Virginia Avenue Project
Free, after-school program and long-term mentoring:
1649 18th Street, Santa Monica, CA 90404

The Virginia Avenue Project is a free, after-school program using the performing arts in conjunction with long-term mentoring to give struggling kids the skills to think creatively, critically and courageously about life goals and choices. Children join the Project at age six and stay through high school working alongside caring adult mentors throughout their growing years.

Their programs address the following objectives:

• To use the writing and performing arts to provide kids with tools for self-expression and increased academic performance.
• To provide a supportive environment for kids to express a personal vision and experience validation from their peers.
• To provide kids the opportunity to form meaningful relationships with caring, nurturing adults.

Since their inception in 1992: 100% of Project kids have graduated from high school, 95% have gone on to college, and 98% are the first in their families to do so!

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