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Celebrating a Summer of Growth and Connection: First Place for Youth’s Summer Bridge Program

This summer has been filled with excitement, learning, and community building, all thanks to our dedicated teams and supporters! As the season draws to a close, we’re reflecting on the incredible events and activities that brought our First Place for Youth participants together during our Summer Bridge Program in California.

Santa Clara County’s Redwood Adventures

Our Summer Bridge program in Santa Clara County kicked off in July with a vibrant picnic in the Redwoods. It was a day filled with scavenger hunts, painting, and games, bringing our participants closer to nature and each other. With a fantastic turnout, everyone enjoyed delicious food and the chance to bond in the serene environment of the Redwoods.

The adventure continued with a visit to UC Santa Cruz’s college campus, where our youth immersed themselves in the beauty of the natural surroundings while exploring the possibilities of college life. The experience not only highlighted the rich history and offerings of the university but also inspired our participants to dream big for their futures.

Los Angeles Team’s Day of Fun at Universal Studios

Meanwhile, our Los Angeles team treated 23 of our youth to a day of fun and excitement at Universal Studios. The highlight of the day was the visit to Super Nintendo World, where participants reveled in the immersive attractions and thrilling rides. It was a day of joy and bonding, reminding us all of the importance of creating lasting memories during these formative years.

Back-to-School Drive Success

In addition to these events, our Back-to-School Supply Drive was a tremendous success, thanks to the generous support of our community. With support from our staff, volunteers, and community, each backpack was carefully packed with the essential school supplies needed to set our scholars up for success. We are excited to distribute these backpacks as our Summer Bridge Program wraps up, ensuring our youth are ready to tackle the challenges of the upcoming academic year.

The Summer Bridge Program has not only provided our youth with memorable experiences but has also reinforced their connections to each other and to the opportunities that lie ahead. We are excited to continue supporting them on their journeys and look forward to the successes that the new school year will bring. Thank you to everyone who has made this year’s Summer Bridge programming possible!

Research & Publications

2024 Annual Report

In 2024, First Place for Youth and our network partners in Massachusetts, New York, Mississippi, and Cincinnati served 1,496 young […]

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In the Media

2024 Local Heroes Celebrates $2.5 Million in Pasadena Community Foundation Grant Awards

The greater Pasadena community joined Pasadena Community Foundation (PCF) for an uplifting celebration on Thursday, November 14 — the 25th […]

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Impact Stories

Celebrating Jose’s Journey with First Place for Youth

At just 18 years old, Jose faced a challenging crossroads. After his teenage sister took custody of him, he grappled […]

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