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Abe Marquez Wants to Show Students the World by Visiting Hearst Castle

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October 13, 2020
Abe Marquez Wants to Show Students the World by Visiting Hearst Castle
Nonprofit president serves as a role model for California students in underserved communities
SAN SIMEON, CA — In addition to stepping into the role of president of the board at The Foundation at Hearst Castle in January, longtime Hearst Castle benefactor Abe Marquez is a champion of a unique education program at W.R. Hearst’s former San Simeon estate. Now virtual, but no less impactful, the “STEAM Program at the Castle” aims to inspire and empower middle school students from underserved communities across California — including small agricultural communities like Gonzales, where Marquez was raised and still calls home.
“I was one of these kids years ago,” says Marquez. “My parents both worked in Ag fields to feed and clothe our family, so this project is dear to my heart.”
Aligned with STEAM curriculum (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics), the special program introduces students to not only groundbreaking architecture and engineering concepts, but to history and art from around the world.
Social distancing provided an opportunity for Marquez and staff to collaborate with Hearst San Simeon State Historical Monument and State Park to expand the STEAM Program at the Castle, launched in 2018, to a new virtual format where students receive a “STEAM kit” with activities that pair with the live, customized virtual experience.
Marquez reports that students the nonprofit has hosted thus far have been awestruck, and he knows the feeling. He first visited Hearst Castle in 1970, when his California History teacher at Gonzales High, Mr. Smith, organized a tour for a group of students. He and his classmates could not believe that La Cuesta Encantadawas real. His teacher continued taking students to Hearst Castle annually and Marquez signed up for each trip.
“We thought it was beautiful and we learned to appreciate that it is rich with history.” Offers Marquez, “You can see the world by visiting Hearst Castle.”
The Foundation at Hearst Castle continues to support the conservation of Hearst Castle, but the 35-year old nonprofit has shifted focus to expanding education programs for kids — kids who might not otherwise have the chance to see the views from the Hearst Castle hilltop, learn about female pioneer Julia Morgan who built this historic treasure 100 years ago, tour the accredited museum, and think about how all this might shape the vision they have for their future selves.
“What’s the point of conserving and restoring this place, if not to inspire kids to dream bigger?” questions Marquez.
About Abe Marquez
The nonprofit foundation president emphasizes the importance of talking to students about the many different STEAM-related jobs it took to build Hearst Castle — from carpenters and cement workers to architects and artists, and now, park rangers and guides. During the live presentation sessions, guides ask the kids what they’re good at.
Marquez — who has also mentored young people as Livestock Superintendent at the Monterey County Fair for 40 years and Junior Fair Board Advisor at the Salinas Valley Fair for more than 30 years — wants to use Hearst Castle to help middle schoolers consider a range of potential career paths. The idea is to challenge kids to think about how everything they experience during the multi-day STEAM program might shape the vision they have for their futures.
President Marquez’s mission is clear: “I hope that what they see inspires them to discover a bright future and maybe become a leader one day. Whether they lead the field in architecture, engineering, carpentry, gardening, art, teaching, or even media or government — I want them to do great things!”
How to Apply for the STEAM Program
With the reopen date of Hearst Castle unknown, The Foundation is working with State Parks staff to book virtual STEAM Program groups now. Available Wednesday through Friday. Teachers are encouraged to review qualification guidelines before submitting an application.
About The Foundation
The Foundation at Hearst Castle’s mission is to support the conservation and restoration of Hearst Castle, and to offer youth programs for underserved middle school students — to enhance the appreciation of the art and architecture of this world-class museum and monument, ultimately enriching the visitor experience and inspiring future generations.
The Foundation at Hearst Castle is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit association affiliated with Hearst San Simeon State Historical Monument® and the San Luis Obispo Coast District of California State Parks. EIN 77-0068533.