Endowment for Youth Committee
Endowment for Youth Committee
About EYC
The Endowment for Youth Committee provides educational, cultural and recreational opportunities for youth on the South Coast of Santa Barbara County.
Our Mission
Provide opportunities for underrepresented students residing in the South Coast of Santa Barbara County to become the best version of themselves by establishing programs, activities and events which offer the pursuit of academic excellence, internship opportunities, recreational, and cultural experiences that are stimulating and meaningful.
Our History
Founded by Melvin Richey and Cliff Lambert in response to crack cocaine trafficking on Santa Barbara’s Eastside. Early meetings at the Franklin Neighborhood Center brought together residents, public officials and the Santa Barbara Police Department’s Narcotics division.
EYC programs included the Putting It Back tutorial at Cleveland Elementary, Summer Science Camp at SBCC, SMET, Yes I Can, the Black Achievement Awards, the Future Black Leaders Conference, the Tournament of Champions, the Pre-Christmas and MLK tournaments, A Night of Jazz at the Lobero and SOhO, and Black History Month flags on State Street.
EYC established a Permanent Endowed Fund at the Santa Barbara Foundation.
EYC closed its offices.
Guy Walker, Chris Johnson and Cliff Lambert revived EYC as a resource hub and scholarship provider.
EYC became the fiscal sponsor of the Lompoc Teen Center.
Cliff Lambert was named Board President, with a new mission, vision and board.
Building a Legacy
In 2001, Cliff and Thelma Lambert made a $50,000 founding gift to establish EYC’s endowed fund at the Santa Barbara Foundation. Today the fund has grown to about $500,000.
In 2005, Cliff took out a $100,000 life insurance policy naming EYC as its beneficiary, so the work continues for generations to come.
“I make my living by what I do, but, I measure my life by my ability to give back to others.”
— Cliff Lambert, Co-Founder and Board President