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The Youth Opportunity Scholarships (YOS) program gives young students a chance to explore their interests and passions outside of the classroom. PVF has partnered with the Lampert Byrd Foundation since 2011 to provide this program, allowing 6-8th grade students in Bay Area schools and non-profit organizations to try new activities that will help foster positive outlets. In that time 6,000+ Youth Opportunity Scholarships have been awarded to students, totaling over $1.5M.
This summer the YOS program partnered with Aim High, a no-cost San Francisco based multi-year summer enrichment program. Scholarships of up to $250 were available to pursue extracurricular activities like sports, dance and music lessons, creative arts, summer camps, and much more. The youth were given the opportunity to apply for a scholarship and explain how they would use the funds if awarded.
We received applications from students from Aim High’s 18 campuses located in the Bay Area, including San Francisco, Oakland, Richmond, San Rafael, Redwood City, East Palo Alto, Napa, and Truckee/Tahoe. Our 631 scholarship recipients this year will be participating in everything from cooking lessons to joining soccer teams, music camps and so much more.
C’Riyah, an Oakland middle school student, received a scholarship to participate in dance lessons.
“I like dancing because I was born with a heart murmur and had to have open heart surgery right after I turned one years old in order for me to do normal activities and even after having the surgery my parents was told that I may not be able to participate in everyday activities as I get older. Dancing brings me so much joy it makes me happy and feel normal. I’m beating the odds and doing something I was told I probably couldn’t do later in life but I’m doing it!”
Victor, an Oakland middle school student, applied to pay for soccer equipment.
“With soccer being one of my favorite activities, I’m able to make friends faster because of how commonly liked the sport is, it creates bonds with unexpected people and new excitements to look forward to another game.”
Research shows that students who are exposed to creative outlets for their interest and passions have a much higher chance of forming healthy friendships and relationships and also have a higher chance of graduating with better grades. We are happy to be working with the Lampert Byrd Foundation to make the Youth Opportunity Scholarship available to students. It is essential to give youth the support and encouragement they need in order to help them grow and become confident and successful individuals.
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