Investing in Lompoc’s Youth

FUTURE for Lompoc Youth was born from a passion to empower the next generation of Lompoc residents. Co-founded by Chuck Madson, DeVika Stalling, and Tim Harrington, the nonprofit focuses on providing Lompoc youth with the skills, resources, and opportunities they need to succeed. Each founder brings a unique perspective, shaped by personal experiences to create a community-driven approach prioritizing young people’s needs.

Chuck Madson understands how limited opportunities can feel, especially during challenging times. After battling substance abuse and incarceration in his youth, he transformed his life and became a certified addiction treatment specialist. He realized many young people in Lompoc struggled with isolation and lack of support, even before the pandemic. This insight led him to co-found FUTURE for Lompoc Youth with Stalling, who has over 14 years of experience as a director at the Lompoc Boys & Girls Club, and Harrington, a seasoned business consultant, with strong community ties. Together, they created an organization that listens to youth and tailors programming to their needs.

At FUTURE for Lompoc Youth, programming is shaped by the students themselves. A survey of local youth aged 14-21 revealed their primary needs included mentorship, career learning opportunities, and access to local colleges. In response, the organization developed weekly meetings that foster skill-building, trust, and communication, along with career development and civic engagement programs.

One notable initiative was the introduction of Allan Hancock College’s career readiness academy at Lompoc High School, marking the school’s first offering of such a program. This initiative equips students with essential workforce skills, including interview techniques and résumé writing. Beyond classroom learning, FUTURE organizes visits to colleges, Vandenberg Space Force Base, and local employers like the City of Lompoc and Lompoc Valley Medical Center.

“Students learn about local career opportunities and can ask questions directly,” says Madson. “But FUTURE is about more than exposure; it’s about creating real-world opportunities and fostering local empowerment.”

FUTURE’s efforts extend beyond career preparation. The nonprofit also offers a mentorship program, where community members commit to guiding students for a year. In partnership with UCLA’s Chicano Studies Research Center, they host the California Freedom Summer program, emphasizing voter registration and civic engagement. Many FUTURE students have engaged in local politics, advocating for school bond measures and the redistribution of cannabis tax revenues toward youth services.

The impact has been significant. In just three years, many participants have started giving back, with first-year members stepping up as mentors. “It’s rewarding to see our youth take advantage of the opportunities we provide,” Stalling reflects. “Their hope and potential inspire us to continue expanding our programs.”

FUTURE knows “Youth have the power to shape the future by stepping up today. When young people get involved in their communities, they don’t just witness change they create it. Their passion, energy, and fresh ideas are the seeds of a legacy that will outlast them, inspiring future generations to rise up, take action, and leave the world better than they found it.”