When Pedro (Pete) Pallares visits the vibrant campus of San José City College, the sense of community and commitment to education resonate deeply with him. As a philanthropist and advocate for developmental disabilities, his life has been a testament to the power of giving back. SJCC has always held a special place in his heart.
“Having been a product of the community college system,” he said. “I have always had a very personal connection with the system in general and everyone involved.”
Pallares founded the Center for Social Dynamics (CSD) and the Pallares Foundation. Both entities were born out of his profound dedication to improving the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities.
“The inspiration behind these two organizations was to provide care and resources to a rapidly growing community of individuals with developmental disabilities in our communities,” he said.
Pallares came to SJCC recently to celebrate the launch of a pilot three-semester non-credit certificate to prepare and provide access for SAS students to enter the workforce.
SJCC hosted Pedro Pallares on June 18 to recognize the scholarship he established to help students pursue pathways to careers in disability fields.
This initiative is a testament to Pallares’s enduring belief in the transformative power of education. His sense of purpose and connection with SJCC is more than just professional—it is deeply personal.
His experiences with community colleges shaped his understanding of how education could impact an individual’s life. Now, through his Foundation’s efforts, he is helping to extend that opportunity to others.
“The Pallares Foundation has always been well-aligned with SJCC’s vision and mission. Our collaboration, I feel, is only starting.”
Pedro Pallares
A commitment to developing a network of care
CSD had initially focused on treatment solutions and creating plans and programs through various regional centers, school districts, health plans, and insurance companies. It is a colossal undertaking aimed at addressing the complex needs of individuals with developmental disabilities.
At the same time, the Pallares Foundation’s purpose is to help families subsidize care and, through scholarships, create professionals in fields and industries facing a bigger demand than supply.
Pallares’s dedication has not stopped at professional development; he is also deeply committed to addressing the immediate needs of under-resourced communities. A few years after the Pallares Foundation was established, the organization broadened its focus to include food banks and other critical resources.
The collaboration between the Pallares Foundation and SJCC has been a natural progression of its founder’s vision. From scholarships for students pursuing careers in fields with high demand to support for community programs, the partnership has grown significantly over the years.
“The Pallares Foundation has always been well-aligned with SJCC’s vision and mission,” Pallares said. “Our collaboration, I feel, is only starting.”
