Project Vida Out-of-School-Time (PVOST) Program

After-school enrichment, safety, and youth development were among Project Vida’s original initiatives in the early 1990s. The community had voiced its concern for a productive space for school-age children and teens during out-of-school-time hours and school breaks. Project Vida thus designed a program to prevent gang affiliation and juvenile crime. 

Originally named After-School Enrichment & Youth Development, the Project Vida Out-of-School-Time (PVOST) program still provides younger school-age children with supervision, nurturing support, academic support, recreation, and enriching programs. Teens are offered recreation, technology-based creativity in a safe environment, college readiness, and various enrichment activities. The goal of PVOST is to help ensure academic success, high school graduation, productive choices, and preparation for a successful life.

About the Program

The After-School Enrichment & Youth Development Program encourages school-age children and youth to be self-confident, self-directed, cooperative, and creative. Age-appropriate, evidence-based curricula underpin the program pointing kids away from high-risk behaviors and activities such as smoking, drug and alcohol use, bullying, truancy, and gang involvement. PVOST is not child care but rather a prevention program. Offering a safe, nurturing, supervised environment during out-of-school-time hours and school breaks, participants enjoy assistance with homework, reading and literacy activities, computer and internet instruction, structured play, arts and crafts, gardening, field trips, and mentoring. A College Readiness program targets middle and high school participants with presentations and information on career options, financial aid, and field trips to local campuses. Teen participants also may enjoy technology-based creative projects. When school is in session, PVOST offers free afternoon snacks; during school breaks, the program offers lunch and snacks at no cost. Other program features include:

• Open to children and youth ages 6-18

• No cost

• No documents needed for registration

• Year-round program with special summer activities and educational field trips

Accessing The PVOST Program

Children and youth ages 6 to 18 may join the activities with no eligibility requirement other than they must be enrolled and attending school during the school year. Registration for PVOST is not required but is highly appreciated, as the program receives funding based only on registered, attending participants. Drop-in registration is permitted; advance registration is welcomed and appreciated.

To register in advance, please call (915) 465-1191, ext. 213, for an appointment; or email Blanca Castillo at b.castillo@pvida.net or Pablo Navarro at p.navarro@pvida.net.