Bay Area participant turned Seattle paraprofessional
Marco Beltran, a former Bay Area Bridges participant, received the 2023 Stephen G. Marriott Youth Achievement Award and works as a paraprofessional in Seattle.
Marco Beltran joined Bridges in 2015 at age 18, eager to find his first competitive job. He had just graduated from high school and been accepted at San Francisco State University — his first big accomplishment. Marco was talkative, inquisitive, and quick to make new friends.
From there, Marco moved through three retail jobs — Levi's, then Old Navy, then AMC Theatres. At AMC, he was named Associate of the Month and promoted to Lead Trainer.
He continued his education while working, and graduated from San Francisco State University with a BA in Psychology and a Minor in Education. His Youth Employment Specialist, Ria Santos, watched him graduate and described him as "a modest young man."
After graduating, Marco told Ria he wanted to relocate to Seattle to be independent, get his own place, and find work. He moved.
Today, at 25, Marco works full-time at Maximum Healthcare as a Special Education ParaEducator, supporting young students on the autism spectrum. He has held the role since May 2021.
On June 26, 2023, Bridges presented Marco with the Stephen G. Marriott Youth Achievement Award at its annual gala at the Marriott Marquis in Washington, DC. He has mentioned wanting to work for Bridges someday himself. As Ria puts it, "Marco always strives for what he wants and at this point, he can reach for the stars."
Stories like this happen because of partnership.
Hire through Bridges, fund a placement, refer a young adult, or share your own story.
