Switzer’s Social Skills Program, Switzer Social, is currently enrolling for the Spring cohort. Switzer Social is a transformative program designed to equip teens and young adults on the autism spectrum with essential social skills. Our inaugural session begins next week on February 15 and will run for 15 weeks, providing structured support in a nurturing environment. Switzer Social is specifically tailored for two age groups: teens aged 12-17 and young adults aged 18-24. This program is particularly beneficial for individuals facing social challenges due to anxiety and depression, who may find social settings difficult to navigate. With the right tools and skills, we aim to empower our participants to successfully navigate the complexities of social interactions. Under the guidance of instructors certified by UCLA’s renowned Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relationship Skills (PEERS®), participants will learn vital skills that include developing and maintaining friendships, confidently starting and ending conversations, and understanding the intricacies of dating. We will also tackle important issues such as organizing get-togethers and addressing both direct and indirect bullying, equipping participants with strategies to enhance their social skills and foster meaningful connections. Join us in this exciting opportunity to help our remarkable teens and young adults thrive in their social landscapes! Email peers@switzercenter.org for details.
We’re thrilled to share our latest annual report, highlighting the impact of your support on the 2023-24 school year at Switzer Learning Center. Here are a few quick highlights:
1. Academic & Personal Development: We provided educational and therapeutic services to a diverse student body of 125 individuals, with over 58% of our students coming from the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD). We are proud to report that close to 80% of students in our High School Diploma Track program have enrolled in college for the upcoming year.
2. Enhanced Learning Environment: Your contributions have facilitated the expansion and renovation of our library, the makeover of our classrooms with updated technology, and the establishment of our STEAM Makerspace, providing our students with dynamic spaces for learning.
3. Enriching Experiences & Opportunities: Through your support, our students had the opportunity to participate in enriching field trips to local museums and parks, explore the art of music through DJ-ing, and showcase their talents and creativity to the broader community on Spectrum News and Torrance TV.
We can’t wait to share more detailed insights with you in our latest annual report (below).
Thanks again for being an integral part of our journey toward creating a path to independence for neurodivergent and special needs students.
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Torrance, CA – Friday, June 7, 2024 – Switzer Learning Center is proud to announce that it has been awarded the Nonprofit of the Year at the 2024 Impact Awards presented by the Torrance Area Chamber ofCommerce. The award was presented at the Chamber’s 110th Celebration, recognizing Switzer Learning Center for its continuous efforts to build a safe and inclusive environment for its staff, students, board members, and the community.
Jeremy Deming, CEO at Switzer Learning Center, expressed the center’s gratitude, stating, “We are truly honored to receive this prestigious award. This recognition is a testament to our commitment to creating a welcoming and supportive space for individuals with unique learning abilities and backgrounds. We are dedicated to making a positive impact in the students we serve, and we are grateful to the Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce for acknowledging our efforts.”
The Nonprofit of the Year award reflects Switzer Learning Center’s unwavering dedication to providing exceptional educational and supportive services to its community. By fostering an environment where everyone feels valued, Switzer Learning Center has positively impacted the lives of many individuals and continues to be a pillar of strength in the community.
Switzer Learning Center has been dedicated to educating diverse minds, building social confidence, and creating a path to independence since 1966.
For more information about Switzer Learning Center and its programs, please visit www.switzercenter.org.
The DJ program will provide an engaging opportunity for neurodivergent students to explore their creativity, build confidence, and develop new skills.
TORRANCE, CA, UNITED STATES, August 29, 2023/EINPresswire.com/ — Switzer Learning Center, a nonprofit organization that provides individualized learning programs and therapeutic support for neurodivergent and special needs youth, has announced the start of a new programmatic partnership with The DJ Coach. This program will introduce DJ (disc jockey) education into Switzer’s after-school Arts Enrichment Program to empower and cultivate a deep appreciation for music within the special needs community that Switzer serves.
The Start to DJ program will occur on Tuesdays and Thursdays, starting Thursday, September 14, 2023. Sessions will be held during after-school hours from 4:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. at Switzer Learning Center’s campus in Torrance. The program is open to all neurodivergent students in the Greater Los Angeles area and offered at no cost to Switzer Learning Center’s nonpublic school students.
The program’s ultimate goal is to provide a unique and exciting opportunity for neurodivergent students to engage, explore their creativity, build confidence, and develop new skills while having fun.
“We are thrilled to partner with DJ Hapa and The DJ Coach to offer this exciting program to our students,” said Jeremy Deming, Switzer Learning Center’s Chief Executive Officer. “Our mission is to educate diverse minds, build social confidence, and create a path to independence, and we believe this program will help us further that mission.”
The Start to DJ program will be facilitated by experienced DJ instructors who specialize in working with students in schools across Southern California and beyond. The curriculum will focus on the fundamentals of DJ techniques including mixing, scratching, as well as basic music theory, but will also give students a glimpse into entrepreneurship and transferable soft skills that are necessary in a creative industry. Students will be working towards creating their very own live mixtapes, which they will perform and share at a culmination event in December.
“We are excited to work with Switzer Learning Center to provide this unique opportunity to students with special needs,” said Yamani Watkins, spokesperson for The DJ Coach. “We believe that music has the power to bring people together and help individuals express themselves in new and creative ways, and we look forward to seeing the impact this enrichment program will have on students who learn in a unique way.”
For more information about the program, please email advancement@switzercenter.org. Both Switzer Learning Center and The DJ Coach look forward to providing this unique and collaborative opportunity to neurodivergent students in Torrance and surrounding communities.
Switzer Learning Center, is a CA state-certified nonpublic school in Los Angeles that caters to students with special needs and learning differences. Our school, located in Torrance, is dedicated to providing exceptional education and support to students aged 10-22 through our Middle School, High School, and Adult Transition educational programs; Arts Enrichment Programming; and Therapeutic Support. And, we partner with multiple school districts across the county.
At Switzer Learning Center, we understand that every student has unique needs. That’s why we offer a range of programs that are tailored to meet the specific needs of each student. Our Arts Enrichment Programming, which includes the Learn to DJ program starting this fall, provides students with opportunities to explore their creativity and develop new skills. We also offer Social Skills Programs, such as the PEERS Social Skills Program, to help students develop the skills they need to build positive relationships with their peers. Our low student to instructor/aide ratios ensure that every student receives the individual attention they need to thrive. Our team of credentialed teachers, classroom support providers, board-certified professionals, and school therapists and counselors are dedicated to providing the highest quality education and support to our students. At Switzer Learning Center, we believe that learning should be fun and engaging. That’s why we take our students on community-based intervention and educational visits to local museums, parks, restaurants, movies, and more. We also provide iPads and computers for student learning and STEM curriculum. We understand that getting to and from school can be a challenge for many families. That’s why we offer student pick-up and drop-off services to make the process as easy and stress-free as possible.
If you’re looking for a nonpublic school that provides exceptional education and support for students with special needs, look no further than Switzer Learning Center. Contact us today to learn more about our programs and how we can help your child thrive at 310.328.3611 or email Advancement at switzercenter.org.
Art Enrichment Program Launches in Torrance, CA for Students with Special Needs
TORRANCE, CA, UNITED STATES, May 1, 2023/EINPresswire.com/ — Switzer Learning Center Arts Enrichment Program for students with Special Needs launched programming for neurodivergent and differently-abled students in L.A. County on April 03, 2023.
The Center provides educational, therapeutic, and social skills programs for individuals ages ten and up with special needs. In this new, arts-focused program, students will learn about, experience, and create through hands-on art projects that will measure and evaluate changes in students’ motivation toward learning and achievement in core subjects utilizing teaching strategies that best promote learning through the arts. The arts program occurs after school with special programming hours offered during school break periods and is offered at no cost to Switzer students. There are plans to expand programming for all neurodivergent community members. Activities will be held directly on Switzer Learning Center’s campus in Torrance, CA.
Funding for the program is provided by ARP EANS, which aids eligible non-public schools in addressing the effects of learning loss during COVID-19. Community supporters include Los Angeles L.A. County Supervisor Janice Hahn, Torrance Refining Company, and the California Arts Council (CAC). “As a community partner for many decades, and supporter of STEAM education, we were excited to provide $10,000 in seed funding to support Switzer’s vision to enhance their student’s learning experience through creative expression,” said Barbara Graham, Torrance Refinery Community Relations Manager.
The addition of arts programming offers opportunities that further reinforce Switzer Learning Center’s commitment to making high-quality programming accessible to all. The program aims to enhance student’s learning experience through innovative and creative programs. “I am pleased to support Switzer Learning Center’s Arts Enrichment program. I’m hopeful that this new program will help Switzer students build creativity and confidence, learn new ways to express themselves, and connect with their peers through music and art projects,” said Supervisor Janice Hahn. “Arts education is more important now than ever, and this program is an excellent addition to Switzer’s programming, not only during the regular school year but during break times when students need access to engaging activities.”
The Switzer Learning Center serves as a leader in the field of special needs education. Its work began under Dr. Janet Switzer’s direction in 1966. At that time, the Switzer Center was the first educational center to offer educational intervention programs to individuals on the Autism spectrum.
A series of Art Enrichment programs for neurodivergent and special needs students will be open to the public in the Summer of 2023. Visit www.SwitzerCenter.org for more information.
Funds from the gala will support the Center’s educational and therapeutic support programs for neurodivergent and special needs young people in L.A. County.
TORRANCE, CA, UNITED STATES, December 7, 2022 /EINPresswire.com/ — Switzer Learning Center, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to nurture neurodivergent and special needs young people to achieve success in school, believe in themselves and thrive as independent adults, hosted its first-annual Speakeasy Soirée philanthropic gala, on Saturday, December 3.
This year’s theme, Speakeasy Soirée, was a stunning success that showcased a sense of elegance and Speakeasy ambiance at the Shade Hotel in Redondo Beach. Guests dressed in their finest prohibition-themed costumes enjoyed hosted cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, a gourmet dinner, fabulous silent and live auction items, and speakeasy entertainment. At the Aprés Party on the Sky Level, D.J. Hapa set the vibe, and guests danced the night away. The Center raised about $50,000 during the event, benefiting the neurodivergent and special needs young people the organization serves throughout L.A. County.
“We were impressed and grateful at the turnout and amount of support we received,” said Jeremy Deming, CEO of Switzer Learning Center. “With little time, a small crew, and lots of hopes and dreams…our talented staff and event committee members were able to build a foundation for what will be the event not to miss in the South Bay region of L.A.”
This year’s gala honored donors, including the Marcil Family Foundation and co-founder Judy Borck, with Annual Fund Patron distinctions for their contributions over the years. Their support has significantly helped Switzer Learning Center to further its mission and to improve the educational and therapeutic services provided to neurodivergent and special needs students in grades 5-12.
Long-time Switzer Learning Center supporter and former Board Chair Barbara Graham, Community Relations Manager at Torrance Refining Company, was delighted to attend.
“It was an exciting evening for our Torrance Refining team, who enjoyed the spirit of the prohibition theme,” said Graham. “Beyond the fun, we were mesmerized by an alumni’s meaningful testimony emphasizing his success derived from attending Switzer and the importance of having such a life-changing organization in our community.”
Switzer Learning Center seeks volunteers interested in serving on the 2023 Events Committee. More information about 2023 events and details on how to get involved can be found at www.switzercenter.org.
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