Connecting Compton

Connecting Compton is an arts and culture-based nonprofit organization serving community members in Compton, California. We provide arts and culture education (Ranch Camp) for youth and teens using the art forms of our traditional Mexican-American-based Equestrian and Agricultural arts. We work hard to connect the rising generation in the Compton, CA area to the land - teaching them the basics of Equestrian arts ( including horseback riding and horse etiquette, and basic animal care) as well as the traditional agricultural arts stemming from our region's Hispanic and Latinx roots. We conduct our classes on a working ranch within the Richland Farms area of Compton, a 10-block radius of Agricultural land with horses, chickens and goats. We also host several culturally-relevant Unity Horseback rides to bring awareness to Connecting Compton's mission and increase connection between our community members of all ages.

Our vision includes a future where the rising generation of Compton, California, and the Richland Farms Agriculturally Based neighborhood has a greater appreciation for the Equestrian Arts, Agricultural lifestyle, and the traditions of our Mexican-American, Hispanic, and Latinx culture. In all our youth-based programming, we believe we are moving closer to creating more connections and greater unity between the diverse residents and community members who reside in Compton, California,

Goal One: We currently host a summer enrichment program for youth and teens based in the Equestrian and Agricultural Arts (Ranch Camp). We would like to expand our organization's programming capacity to offer year-round enrichment programming and additional opportunities to offer equine-based therapy to participants of all skill levels and ages.

Goal Two: We would like to invest financially in our program to expand upon our youth-based Equine curriculum and utilize the additional funding to support the salaries of skilled Equestrian Arts Instructors. Future goals include building additional practice rings to increase the capacity of our programs - in this way we would serve more youth during each Ranch Camp cohort.

Goal Three: Connecting Compton's name reflects our goal - we seek to increase connections between our community members. Our overarching goal is to improve the enrichment and learning opportunities for the rising generation of Compton residents while also honoring our elders by teaching youth the traditional Equestrian-based and Agricultural-based activities of our Mexican-American and Latinx heritage.