Westside Youth Academy serves transition aged youth, primarily between the ages of 18 through 24, and proves education, vocational training, and leadership development. The program is open to any youth looking to earn their high school diploma or equivalent and develop professional skills. The program also helps to place students in post-secondary education, internships, or job placements- some part-time job/internship placement is a required part of the program’s vocational education. Limited case management will also be available. A maximum of 15 students may be enrolled in the program at any given time. Should the program be at maximum capacity, students will be placed on a waitlist.

The program operates five days a week, Monday through Friday from 8am through 1:30pm with a half hour lunch break.

Program Requirements

• Proof of low-income
• Must need high school diploma or equivalent
• Proof of Covid-19 vaccination

Attendance

Students are expected to show up to program each week day. More than 5 unexcused absences per month will result in poor program standing and the participant will not be eligible for certain program incentives and field trips. A student who does not attend for more than 9 consecutive days will be automatically dropped from the program and John Muir Charter School.

Expected Program Outcomes

Participants of this program are expected to be actively working towards earning their high school diploma or equivalent. The program will also track progress towards academic goals through required quarterly Star Testing.

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. Please let Marisol know upon intake if you know you will need any of the services listed above upon enrollment.

Academic Support

If you need an Individualized Education Program (IEP), please let both Feliz and Marisol know. Additional support for specialized learning needs is 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 program manager Marisol Perez at marisol@vchcorp.org or (310) 573-8415.