California Youth Leadership Corps 

Fall 2024 - Spring 2025 Participant Application

The California Youth Leadership Corps (CYLC) is a transformative program designed to empower individuals from diverse and nontraditional backgrounds to create social change and make a positive impact on their communities. Our program spans three academic quarters, from Fall 2024 to Spring 2025, offering participants the opportunity to earn a Certificate in Leadership and Social Change from De Anza College.

Must be 18 years or older.

Priority will be given to individuals without post secondary credentials.

Class schedule below:

Fall Quarter: September 23rd - December 13th, 2024cylcflyer23

  • Leadership and Power (ICS27/POLY17)
  • Instructor: Cynthia Kaufman
  • Schedule: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6:00 pm to 7:45 pm (via Zoom)

Winter Quarter: January 6th - March 28th, 2025

  • Critical Consciousness and Social Change (ICS 17)
  • Instructor: Cynthia Kaufman
  • Schedule: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6:00 pm to 7:45 pm (via Zoom)

Spring Quarter: April 8th - June 28th, 2024

  • Making a Difference: Transforming Relations of Nature, Community, and Power (ICS 19)
  • Instructor: Staff (TBA)
  • Schedule: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6:00 pm to 7:45 pm (via Zoom)

In addition to the core classes mentioned above, participants will engage in a 2-unit asynchronous internship class during each quarter. Students will be placed with partner organizations that do various social justice-centered work in our communities, allowing them to gain hands-on experience. The expectation is a 10 hour commitment per week for the community internship throughout the entire duration of the program.

Participants have the opportunity to earn up to $10,000 for their active involvement in the program. Additionally, they will have their educational expenses covered, as well as the chance to receive a completion bonus. The total benefits received, including earnings, educational support, and bonuses, can be up to $15,000!

To apply please visit: https://forms.gle/ey5rjx3kRVT1bbSu5

Deadline: June 1, 2024

Fall 2024 - Spring 2025 Mentor Application 

Interested in being a mentor for the CYLC 24-25 program?

As a mentor in CYLC, you play a crucial role in empowering and supporting students in their educational journey. By committing to be a mentor, you are making a meaningful impact on their lives and helping them create positive change in their communities.

As a CYLC mentor, you will:

  • Provide academic support to students inside the classroom, assisting with content understanding and navigating online platforms.
  • Offer assistance to help mentees stay organized and on top of their tasks.cyclmentorflyer23
  • Provide emotional support, creating a safe and confidential space for mentees to share and seek guidance.
  • Collaborate with program staff to identify and address any external resource needs (e.g., food, shelter, technology access).
  • Communicate with CYLC staff in a timely manner regarding any issues that arise.
  • Meet with assigned mentees at least every other week, fostering a supportive mentor-mentee relationship.
  • Host 9, 90-minute empathy groups with CYLC participants throughout the quarter. Weeks 3 -12.
  • Demonstrate a willingness to learn and actively support fellow mentors and program staff.
  • Participate in mentor training and development activities to enhance mentoring skills and knowledge.

Eligibility:

  • Completion of De Anza's Leadership and Social Change certificate is strongly preferred.
  • Be available to attend the required classes listed above.
  • Possess excellent follow-through and communication skills.
  • Be willing to learn and support fellow mentors and program staff.
  • Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
  • Willingness to participate in mentor intensive training for three weeks leading up to the start of the school year.

Participants have the opportunity to earn up to $15,000 for their active involvement in the 9-month program.

Join us in fostering a supportive environment and empowering the next generation of leaders.

To apply please visit: https://forms.gle/hRcvDnP12DccwbXv6

Deadline: June 1, 2024

Community Partners:

If you are a community organization and would like to supervise a CYLC member at your site, please fill ut the following intake form: https://forms.gle/TxSEHSMkwwRtao3DA

CYLC is able to offer an $8,000 stipend  per school year for each student you host. Up to $32,000 annually.

For more information Click here to Download a one-page summary of the program (UPDATED ONE ATTACHED TO EMAIL)

Further questions? Please contact Brenda Carrillo, Program Coordinator, romerocarrillobrenda@fhda.edu  or Cynthia Kaufman, VIDA director, kaufmancynthia@deanza.edu

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