and awards. Most recently the Foundation has established a new leadership program called Dream Builders that focuses on civic responsibility. Learn more about the Jim Burke Education by clicking the newsletter below.

In 2003, Ford Dimension Alumni along with the Jim Burke Education Foundation created a new leadership program, Dream Builders, for achieving high school seniors with a focus on civic responsibility, life skills, and leadership development.

Its purpose is to share the value of civic responsibility as a lifetime commitment with students who have demonstrated a desire to make a difference in their community. Approximately 22 students are teamed with corporate sponsors and charged with developing a community service project. Additionally, the students will have the opportunity to serve as youth mentors as well as participate in unique activities with Habitat for Humanity, Bakersfield Homeless Shelter, and Special Olympics.  Ford Dimension and Dream Builder representatives also attend monthly meetings together that focus on leadership development, character, communication and career building skills.

Corporate team sponsors have included Aera Energy, American General Media, Castle & Cooke, Wells Fargo Bank, Bright House Networks, Rabobank, Mercy Hospitals of Bakersfield and Kern Schools Credit Union. With their help these exceptional students have proven that given the opportunity and support they can create big dreams, and achieve them as well.