As we approach the end of 2024, we’re reflecting on a decade of work at Blue Sky Center. This summer marked our 10th anniversary, and we’re incredibly proud of the impact we’ve had in the Cuyama Valley over the years—creating a more resilient, thriving, and inclusive rural community. 

Over the past 10 years, we’ve worked alongside Cuyamans to launch initiatives addressing key challenges faced by rural communities like ours to grow meaningful programs deeply rooted in supporting local businesses, providing resources, and fostering community pride. 

As we look ahead to 2025, we’re committed to expanding our impact in several key areas:

1. Supporting The Cuyama Unified School District
   We’re partnering with the Cuyama Joint Unified School District to provide ongoing arts programming, to enrich the lives of students in a critically underfunded and geographically isolated California school district. Additionally, our "Made in Cuyama" Scholarship Program awards annual scholarships to high school seniors to provide necessary resources to apply towards pursuing higher education.

2. Improving Local Home Energy Systems
   Many homes in Cuyama Valley still rely on outdated, inefficient heating and electric systems from the 1950s. We’ve secured grants to upgrade local homes and improve the quality of life for local families.

3. Supporting Local Economic Resilience and Providing Entrepreneurial Support
   In a community facing the economic uncertainty of a dwindling groundwater supply, causing major employers to leave the area, we’re developing programs to provide training for new career paths and supporting local entrepreneurs with business development resources.

4. Advocating for Access to Broadband Internet
   With 1-in-7 households in Cuyama lacking access to broadband internet, residents are at a severe disadvantage when it comes to telehealth, remote work, and emergency communications. We are advocating at the local, state, and national levels to ensure that Cuyama remains a priority in California’s “Broadband for All” initiative, working towards the installation of middle-mile fiber along Highway 166.

5. Working to Protect Water Rights in the Valley-Wide Lawsuit
   Large agricultural companies have sued Cuyama residents, farms, and local organizations over water rights. This legal battle threatens the livelihoods of many who are already financially vulnerable. Blue Sky is providing legal advocacy and support to help protect our community's water rights, ensuring that local voices are heard in the fight for sustainable water use.

6. Improving Access to Emergency Services
   Due to our remote location, emergency response times in Cuyama Valley far exceed the national average. The nearest trauma centers are more than an hour away. Blue Sky Center maintains a private airstrip to provide essential transport for emergency medical evacuations, helping ensure that Cuyamans can access critical care when every second counts.

As a rural community with limited access to essential services, Cuyama Valley faces significant challenges. But with your help, we can continue to build on our successes and ensure a brighter future for the people who call this valley home.

Please consider donating today to keep our programs running and expand our efforts to address food insecurity, provide job training, improve access to education, and more.

Your donation, no matter the size, will have a direct impact on the lives of Cuyamans.