The Novato Youth Center is pleased to announce the summer launch of the 1-Up-4 College Middle School Program, with the goals to support youth to excel academically and socially, and promote college readiness. This extended learning opportunity combines academic support with personal enrichment and leadership development.  Continuing through the summer months and throughout the school year as an afterschool program, 1-Up-4 College emphasizes language arts and math, while making learning fun for students.

 Eligibility includes incoming 6th graders through 8th graders, attending Sinaloa or San Jose Middle School in Novato, and struggling academically as determined by school test scores.

Project-based learning activities include cooking, the arts, outdoor education, leadership and resiliency.  Fees include: healthy breakfast, lunch and snacks prepared by the Center’s Chef; transportation to and from school; academic curriculum; homework support during the school year; special project materials,; athletics in the full-size indoor gymnasium and outdoor playground, and more. 

 “This program was created to better connect our afterschool and summer program with the school year learning at Novato Unified District (NUSD) middle schools” notes the Novato Youth Center’s Executive Director, Cheryl Paddack. “This program will significantly change the way summer and afterschool extended learning is offered to youth in Novato. A collaborative program was made possible through a partnership between the NUSD and 10,000 Degrees and the Novato Youth Center. The program will better engage middle school youth toward a path of academic excellence, leadership and college success”. Click here to read more on the program including the teacher and counselor bios: http://www.novatoyouthcenter.org/1up4college.html. Thanks to a generous grant from the Marin Community Foundation, tuition assistance is available for qualifying families, depending on space.

 To inquire about eligibility for enrollment and/or financial aid, please contact Christine Bendik, the Center's Program Coordinator of Academics, at (415) 892-1643, ext 316 or at cbendik@novatoyouthcenter.org. The Novato Youth Center, a nonprofit organization with the mission to inspire and prepare youth to succeed, celebrates 35 years of serving over 3,500 youth and their families annually.  Programs are offered at various sites across town, including the main facility located at 680 Wilson Avenue, the Novato Wellness Center located at 1767 Grant Avenue, and on many Novato school campuses. Visit www.novatoyouthcenter.org.

The Marin Community Foundation is the primary center for philanthropy in Marin County, CA. Dedicated to enhancing the community’s quality of life, the Foundation provides support in the areas of the arts, community development, education, the environment, community health, and religion. The Foundation administers assets from the Leonard and Beryl H. Buck Trust and from funds established by over 300 individuals, families, businesses, and community groups. MCF is one of the largest community foundations in the United States, with assets of approximately $1 billion and annual grant distributions of approximately $60 million. Visit www.marincf.org.