Melvin E. Gaines

A lifelong resident of East Palo Alto, California, Melvin began working with YUCA as a member of the Higher Learning Core in the fall of 2000. Melvin credits his time as a Higher Learning Core member as the catalyst of both his desire to improve communities, as well as his pursuit of higher education.

Melvin continued working with YUCA as an Assistant Higher Learning Coordinator while obtaining a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Environmental Studies from Santa Clara University. Melvin joined YUCA’s board in 2004 and has been the board chair since 2007. In 2007, the East Palo Alto City Council appointed Melvin to the City Planning Commission, but he left that post in August 2008 to attend the University of Michigan where he is working to get a Master’s in Public Policy and Master’s in Urban Planning. Melvin returns to East Palo Alto quarterly and remains involved in YUCA activities.