Pico Leadership Academy for Youth | Free After School Enrichment Program

Starting September 16th - October 23rd. Sign up now for Six Weeks.

Program Overview:

Based out of the Pico Youth and Family Center (PYFC) in Santa Monica, the Pico Leadership Academy for Youth (PLAY) will bring teens (6th - 9th grade) together to learn and experience their power in creating a better world where we treat each other with dignity and respect. Through Project-based Learning, Interactive Technology, Film & Music training, dialogue circles, field trips and Mindfulness training, we provide students with the tools to be mindful of their power as creators and as change agents for social justice. Students will find their voice as leaders and develop the critical thinking skills necessary to create a better world.

Mindfulness & Meditation:

Students will learn strategies to help them navigate their world. Through interactive exercises and activities students will learn and put into practice mindfulness and self-awareness.

Leadership Skills:

Students will get an overview of the past and present social justice movements. They will learn how to become change agents in their community by learning the importance of relationship building. Through art, music and technology they will create a Project-based Learning campaign to promote their issue and exercise their voice as change agents. Students will learn public speaking, critical thinking and organizing.

Film and Music Training:

Students will learn the basics of music and video production as part of their Project-based Learning campaign. They will learn how to apply their message via art, music or visual media.

Dialogue Circles:

Students will participate in daily dialogue circles that will teach active listening, withholding assumptions and empathy building to develop understanding of diverse perspectives. The dialogues bring students together to explore their social identities and promote respectful communication and self-reflection. The collective power and strength of a community is deeply linked to and reliant upon each individual’s ability to heal from personal and collective trauma.

The programs that are being offered at the PYFC have been designed to work in collaboration with each other so that participants can be supported and progress in not only their emotional and creative lives, but also in their future goals towards higher education and or career.

This Spring Session will take place from September 16th - October 23rd. This program is offered completely FREE. Sign up today. First come, first serve.

Host or Publisher Pico Youth & Family Center