Youth Empowerment
Through a combination of academic tutoring, skills workshops, and physical and wellness programs, we teach kids valuable skills for life.
In 2016, through a partnership with the City of Anaheim, Next Up was granted exclusive use of the building adjoining the skate park at 311 E. Broadway. This facility served—until June of 2019— as our main program office, enabling us to offer a wide range of support to our participants. Now we are offering a skateboarding & designing program at the renowned Berrics.
Academic Support
The Success Lab provided participants with academic tutors and daily homework sessions, with initial emphasis in mathematics and English. Group and individually-supervised study sessions in a non-threatening environment outside of the classroom motivated students to be self-confident and succeed in school.
Our mentors get to know each student personally, learning about their dreams, skills, and challenges. No matter how much support a student has at home or in school, he can always benefit from positive influences and caring adult role models.
Computer Lab
The computer lab served as a study room and resource center in which students could complete homework, write papers, and perform research. Computer lab tutors offered weekly workshops in various technological areas, including Microsoft Office skills (word, excel, powerpoint) and use of the internet (communication, research, etc.). These resources were intended to strengthen students’ performance in school and, eventually, their careers. Our lab had ten computers, with internet access, printing, and available software.
Skills Workshop
Collaboration with academic and industry professionals exposed participants to a variety of fields beyond skateboarding, inspiring dreams of personal and career development. Some of our Success Lab activities included:
- Create-A-Skate S.T.E.M. Program
- Art
- Film, Photography, & Editing
- Music
- Entrepreneurship
- Educational field trips to action sports companies (Vans, TransWorld Skateboarding Magazine, Hurley, etc.)
- Field trips to major skateboarding parks and events
Yoga
The Success Lab athletics studio hosted weekly Yoga for Athletes workshops, specifically designed to complement high-energy youth skateboarders and boost the performance of their bodies and minds. Some therapeutic benefits of yoga include:
- Strength
- Balance
- Endurance
- Flexibility
- Control of breath
- Injury rehabilitation
- Focus
- Self-control
- Enhanced reflexes
- Peace of mind
- Determination
One aspect of Next Up’s mission is to encourage active, healthy lifestyles.
