In October of 2017 SEED (Stockton Economic Empowerment Demonstration) was launched. From the start of 2019 SEED will be providing 100 Stocktonians with an income of $500 a month for 18 months. The income is unconditional — there are no restrictions or work requirements on how the money should be spent.
SEED was created to empower and support these 100 Stockton residents financially.
There has been an equal share of negative and positive reactions to SEED. I believe it’s going to make a positive impact, not only on Stockton residents but also for residents in other cities. For example, a city with a low percentage of college graduates and low-income families. Most San Joaquin Delta College students are looking forward to this project and hope to see a better future for our city.
“I feel like it is a great opportunity for the city and for individuals who want to work hard to have a successful future,” said Stockton resident Josue D. Iniguez. “This can really empower our generation to fulfill our dreams and impact our community. … I believe that every single dollar you have should serve a purpose and not be spent without purpose.”
Josue makes a valid point, it is a great opportunity for those recipients to have that extra income to make them feel empowered and have a successful future to look forward to.
Anyone would be grateful to have an extra $500 for 18 months. I know I would save that money and put it towards my education once I transfer to a CSU. It’s always good to have something saved up, even if it may not cover all of my tuition.
It is interesting asking all sorts of college students their opinion on SEED because the answers are either similar or very different.
“With those $500 for 18 months, I’d transfer to a UC,” said Delta student Victor Manuel H. “That’s where I’d do more research and my major is physics, I would have more opportunities by having that extra income … also not too sure how I would find my research so I could always use that money to work on my music. Music is always there as a backup plan and, not even as a backup plan, but it’s where I plan getting most of my income from.” In other words invest it to make a company.
SEED is already having an impact on people due to Delta College RTV adviser Adriana Brogger, who is in partnership with Project SEED. Brogger and her RTV students are collecting audio stories from all sorts of people. These stories will be put out on Delta’s radio station KWDC. Many have a lot to say and speak up and tell their story of how this can help them financially, set them up for a brighter future. Because of Brogger, people will be able to share their story.
“I know if SEED was introduced when I was of a younger it could have helped my family,” said full-time Delta student and part-time biller and receptionist Elvira Nieto. “I remember when I was younger I saw how my parents would sometimes struggle with bills, living paycheck after paycheck. That would have given us better financial opportunities, but thankfully I have hard working parents who made sure we had everything we need. I believe SEED is a great financial opportunity for families, I just hope people don’t take advantage of it and use it for the greater good”