ARC Imperial Valley students showcase talent at Amplify Event

EL CENTRO, Calif. (KYMA) - Students from the ARC program showcased their creativity and skills during the IV Amplify event Saturday.

The event highlighted the culmination of work the students have been doing throughout the year, including dance, band, cooking, and art projects.

ARC offers after school programs for students in k-12 public schools in the county, providing a safe place for children to complete their homework and engage in activities.

Brad Lupien, ARC CEO and founder, told our newsroom that the event was a way for students to share their progress with their families.

"Whatever skills that they're learning at their individual schools, they come together at amplify events to demonstrate mastery," he said.

Roger Rascon, the Director of Programs for the Imperial Valley said the ARC program serves 15 school sites, and has over 800 students enrolled county-wide.

"We focus more on skill building. We focus more on building confidence for students, and today is our annual ARC Amplify event, where we actually celebrate all 15 school sites," he told KYMA.

The day kicked off with an address by Jeff Gonzalez, Assemblyman for California's 36th District.

Gonzalez shared how after school programs helped him achieve his goals.

"Because of those after-school programs and my time in the military, it absolutely changed the trajectory of my life. So many times, we become victims of our circumstances, and I tell kids nowadays, don't let your current circumstances dictate your future dreams," Gonzalez said.