Come Learn and Grow with Learning Opportunities for All Ages!
August 13, 2018 9:57 AM
by Constance Farrell
The City of Santa Monica believes that learning never ends. So, we provide learning opportunities for our community, at every stage in life. For toddlers to high school students, programs are available to help our youth thrive. For teens and adults, programs offer recreational classes as well as career guidance. Programs for seniors and those of all ages help keep our entire community engaged and vibrant. Here’s a sampling of programs offered right here in Santa Monica. Come learn and grow!
Children
Toddler Transition (5 and Under)
Santa Monica Community Recreation offers classes for toddlers and their parents/caregivers through social, interactive and creative play in a safe and caring environment. Look for Toddler Transition offerings on RecScape.
reDiscover Recycling Artwork at Title One Elementary Schools (K-5)
The reDiscover Center in Culver City is where you can find everything from mylar ribbons to dowels to belt buckles at minimal cost to incorporate them into programs that empower kids’ imaginations.
CREST After School Programs (K-8)
CREST provides homework assistance, enrichment classes, organized games and local trips, from school dismissal until 6:00 p.m.
Virginia Avenue Park’s Afterschool X-Press (Grades 1-5)
The Virginia Ave Park offers an array of free educational support, enriching cultural arts activities, and health and recreational programs for children in grades 1-5.
Rosie’s Girls (Grades 6-8)
Rosie's Girls, a camp for middle school girls, builds self-esteem, leadership and physical confidence through exploration of the trades and other non-traditional activities. Participants go behind the scenes in various parts of the City to see what it takes to make Santa Monica run.
Annual Santa Monica Student Poster Contest (K-12)
Each year, Sustainable Works has a new theme culminating in an event for winners at the Annenberg Community Beach House.
PAL Homework Assistance (Grades 1-12)
Santa Monica PAL provides 6 – 17-year-old youths with free homework completion support. Assistance is offered Monday through Friday from 3:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Financial, Essay and Scholarship Workshops with Santa Monica Police Activities League (Grades 6-12)
PAL also offers workshops throughout the year for middle and high-school students related to financial aid, college applications and scholarship applications.
Teens
SAT/ACT Prep Classes and Practice Tests with Santa Monica Police Activities League (Teens)
PAL offers SAT and ACT prep classes for juniors and seniors ages 15-17 for approximately six months out of the year. PAL works with excellent providers like Bright Minds Tutoring, Inc. to provide the highest-quality prep courses and practice exams for students.
Teens Make an Impact at the Library (Teens)
High school students are eligible for the Santa Monica Public Library's Tech Teen volunteer and leadership program. Trained to combine emerging tech skills with quality customer service, they assist at library tech events including 3D printing programs, family robot programs, and computer skills workshops for senior citizens. Information session: Wednesday, August 15, 7:00 p.m. at the Main Library in the Multipurpose Room.
Virginia Avenue Park Teen Center (Teens)
Academic Assistance Students are provided with academic support, tutors and computer access in an environment conducive to academic success at the Virginia Ave Park.
Teens & Adults
Sustainable Works Documentary Movie Screenings at the Aero and Student Programs at SMC (Teens/Adults)
Sustainable Works promotes sustainable living strategies for the daily activities of individuals, institutions and businesses by providing hands-on, interactive, educational experiences for all ages.
Career Online High School (Teens/Adults)
Santa Monica Public Library is offering qualified community members age 19 and up the opportunity for a scholarship to earn an accredited high school diploma and credentialed career certificate through Career Online High School, designed to re-engage adults into the education system and prepare them for entry into post-secondary career education or the workforce. Those interested can learn more about Career Online High School by calling 310.458.8308.
Adults
Career Online High School (Adults)
Career Online High School is specifically designed to re-engage adults 19 and up into the education system and prepare them for entry into post-secondary career education or the workforce. Learn more by calling 310.458.8308.
Crafts (Adults)
Camera Obscura Art Lab is a hive of activity, where adults of all ages can roll up their sleeves and dive into hands-on crafts, art, and cultural programs. Offerings this August include watercolor painting, bookmaking, a sewing and craft lounge, poetry, and expressive body movement classes.
Fall Community Recreation (Adults)
Santa Monica Community Recreation offers classes in beach volleyball, dance, fitness, paddleboard, Spanish, beginner swimming, tennis and yoga throughout the season. Adults can also join soccer teams.
Seniors
The WISE & Healthy Aging’s Club 1527 (Seniors)
WISE & Healthy Aging advances the dignity and quality of life for adults 50+. Its membership program, called Club 1527, offers a variety of exercise classes, games, creative arts classes, personal growth and development programming, as well as excursion opportunities.
All Ages
Green Prize for Sustainable Literature (All Ages)
Sponsored by the Library and the City of Santa Monica’s Office of Sustainability and the Environment, the Green Prize was established to encourage books promoting sustainability.
Cleanup Education with Heal the Bay (All Ages)
The City of Santa Monica and Heal the Bay join forces at the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium. Santa Monica’s commitment includes sponsoring Aquarium field trips and Coast Clean-up Day activities.
Recycling Center Tours (All Ages)
The City of Santa Monica offers a free Recycling Center Tour program for all public/private schools and community groups within city limits.
This article was originally published in the August edition of Seascape.
Authored By
Constance Farrell
Communications & Public Information Manager