The Lompoc Family YMCA has started a new program in collaboration with the Lompoc Unified School District (LUSD), which provides free teen memberships to all district enrolled students in middle/high schools.

The program is part of a district-wide effort to get teens into healthy and safe enrichment activities.

“It’s an exciting opportunity,” said Candice Grossi, LUSD administrator. “The collaboration with the YMCA has been a focused project that was tagged with the highest importance during recent strategic discussions to help provide additional support for our students and to provide a safe, positive space for them to connect with others and explore their own strengths and interests.”

The YMCA staff members will help to develop the program and work in coordination with the district to help deliver the program. Parents will need to complete the registration packet and then the teens are eligible to sign up at the YMCA Welcome Center.

Teens will get access to the Y, which allows access to the state-of-the-art fitness equipment, basketball court, and teen friendly fitness classes. More program offerings and enrichment oppurtunities will be offered later this year.

“At the Y, we recognize the challenges in our community, and we continue to work at being a leader in Lompoc by helping to deliver solutions for individuals of all ages,” said Tommy Speidel, Lompoc Family YMCA regional executive director.

“Providing fitness and safe programming options for teens is critical right now in our community,” he said.

“We hope that the YMCA staff will provide positive role models for youth,” Grossi said. “Part of this program is simply about helping youth build positive relationships with community members.

“Relationships and connections are the most powerful tools we can use to impact students of any age but especially teenagers.

“Part of this program is simply about helping youth build positive relationships with community members,” she said. “Relationships and connections are the most powerful tools we can use to impact students of any age but especially teenagers.”

The Lompoc Family YMCA is at 201 W. College Ave. For more information, contact Aikia Richardson at Aikia.Richardson@ciymcaorg or 805-736-3483 or visit ciymca.org/Lompoc.