Orfalea Foundations Grant to Local Teen After-School Programs

Awarded programs represent a wide range of activities from science experiences to physical programs and leadership opportunities. The grants specifically support access and participation of low-income teens to attend programs during out of school times. The awarded programs provide on-going positive relationships with adults and focus on skill building opportunities, engaging students in lifelong learning.

“The Foundations support programs that are strength-based and seek to expand the sense of possibility for the youth they serve” says Catherine Brozowski, Vice President of the Orfalea Foundations. “We feel strongly that young people need access to skill building opportunities in combination with connections to positive adults to reach their potential and it takes the whole community to make this happen.”

Grants will support programs throughout Santa Barbara County, such as the YMCA, Wilderness Youth Projects, Future Leaders of America, Girls Inc. and several others. Specifically in North County, People for Leisure and Youth will provide “Girls Circle” programming to girls in Santa Maria. The UCSB’s School of Scientific Thought will also be partnering with high schools from Lompoc and Santa Maria to engage students in science while exposing them to college experiences.

According to Ed France, Executive Director of the Santa Barbara Bicycle Coalition, “The Orfalea Foundations’ support will allow us to further our goal toward making bicycling education available to ALL youth countywide. This school year will see the program launch our first Santa Maria after-school program in addition to more offerings hosted on the South Coast.”