Youth Leadership Institute

10/16/2026

Earlier this month, yli’s Training and Consulting Services Department joined the Hayward Unified School District (HUSD) Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) at the Region 4 Expanded Learning Summit to highlight this innovative work.

yli and HUSD YEP led two hour-long workshops for summit participants. Our workshop highlighted the collaboration between Hayward Unified School District’s Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) and Youth Leadership Institute (yli) to strengthen authentic youth voice and leadership in expanded learning.

Designed for district leaders, community-based organizations, and after-school site coordinators, participants explored how to create meaningful leadership opportunities where youth shape program design, take ownership of projects, and lead change with staff support. Participants learned how YPAR can be a vehicle for effective youth-adult partnerships, real-world youth-led change. Participants left with a practical roadmap for developing youth leadership structures in their own expanded learning programs.

Is your school or school district interested in exploring YPAR in your expanded learning programming? Connect with us at [email protected] to learn more about how yli can support your expanded learning programming.

10/14/2026

10/01/2026

We asked the new ✨ Marin County Youth Commission what they’re most exciting about as they begin work in their communities.

Watch to learn what they can’t wait to do!

09/29/2026

Ever wanted to know all about juvenile justice. Now is the time! ⏰

Join us virtually for our community forum with UC Irvine guest speaker Dr. Cauffman as she dives deep into youth recidivism.

📆 October 8
⏰10am-12pm
📍register through zoom

09/28/2026

Leadership creates wins for the entire community!

At Youth Leadership Institute, we believe that equipping young people with the tools and support to lead is an investment in the strength of our communities.

Just like in the Eastern Coachella Valley, where youth helped lead a mental health roundtable that sparked conversations about mental health stigma.

These moments matter. When young people are given the opportunity to lead, they don’t just build their own leadership skills; they help create change that reaches their entire community.

09/21/2026

Leadership isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about finding your voice, trusting your perspective, and realizing that your ideas have the power to create change! ✨

And for Sanjna, that journey started through yli's programs. Missed her full interview? Check it out on our YouTube channel now! 💫

09/18/2026

What changes when communities have a real voice in deciding where resources go?

In Stanislaus County, we partnered with residents to strengthen their leadership capacity through Resident-Led Grantmaking.

Through Youth Leadership Institute's Training and Consulting Services, residents gained the skills and confidence to participate meaningfully in funding decisions and help determine where resources could have the greatest impact in their communities.

But the work wasn’t just about grantmaking. It was about creating spaces where people felt comfortable showing up as themselves, sharing their experiences, and bringing their ideas to the table.

The result? Stronger community engagement, increased leadership capacity, and more inclusive, community-driven decision-making.

Stanislaus Community Foundation's Program Officer, Umeeka Sheena shared:
“What stood out most to me was their ability to build genuine relationships and create spaces where people felt comfortable showing up as themselves, sharing their experiences, and contributing their ideas.”

We believe communities should have a meaningful role in shaping the decisions and investments that affect them. And when residents and young people have the tools, support, and opportunity to lead, they can help build stronger communities from the ground up.

Is your city or foundation interested in exploring Resident-Led Grantmaking? Connect with us at [email protected] to learn more about how yli can support your community-led grantmaking efforts.

09/18/2026

Meet the ✨brand new ✨2026 Marin County Youth Commission!

We asked our newest commissioners one question: What inspired you to join?

Over the coming months, we’ll be introducing you to the young people behind the commission, sharing their ideas, priorities, and the work they’re doing to make their communities stronger.

Want to learn more about the Marin County Youth Commission, what it does, and how young people can get involved? Check out our website for more information!

Stay tuned for more from the 2026 cohort. 👀

09/17/2026

Civic power starts with young people! ✨

yli is proud to be a Fellow Advocate Sponsor for the California Center for Civic Participation inaugural Capitol Backyard Party, bringing together 500+ people to connect, build community, and strengthen civic participation across California.

We’re investing in a future where young people not only have a voice but they have the power, tools, and opportunities to shape the decisions that impact their lives and communities! 🎉

Sacramento
October 4, 2026 | 10 AM–4 PM
One day before ballots go out, let’s build power!

Check out CalCenter and learn more about their work at
californiacenter.org

09/15/2026

Are you a San Francisco youth attending Abraham Lincoln HS, George Washington HS, or Mission HS interested in extracurricular? Then join us!

LYNC, WPX3, and MPACT are social justice storytelling paid-learning internship programs where youth leaders come together to learn about the harms and risks associated with substance use and how it impacts the health and wellness of their communities. Youth will also to learn storytelling skills to help amplify their wants and dreams for their communities.

Scan the QR code for our interest form! 🌟