PINKARD YOUTH INSTITUTE PROGRAMS
PROGRAMS & PROJECTS
Pinkard Youth Institutes provides transformative seminars and workshops designed specifically for Ventura County high school students. These programs aim to empower African American youth by fostering academic excellence, leadership skills, and cultural awareness. Through engaging experiences and mentorship opportunities, we help students unlock their potential and prepare for success in school, their careers, and beyond.
African American Enrichment Academy
PYI, in partnership with California State University, Channel Islands (CSUCI) and Oxnard Union High School District (OUHSD), sponsors an African American Enrichment Academy for 10th - 12th-grade students. The enrichment academy is a week-long summer experience.
Students explore career options, the dynamics of campus life firsthand and the skills necessary to work in groups. They complete college-level coursework and earn 2 1/2 units of elective high school credit.
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Internship Program
This program is for Ventura County high school students. Students will work in local agencies, businesses, and organizations to learn workplace etiquette and employment expectations. We always seek volunteers to speak to our students and provide work experience for them during the summer. Volunteer below.
A Heart for Youth
“A Heart for Youth” is the Pinkard Youth Institute (PYI) annual fundraiser in February to raise funds for the three major programs sponsored and/or supported by PYI: African American Enrichment Academy at CSUCI, Summer Internship Program and Black College Tour to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). The event is a reception/luncheon highlighting outstanding African American high school students. Students are nominated by their respective schools and a panel of judges select the winners in each level. Presentations are made by the students who win.
