Summit to Open Doors for Youth

VENTURA —  The Workforce Investment Network for Youth will stage a youth summit this afternoon that aims to improve opportunities for young people in the community.

Assemblywoman Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara) will provide the summit’s opening remarks, followed by a presentation from Lynda Bowman, who runs a program for children in foster care.

Also participating will be the Ventura County Superintendent of Schools office, Interface Child Family Services’ Youth Employment Services, Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clara Valley and the Ventura County Building and Construction Trades Council.

The county Board of Supervisors established the Workforce Investment Board to help design, coordinate and implement a local work force system that provides training for youth that meets the needs of local businesses.

The network seeks to form collaborative alliances with other youth service agencies and advocates to share information to benefit youth, said Bruce Stenslie, director of the WIN program.

The summit will run from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Poinsettia Pavilion, 3451 Foothill Road, Ventura. Admission is free, but organizers request that participants donate an unwrapped toy for disadvantaged youth. Refreshments will be served.

For more information, call Stenslie at 652-7621.