Sustaining Our Valuable Out of School Learning

Our communities are at their strongest when we recognize that every part plays a role in the learning and development of our youth. When we embrace this holistic view—seeing our community as an interconnected ecosystem that nurtures growth and learning—we understand the importance of sustaining spaces and programs that fuel creativity, physical activity, and social connection for young people. These programs don’t just serve the youth who participate in them; they enrich the entire community.

Recently, two indispensable, youth-serving programs in my hometown of Ojai, CA faced challenges in retaining their physical spaces—threatening not only their operations but the broader ecosystem of support they provide. The Ojai Youth Entertainers Studio (OYES) and Ojai Valley Gymnastics aren’t just isolated activities. They are vital components of a community network that builds developmental relationships—connections between youth and caring adults that foster long-term resilience and success.

Research from the Search Institute underscores that these developmental relationships create powerful avenues for youth to grow into capable and confident adults. Programs like OYES and Ojai Valley Gymnastics provide much more than a space to rehearse or practice; they foster environments where young people build self-esteem, develop life skills, and connect with mentors. The foundation of positive development these programs establish can ripple out, strengthening families, schools, and the larger community.

This goes beyond benefiting the young people directly involved. In a first of its kind study in California, the 2024 Play Equity Report by the LA84 Foundation highlights that when youth have access to creative and active spaces, particularly those youth from under-resourced backgrounds, they experience marked improvements in health, educational outcomes, and social skills. These benefits, in turn, extend to the community, enhancing overall well-being and fostering a stronger, more connected environment for everyone.

Supporting youth programs like OYES and Ojai Valley Gymnastics is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. When these programs are resilient, their positive impact reaches us all, creating a healthier, more vibrant community. By coming together to secure spaces for them, we’re doing far more than saving a gym or a stage. We’re preserving opportunities for our youth to grow, build meaningful relationships, and reach their full potential.

I invite you to look around your own community. What essential programs for youth are creating spaces of growth and connection, and how might community leaders be encouraged to better support and elevate this vital work? Equitable access to these programs must be a priority for every community, as they are foundational to building the future we all share.

It’s time to rally behind youth programs in our communities—not only for the children who rely on them but for the resilience and unity they bring to us all.