Programs
The Ojai Valley Youth Foundation offers mainly free after-school and summer programs for ages 12 - 18. We focus on MENTORING, JOBS AND CAREERS, and COMMUNITY SERVICE AND LEADERSHIP. Studies have shown that students who participate in after-school activities attend school more regularly, complete more homework, often have higher test scores, and have a more positive school experience.
AFTER SCHOOL MENTORING, COMMUNITY SERVICE, AND LEADERSHIP PROGRAMS
OAK VIEW TEEN CENTER
Oak View Park & Resource Center
555 Mahoney Ave., Oak View
All teens of the Ojai Valley are welcome to join in on the fun of this drop in teen center. Lots of laughter and things to do. Meet new friends, reach your goals, and learn to make a difference in your community. Must be in seventh grade.
Above: Laughing Tournament at the Teen Center - Angel and Viviana compete to see who can go the longest without laughing.
PEER MENTORSHIPS AVAILABLE at the Teen Center
Peer Mentors come together weekly to plan activities for the Teen Center. You will become a role model for 7th-8th graders and get community service hours. For 9th-12th graders.
BOXING LESSONS at the Teen Center
Learn from a professional, every Monday from 4-5 pm. Ernie Gutierrez of Ventura KO Boxing instructs. FREE.
S.T.A.R. CLUB
Wednesdays in Matilija Jr. High School Cafeteria 1:30-3:30 pm
Especially for 7th and 8th girls, a chance to take a free yoga class and do fun activities with interesting women from our community.
CLUB M.A.D. (Making a Difference)
Thursdays in Matilija Jr. High School Library 2:20-3:20 pm
Sponsored by the Ojai Rotary Club in partnership with high school Interact Club members, and OVYF, Club MAD offers a wide range of community service projects led by club members throughout the year, including an annual spring trip to help out at orphanages in Mexico.
THE LEADERSHIP PROJECT
(Ongoing by application)
A group of leaders that includes 10 jr. high students, 5 high-school students, and 5 adults who meet weekly to explore their own leadership styles and learn how to use them to enhance their lives. Participants are involved in a ropes course, camping trip, community service project, and much more. Must be a strong leader and be willing to commit for 13 weeks.
PIZZA NIGHT
Wednesdays at the OVYF offices from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
Sponsored by Ojai Pizza. Open to all OVYF program participants. A chance to hang out with friends and program staff in a relaxed environment.
Call 640-9555 for further information.
JOBS AND CAREERS
GENERATION COMMUNICATIONS
"Gen Com" is the Ojai Valley Youth Foundation's unique media and marketing agency bringing together youth with experienced professionals to provide marketing to youth and the community in order to affect social change. Gen Com intern programs offer youth ages 13 - 18 a chance to work on real world projects in the areas of graphics, writing, video, website, theater, marketing, and community service. The Gen Com office is located at 201 Church Road, across the street from the Nordhoff High School gym. Click here to access more information about GenCom and see some of our work!
Internship Opportunities - Work with a professional mentor as an intern.
Graphics - Utilize your creativity and computer skills to work on real-world projects including logos, brochures, posters and more. Work with a professional graphic artist and watch your portfolio grow!
Web development - Develop your skills and build a website.
Writing - Practice your writing skills while creating articles for the paper, brochure copy and ads. Work with a professional writer and see your work in print!
Marketing - Be part of a team that does research and develops plans to educate the public about important issues and programs. Currently working on a fun project to fight obesity in Ventura County.
Call 640-9555 and ask for Bobbi for further information.
YOUTH EMPLOYMENT SERVICE (Y.E.S.)
For Ojai teens needing jobs, and employers seeking teenage workers, the Youth Employment Service is a referral agency that interviews young people and places them in local jobs. Located at Nordhoff High School in rm. E-1 and at the Oak View Teen Center, the Ojai Y.E.S. is a free service for all teens in the Ojai Valley. It provides teen workers for office help, restaurant help, retail, childcare, party help, yard work, pet care, tutoring, and more. The Ojai Y.E.S. provides assistance and referrals that help both employers and teens succeed in the job placements. For information call 646-4937 (646-4YES).
Y.E.S. HOURS:
Nordhoff High School - M,W 9:30 am - 1:30 pm & Th, F 10 am - 1 pm
Oak View Park & Resource Center - M, Th - 2:30 - 4:30
EVENTS
Annual Ojai Martin Luther King Day Celebration
For the past 8 years, local teens have put on a free community celebration of the messages and ideals of Dr. Martin Luther King in downtown Ojai's Libbey Park. The public is invited to enjoy a full afternoon enjoying performers from preschool to young adult, essay contest winners, posters from nearly every classroom in the Ojai Valley, booths by student organizations, food and more. For information on how to sponsor or get involved in this year's MLK Day celebration, call the OVYF at (805) 640-9555.
Teen Insight Seminar
Every summer the OVYF presents the world renowned Teen Insight seminar. For further information click here.
Ojai Tennis Marathon
Every year the OVYF sponsors a fun and exciting fundraising sporting event for all ages and levels of tennis players. For further information click here.