Lompoc Teen Center jazz fundraiser to support youth programs, career pathways | Education

The evening event, scheduled from 5:45 to 9:45 p.m., will feature live music, hors d’oeuvres, wine, auction items and performances by local teens.

Acclaimed saxophonist Paul Taylor is set to headline the night, joined by winners of the 2025 Lompoc Teens’ Got Talent competition.

VIP admission is $100 and includes a private reception, preferred seating, a live auction and meet-and-greet opportunities with featured artists.

Organizers said the event typically draws more than 150 guests each year.

The fundraiser underscores the broader work of the Lompoc Teen Center, which recently hosted its second Pathways: A Career Conference for Teens at Lompoc High School.

More than 100 students from across the Lompoc Valley attended the Nov. 15 conference despite significant rain, organizers said.

The conference, held in partnership with Allan Hancock College, Lompoc Unified School District and community organizations, offered students in grades 7 through 12 hands-on workshops, a career and college fair, and direct engagement with professionals in fields including engineering, nursing, cybersecurity, union trades and animal science.

Santa Barbara County 3rd District Supervisor Joan Hartmann delivered the keynote address outlining the Lompoc Youth Workforce Pipeline initiative, which aims to connect education, training and local employment opportunities.

Students who previously completed paid summer internships through the teen center also presented their projects, describing how earlier conference networking led to real-world experience.

For a list of live auction items up for bid, door prizes, and to purchase tickets for the Jan. 17 fundraiser, visit lompocteencenter.org/events.