Taco Bell Foundation grant supports new business leadership program at Placer High

The Hillmen Foundation announced recently it was awarded a 2025 Community Grant from the Taco Bell Foundation. The $10,000 grant will help launch a Business Leadership program at Placer High School, a new course that combines and builds on the strengths of the school's peer mentorship and leadership programs, preparing students for success in college, careers and beyond. "This grant from the Taco Bell Foundation allows us to launch a program that doesn't just teach leadership, it creates leaders who care deeply about their school and community," said Kari Uno, Placer faculty member and head of the new Business Leadership program. "Our students will be engaging in real-world projects that develop their ability to communicate and lead with confidence, proficiency and purpose." Launching this school year, Uno said the Business Leadership program will serve more than 100 students per term from a range of backgrounds. Students will participate in classroom curriculum and projects that build skills in communication, business writing, project management, collaboration, public speaking and professional leadership. Through activities like peer mentorship, organizing new student orientation and special events, delivering TED-style talks, mock interviews by community members and spotlighting community heroes and business leaders, the program aims to develop capable, thoughtful leaders equipped with the communication and leadership skills needed beyond high school. Business Leadership is a dual enrollment program where participants earn high school and college credits simultaneously. This allows participants to complete college requirements faster and at no cost – expanding educational access, improving economic mobility and preparing students to meet the workforce demands of tomorrow. The new program is also a Career Technical Education (CTE) pathway, allowing participants to take a certification exam through YouScience, a platform that identifies aptitudes and validates proficiency in key business skills. This certification serves as a valuable credential when entering the workforce or pursuing higher education. The Hillmen Foundation was nominated by 1974 Placer High graduate and area Taco Bell franchise owner Gary Lyon, whose continued commitment to uplifting youth has helped expand access to education, mentorship and career readiness programs across the community. "It's an honor to collaborate with the Taco Bell Foundation and engage our customers in giving back through the Round Up Program," said Lyon. "The funds we raise go directly toward strengthening youth programs that uplift and empower our local communities. Organizations like the Hillmen Foundation embody the kind of meaningful impact we're proud to support. This grant reflects the dedication of so many Placer High faculty, staff, volunteers and neighbors who are committed to helping young people in the greater Auburn area grow, thrive and reach their potential." This is the third consecutive grant to the Hillmen Foundation from the Taco Bell Foundation. In total, the Taco Bell Foundation has provided $25,000 over three years to support Placer High through the Hillmen Foundation. "We're incredibly grateful to Gary Lyon and the Taco Bell Foundation for their continued support of the Hillmen Foundation and the students at Placer High School," said David Odom, Hillmen Foundation Board Chair. "This partnership is a powerful example of what's possible when businesses, volunteers and communities come together to invest in young people." Learn more about the Hillmen Foundation at hillmenfoundation.org. Learn more about the Taco Bell Foundation and the Community Grants program at https://www.tacobellfoundation.org/who-we-support/.