Academic and occupational programs for children and youth
Our Youth Services
The VCH team regularly solicits feedback from tenants and creates programming based on their needs.
Through this holistic approach, VCH has developed several successful programs that target the children and youth in its buildings and throughout the broader community. VCH’s Study Lounge and Westside Youth Academy serve young people who need additional support to overcome housing insecurity, succeed academically, and build professional development skills.
Westside Youth Academy
Westside Youth Academy provides education, job training, and leadership development services to approximately 20 transition aged youth each year.
The program is open to any youth looking to earn their high school diploma or the equivalent and develop professional skills. The program also helps place students in post-secondary education, internships, or job placements. Participants receive individualized support and case management.
Program Requirements
- Proof of low-income
- Must need high school diploma or equivalent
- Proof of Covid-19 vaccination
Supportive services
Enrolled Westside Youth Academy participants have access to supportive services such as: assistance with document attainment, access to food donations, transportation assistance, referrals to mental health and counseling services, referrals to medical and mental health providers, assistance with housing insecurity, assistance or proof of enrollment for probation or parole, and more.
Academic Support
Individualized Education Program (IEP) and additional support for specialized learning needs are available. If you need help with learning a specific subject or studying for the high school exit exam, tutors are also available.
For questions regarding the Westside Youth Academy, please contact the program manager at (310) 573-8415.
Westside Youth Academy Resources
Study Lounge
For more than two decades, Study Lounge provided free academic support, enrichment, and a safe place to learn and connect for children and youth living in Venice Community Housing and surrounding neighborhoods.
Launched in 2005, Study Lounge offered tutoring, mentoring, recreational activities, summer camp, field trips, and opportunities for young people to build skills, confidence, and community. Over the years, the program adapted to meet the changing needs of local families and supported hundreds of students.
As public and community-based youth services have expanded, families now have more opportunities to access academic support, tutoring, enrichment, and after-school programming through other specialized organizations. Venice Community Housing has concluded Study Lounge and is directing families to the following resources:
Academic Support & Tutoring
After-School Programs
We are grateful to the Study Lounge staff, volunteers, partners, supporters, and families who made more than 20 years of learning, connection, and opportunity possible.