Foundation for Second Chances

The Foundation for Second Chances is a community-based organization that utilizes hands-on education, mentoring, health awareness and community service to maximize the potential of youth. Its goal is to make sure that our children and teens are given all that they need to thrive. Its programs focus on:

•  Education

The Youth Build Project provides young people with the opportunity to work on their diploma or GED while earning a paycheck. It currently focuses on low-income and at-risk youth ages 16-24, who are either high school dropouts or currently enrolled in an alternative school.

The After School Program provides the youth of South Los Angeles a safe, fun and uplifting opportunity to develop learning skills and an appreciation of the importance of education. The program also nurtures positive character traits in the youth through their relationships with caring volunteers, teachers and staff. Activities include academic support, sports and fitness activities, and enrichment classes, including gardening, cooking, photography and much more. 

The Tutoring Program partners with local school districts and families to provide quality tutoring and project-based learning in English and Mathematics to students in struggling schools. 

The Reading Wheels Program prepares and motivates children to read by delivering programming, free books, activities and literacy resources to kids and families in need.

• Leadership and Community Servicee

The Second Chances Mentoring Program builds long-lasting, caring relationships between youth and mentors, fostering each youth's individual growth and potential. 

The "Ambassadors" Leadership Program has an extensive curriculum that builds self-confidence, leadership skills, and a commitment to community through interactive learning, discussions, presentations, and exploratory field trips.  This video of students' 10-day trip to Senegal is an excellent example. During this life changing trip, Ambassadors engaged in a service project.

The Community Service program guides youth, families, schools, communities and partners to develop, plan, carry out, and evaluate projects that improve the quality of life in their communities. In some years, participants travel abroad to work on a service project.