Expanded Learning
Vision
We will provide a safe, positive, and nurturing after school environment that will enhance our students' educational experience and increase their academic success so that they become healthy, confident and responsible members of our Ventura community.
Mission
Students will receive:
• Academic support needed to be successful during the regular school day
• Opportunities to advance 21st century learning skills, such as problem-solving and communication
• Opportunities to participate in diverse enrichment including art, music, cooking, technology, & STEM/STEAM
• Leadership opportunities
• Social-Emotional skill building
• Healthy snacks/supper
• Daily structured physical activity, recreation, or sports
• Encouragement from caring adult staff
• Many opportunities to experience success
We describe our program as “learning disguised as fun.” Expanded Learning programs begin immediately after school and typically operate until 6:00 p.m. The specific offerings vary a little by site due to their source(s) of funding.
Expanded Learning Opportunities Program (ELOP)
ELOP is offered at every school in VUSD from grades TK-6. Priority is given to students who are experiencing homelessness, are in foster care, are identified as low-income, and/or who are multilingual learners. Additional students may be added if there is sufficient space and staffing after the priority students have been enrolled.
After-School Enrichment and Safety (ASES)
ASES programs are open to all students in identified grade levels at schools who receive ASES grants. Priority is given to Homeless and Foster Youth. At this time, VUSD receives ASES funds for grades 1-5 at ten elementary schools as well as in grades 6-8 at DATA and Anacapa middle schools. Those elementary schools for the 24-25 school year are ATLAS, E.P. Foster, Elmhurst, Lemon Grove, Lincoln, Montalvo, Portola, Sheridan Way, Sunset, and Will Rogers. We also have an ASES program at Westpark Community Center to support students from Sheridan Way and Will Rogers who opt to go there.
Program Enrichment for After-School Kids (PEAK)
PEAK is a private grant that has supported expanded learning and recreation in VUSD since 2002. It is a partnership between the City of Ventura and VUSD for students in grades 1-5 at select ASES schools.
To learn the details about grade levels at each elementary and middle school site, refer to the chart below:
After-School Safety and Enrichment for Teens (ASSETs) for High School
Ventura Unified School District receives the After School Safety and Enrichment for Teens (ASSETs) grant for Pacific and Ventura High Schools. ASSETs grants provide students in grades 9-12 with academic enrichment opportunities, credit recovery, activities designed to complement students' regular academic program, college and career exploration, leadership opportunities, and a safe environment for participating students.
