Learning Center

The Housing Authority's Learning Center is an educational facility that encompasses three programs that are devoted to meet the needs of Housing Authority residents—The Learning Center's Computer Lab, Tutoring Program and The Children's/Teen's After-School Program.

The Learning Center opened its doors in May 1999 and was created to accommodate the needs of residents in Public Housing and residents who are benefited by the Family Self-Sufficiency program. Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) is a voluntary program, designed to assist families in achieving economic independence and self-sufficiency through education and job training. The Family Self-Sufficiency Program embraces the families as a unit, to help facilitate the family's plans toward the future.

The Learning Center's mission is to provide expanded access to all services & facilities that enhance and promote education, drug deterrence, employment skills, provide a safe environment to overcome barriers, and a focus on productive use of time for youth and support of individual educational goals for families. The Learning Center has a computer lab, craft room, and free tutoring available.

The After School Children's & Teen's Program, previously named the Children's Work Incentive Program (CWIP), is a collaborative effort with the Housing Authority of the City of San Luis Obispo and Cal Poly volunteer groups and clubs. The Program was initially launched as a means to help residential youth living in Public Housing sites. The goal is to guide children to learn pride in their homes, work together in a group and to learn that work often results in positive rewards. The program's main focus is on positive mentoring, providing the young participants a safe and fun environment and participation in active, educational and healthy activities.

This is an after school program that usually operates from 3:30-5:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday during the school year and 1:30-3:30pm during the summer. Learning Center staff and Cal Poly volunteers assist activities with the children including community service, arts and crafts, games and help with homework. We also have special events during the weekends such as fieldtrips to sporting events and other activities. Volunteers' main task is to be positive mentors and to have fun with the kids!

The program provides children with the opportunity to experience many of the cultural, educational, and recreational activities available on the Central Coast.