Volunteers and Simpson University partner with Vista Preparatory Academy to pilot leadership program

Penny, director of Vine Dresser's House, told the Red Bluff City Council on Oct. 21 that her nonprofit is supporting Vista Preparatory Academy, the city's sole junior-high school, with a volunteer-led leadership program for nominated seventh- and eighth-grade students.

Penny described the program as a partnership with Simpson University and said it provides weekly leadership coaching that connects students with speakers ranging from education leaders to federal program staff. "This program is completely and utterly done by volunteer. Nobody is being paid except the beautiful teacher, Mister Stinson, who agreed to take on this program with me and the college and give his time to these special students," she said. Penny said students are nominated for the program and the year's theme is "What will you choose?" She said the program is a pilot intended to be replicated across other rural schools if successful.

A caller, David Burke, said his daughter attends Vista Preparatory School and confirmed the school is a Title I campus with needs; he said the school had started an "intro to ag" program and that community involvement could help. Councilmembers and staff encouraged broader community support; one councilmember noted a potential donation of a fruit orchard from a local nursery to support the school's new program.

Penny left printed information for council and the public and asked residents to consider volunteering or partnering with local service groups to support Vista students' academic and leadership development.