The Metro Chamber Foundation’s mission is to create equitable paths to leadership, community engagement, and employment for people in business in the Capital Region. We know that an investment in people builds a talent pipeline, improves workforce diversity, and brings new ideas and skills into the workplace, which are all critical components of building a healthy and thriving community.

The Metro Chamber Foundation currently operates and facilitates five programs, building a pipeline of leaders starting in elementary school through senior level executives.

Lemonade Day is an experiential program designed for students in grade 3 through 5 but can be adapted for kids of all ages. The program teaches youth the skills they need to operate or run their own business, including identifying a product, creating a business plan, figuring out a budget, and even selling the product and deciding what to do with your earnings. Small businesses are critical to our economy and teaching youth these entrepreneurial and business skills at a young age are essential for our future.

Thousand Strong is operated in partnership with Mayor Steinberg’s office. The mission of Thousand Strong is to boost Sacramento’s economic prosperity by collaborating with local businesses to create a pool of skilled, experienced young talent through paid youth employment. Thousand Strong serves urban high school students between the ages of 16-18 attending public schools. The year-long, paid internship program matches young, talented students with businesses and then readies those interns for success on the job.

Metro EDGE is a young professional membership organization that has a mission to engage a diverse network, develop critical business skills, give back to the community, and empower leadership. Metro EDGE members come from a myriad of business, public, and nonprofit sectors with diverse backgrounds and education levels.

Leadership Sacramento develops community-minded business and civic leaders of tomorrow. The year-long interactive program provides a behind-the-scenes view of the issues that impact the region’s economy. Leadership Sacramento is available to a select group of participants chosen through a competitive application process, hosting monthly day-long sessions and culminating in the completion of a community betterment project.

Inspire Giving is an endowment fund administered by the Sacramento Region Community Foundation and guided by the Metro Chamber Foundation. Individuals contribute to Inspire Giving to be able to collectively give a donation larger than they could give on their own. Every year Inspire Giving provides a $10,000 grant and in-kind services to a local nonprofit.

Together, these programs help professionals and the leaders of our community connect, embrace employees who lead and encourage professionals and businesses to give back and serve the communities they call home.