For 35 years, the AES has advocated for systemic change and youth voice. We have supported vulnerable young people to advocate for themselves and take on leadership roles. In the past few years, AES has been transitioning from providing a range of services to focusing on collaboration with and providing funding to nonprofits and organizations that share our values and goals.

Through the generosity of the Davitto Family Trust, in 2023 AES incorporated Catalytic Philanthropy into its portfolio of services. As a result, we have provided micro- and larger grants ($1000 to $10,000), along with sharing our knowledge and expertise, to build collaborations and capacity and increase services for young people. AES has been active in supporting several nonprofits through the organization, Nurturing Your Nonprofit.

We also funded and supported projects like Pipeline to College with HAWK and CSUS Black Honors College focusing on high-risk local high schools. And we worked with high risk students of color at Luther Burbank high school to support their paths to graduation.

In 2025, AES was the primary sponsor of Youth Forward’s 2025 Children’s Champion Award Celebration. This event recognized Sacramento City
Councilmember Mai Vang and indigenous youth leaders Angelina Hinojosa and Alan Santos for their work in support of children and youth. It brought together youth and adults from the City’s youth-serving organizations and public agencies to meet and celebrate our work. Shout out to Ana Taukolo with Youth Forward (formerly AES) for facilitating a successful night.

AES also established a monthly support group – Conversations of Respect – with people in California and across the U.S. – to discuss issues and concerns about the current political climate.

To ensure AES continues to support young people in the future, we established a legacy program with the Sacramento Diamond Foundation (SDF): The AES Dr. Bernie Davitto & Charles Carter Endowment Fund. This Endowment provides SDF with on-going financial support to provide academic scholarships, youth development programming and community empowerment.

We continue to look for other opportunities to have a positive impact. However, we consider our biggest achievement to be the countless young people and adults who have contributed as part of our AES family throughout the years.

Bernie Davitto, Co-Founder
CC Carter, Co-Founder
Lisa Foster, long-time Board Chair