Youth 2 Leaders Educational Foundation Hosts Annual Educational Scholarship Ceremony

Youth 2 Leaders Educational Foundation (Y2LEF) recently hosted its annual scholarship ceremony honoring more than 30 students for educational excellence. These students have been selected to receive Y2LEF scholarships for their academic excellence, leadership, community service, and perseverance in pursuing higher education.

Each year, thanks to the generous support of donors and community partners, Y2LEF awards a variety of scholarships to help alleviate the financial burden of college and enable students from diverse backgrounds to reach their educational and career goals. The ceremony not only recognizes their hard work and dedication but also highlights the foundation’s ongoing commitment to empowering the next generation of leaders.

“Y2L started off as a scholarship distributor and has been a main focus of ours over the past 20 years. Awarding these scholarships is one of the most meaningful moments of our year. It reflects Y2L’s commitment to educational equity and our belief in the incredible promise of every student we serve,” says Gabriel Adame, President and CEO of Y2LEF. “These young leaders have earned this recognition, and we are proud to invest in their future. I want to thank all of the donors, supporters, and partners for always believing in our mission. This year, we look to distribute over 30 scholarships to students throughout Kern County.”

For more information, please visit www.youth2leaders.org.

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KCL Summer Reading Challenge and Free Lunch

Join the Kern County Libraries (KCL) for a summer full of reading, prizes, free meals, and a lot of fun. In July, KCL offers children a chance to “Level Up” their reading skills at the local library with its summer reading challenge. When participants read 10 books or for 10 hours, they will receive a free book from the Friends of the Kern County Library and other prizes while supplies last. Children and teens ages 2-18 can receive free lunch at select library locations. For more information, please visit www.kerncountylibrary.org.

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Wonderful Amenities Center Grand Opening

The Wonderful Company recently celebrated the grand opening of the Wonderful Amenities Center in Shafter. This vibrant new complex brings together workforce development, collaboration, wellness, and dining – all in one place.

The new Wonderful Amenities Center complex includes the Wonderful Career Center, supporting local talent through classrooms and career development resources, and a new office and conference center designed to foster collaboration and innovation. The center also features Wonderful La Cocina, a full-service restaurant offering in-café dining, catering, and delivery. Plans for the center consist of an urgent care clinic operated by a local health provider to serve WLC tenants and the surrounding community.

For more information, visit www.wonderful.com.

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IKEA Helps Build Homes for Local Veterans

CAPK recently shared that IKEA provided in-kind donations to fully furnish all 12 units of Covey Cottages, its permanent supportive housing program dedicated to serving homeless veterans in Kern County. The 12 units of Covey Cottages are 400-square-foot tiny homes for local veterans, and now, thanks to IKEA, each unit feels more like a home.

IKEA provided furniture and an amazing staff that came out to build and set up each unit, complete with essential furniture and household items such as beds, dining tables, and kitchen utensils. Covey Cottages is more than just housing; it’s a place where those who served our country can rebuild their lives with stability and support.

If you’d like to help local veterans through CAPK, please reach out to Catherine Anspach, Director of Development at canspach@capk.org.

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Kern River Valley Library Branch Reopens

The Kern River Valley Branch Library in Lake Isabella recently reopened its doors, and it’s better than ever. The branch has been closed since October 2024. A supportive and vocal proponent of the library, the Kern River Valley community has created a real sense of community through the library’s activities and resources. Thanks to Measure K, the library is now equipped with more materials, programs, and technology designed to inspire, educate, and connect with the Kern River Valley community.

For more information, please visit www.kerncountylibrary.org.

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Uber & Lyft Expand Rideshare at Meadows Field Airport

Beginning on July 1, 2025, travelers flying in and out of Meadows Field Airport will have enhanced transportation options. The Kern County Board of Supervisors has approved a new agreement allowing Uber Technologies, Inc. to operate at the William M. Thomas Terminal, joining Lyft in providing rideshare services for passengers.

Under this agreement, along with the renewal of Lyft’s existing 2018 contract, both Uber and Lyft will continue offering pick-up and drop-off services at Meadows Field Airport through June 30, 2028. These expanded rideshare options reinforce Kern County’s commitment to convenience, flexibility, and accessibility for residents and visitors.