Youth Development
The Orfalea Foundations define our commitment to Youth Development by our support of programs that promote learning through direct experience, or "learning by doing.” Learning becomes active through outdoor education, service projects, role playing, stories and games and the process of engaging youth in an authentic experience that will benefit and enrich. Generally, the experiential education programs we support take place outside of the normal school day.
For 2007-2008, the Orfalea Foundations' Youth Development priorities are:
- To provide after-school and summer programs that engage and affect youth on a long-term basis.
- To support the Santa Barbara Campership Alliance.
- To continue expanding enrichment programs such as Montana Yellowstone Expeditions.
Below, please read about several programs the Orfalea Foundations have supported that fall within our defined commitments to Youth Development.
Future Leaders of America
Future Leaders of America, Inc. (FLA) provides leadership development, educational opportunities, and personal growth activities for low-income Latino youth and families. By utilizing peer-to-peer mentorship, Latino students have the opportunity to enhance academic achievement, engage in a healthy lifestyle, and strengthen family bonds and communication.
FLA clubs implemented in high schools encourage pro-social behaviors and provide role models, meaningful activities, and adult mentors for at-risk youth. Bi-annual Family Leadership Camps include both parents and teens in addressing issues such as self-esteem, college entrance, and the importance of family and values. These, along with many other activities, conferences and workshops, are a part of FLA's programs that have proven to build positive peer groups for youth and empower them with necessary skills to make healthy choices and succeed academically.
Girls Inc. of Carpinteria
Girls Inc. of Carpinteria's mission is to empower girls and young women to achieve economic, social, and political success. They provide quality after-school and summer enrichment programs for girls ages 5 through 18.
Girls Inc. of Carpinteria continuously seeks to enhance and create new programs that will inspire critical thinking and progressive action in girls and young women's lives.
The Teen and Middle School Program implements specific programs and activities for young women ages 11 through 18. These include programs such as Economic Literacy/Mind Your Own Business, Dahlia Court Women, Career 101, and Girls Inc. Health Fair help to improve girls' self-confidence, leadership, independent living skills, healthy lifestyles, and effective communication.
Montana Yellowstone Expeditions (MYE)
MYE is an educational, wilderness-based program, located in southern Montana, that provides full scholarship experiences for motivated people ages 13-18 from Southern California and South central Montana. Created by the Orfalea Family Foundation, MYE programs seek to enrich and expand the lives and vision of young people through adventure, service, personal challenge, and teamwork.
Each program is a 25-day combination of outdoor experiences that include wilderness backpacking, canoeing, service learning and projects, work with horses, leadership skill building, personal challenges, and a lot of fun. Participants hike the high peaks of Yellowstone National Park, travel the cold, clear rivers of Montana, earn service hours and learn to give their best to teammates.
Involvement includes all necessary equipment, food and travel, as well as the entire MYE educational experience. Upon completion of the summer experience, MYE Alumni take part in additional learning opportunities and outdoor offerings.
The Orfalea Center for Global & International Studies at the University of California, Santa Barbara
In May 2005, Kinko's founder Paul Orfalea and the Orfalea Family Foundation pledged critical seed money to establish a novel 2-year graduate program and center in global and international studies. The program, hosted by the Global Studies Department at the University of California, focuses on the academic preparation of professionals to work in the global non-profit sector, international government, and multinational business.
Paul Orfalea is currently a distinguished visiting professor in the Global and International Studies Program at UCSB, where he teaches a popular course in global business.
Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History
The Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History offers many educational experiences to our community, schools, and after-schools programs. One of the most successful programs, "Quasars to Sea Stars," gives local high school students the chance to gain valuable job skills and mentoring opportunities as they work alongside scientific staff and learn about research methodology, computer modeling, and effective public presentation techniques.