OUR MISSION
To foster the social, emotional, and mental well-being of children and youth.
OUR VISION
We inspire youth to succeed and transform into pillars of our community.
DORRIS DANN KIDS CAMPUS
Working with our communities' children began when we first opened our doors . . .
By simply reading stories to the children who accompanied their parents to our Food Pantry, we learned about their needs and the lack of resources available to meet these needs. Growing up in an impoverished community compounds the stress and challenges of overcoming barriers to well-being: gangs, drugs, blight, racism, food deserts, inequality and increased crime rates, to name just a few.
In 1989, to meet the needs of our community’s children, we established our Youth Development Programs. Enrichment opportunities were created and expanded to optimize each child’s academic experience. In 2006, generous grants and donations enabled the construction of the 18,000 square foot Kids Campus Youth Center. Named after late and beloved Executive Director, the Dorris Dann Kids Campus includes a middle school-sized gymnasium, 1,340 square foot tutoring and learning arena, computer lab, art studio and six classrooms. Kids Campus’ goal is to encourage and prepare youth to succeed by reinforcing their development in academics while also encouraging social and emotional learning through enrichment in arts, athletics, health and wellness, and community responsibility. Today, programming includes After-School Expanded Learning, Summer Expanded Learning, and Soccer for Success.
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After-School Expanded Learning Program
In partnership with the El Monte City School District, after-school education and enrichment programming is offered Monday through Friday throughout the school year. Academic support, academic enrichment, physical activity, and nutritious meals and snacks is provided in a safe, constructive environment, by highly qualified instructors. Tutoring and homework assistance are coupled with youth development activities that reinforce and complement the school’s academic program. Designed to enhance a child’s individual learning experience, expanded learning includes computer education, gym sports, fine arts, and a variety of clubs.
For questions about our After School Expanded Learning Program,
please contact info@kcycenter.org or call (626) 329-0860.
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Summer Expanded Learning Program
Summer enrichment opportunities are crucial to a child’s social, emotional, creative, and physical wellbeing. Integrating educational concepts that reduce the tendency for students to forget what was learned during the school year, the Summer Expanded Learning Program encourages and motivates children in grades K-8 to keep learning through hands-on activities. Children rotate through a variety of physical, cultural, and skill-building activities that include sports, cultural and artistic exposure, and art. The Summer Program is free for children of qualifying El Monte City School District youth, and meets Monday through Friday from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm
For questions about our Youth Development Programs, please contact info@kcycenter.org or call (626) 329-0860.
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Instructional Aides
& Program Mentors
Inspiring Our Future
Our Instructional Aides/Program Mentors are highly qualified individuals trained to work with our youth. Before working with our youth, individuals must undergo a thorough background check, pass a proficiency test, tuberculosis testing, and abuse training.
Our staff members are responsible for implementing a variety of youth development programs, largely by facilitating different sessions each day. Each session aims to elevate youth's educational experience by expanding on supplemental subjects including art, physical education, STEM, and social-emotional health. Our staff addresses core subject areas and academic concerns through specialized academic support and one-on-one tutoring.
Additionally, our Instructional Aides and Program Mentors serve as liaisons to multiple youth organizations including Girl Scouts, Techbridge Girls, and Leader in Me, facilitating their curriculum for our youth to participate in. Furthermore, our program boasts a selection of staff-led enrichment clubs, giving youth the opportunity to explore a variety of topics and skills in a beginner-friendly environment with our staff's expertise.
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"To me, Kids Campus is a place where kids can express themselves, to their friends and to the staff. As a previous attendee, I can say that the support I received from the staff gave me the confidence to be myself. Now that I am a staff member, I aspire to support this generation the way the previous staff supported me."
— Phu N. | DDKC Staff
College Corps Fellows
Dorris Dann Kids Campus is a proud partner of the Cal Poly Pomona College Corps Fellows. College Corps is a program that helps its students pay for their education by serving their communities in one of three priority areas: food insecurity, K-12 education, and climate action.
Through this program, College Corps Fellows have had the opportunity to gain work experience by engaging with and supporting the education of El Monte's youth. College Corps Fellows first shadow our Instructional Aides and Program Mentors, then are given the chance to manage a classroom. Each Fellow provides something new for students to learn from allowing them to explore core areas with a renewed interest thanks to our Fellows.
Just like our staff, College Corps Fellows must first undergo a thorough background check, tuberculosis testing, and abuse training prior to working with youth.
*We also have Cal Poly Pomona College Corps Fellows supporting our Food Pantry.
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How has working here helped with your studies/college experience?
"This experience has been incredible for my academic and personal growth. First, it provided financial stability. Balancing a part-time job with my coursework allowed me to develop essential time management skills. Second, it aligned with my passion for technology by enabling me to establish the PC club, where I taught students how to build personal computers. This hands-on experience not only reinforced my technical skills but also helped me apply what I've learned in my computer science coursework in a practical and meaningful way. Essentially, it made my college experience more fulfilling by allowing me to blend my studies with a project that positively impacts others.
- Charlton L. | Cal Poly Pomona College Corps
