Youth Leadership Council
YLC is a leadership program for teens. We help young people build confidence, prepare for college and careers, serve their community, and connect with mentors. We want every student to have the support, opportunities, and skills they need to be successful in school and beyond.
20
Youth Participants
1
Officer Mentor
The Youth Leadership Council (YLC) was founded by five high school students from Watts and Compton who shared a common vision, to create opportunities for young people to be heard and make a difference. Together, they formed the organization’s first board, combining their ideas, experiences, and passion for helping their peers become leaders in their schools and communities.
YLC was created to recognize the importance of empowering young people to have a voice in the community. The founders believed that youth are not just the leaders of tomorrow, they are leaders today.
They envisioned a space where young people could develop the tools, skills, and confidence needed to create solutions to the challenges affecting their lives and their communities.
How It Began
How It’s Going
Today, the Youth Leadership Council continues to serve youth throughout Watts, Compton, and surrounding communities by providing leadership development, mentorship, service opportunities, and handson experiences that prepare young people to lead with purpose, inspire change, and make a lasting impact. One of our signature programs is C.A.N. (College Access Night), a monthly workshop designed to prepare students for life after high school. Through C.A.N., participants receive real-time guidance on writing college essays, exploring college and career pathways, learning about different majors, and gaining the knowledge and confidence needed to make informed decisions about their future.
YLC welcomes students in grades 8–12 who are eager to develop leadership skills, explore new opportunities, and prepare for success in college, careers, and their communities.
Monthly sessions happen every 3rd Wednesday in Compton, CA at St. Albert The Great School from 6:15pm – 7:30pm.
Be A Part of The Youth Leadership Council
Contact us to sign-up, donate, or get involved!
Kyle Powell has demonstrated a strong commitment to his future and to making the most of every opportunity YLC provides. He has been a dedicated member of the program since the 8th grade and is now a senior in high school. Throughout his time with YLC, Kyle has consistently shown up ready to learn, grow, and share the knowledge and experiences he has gained with others. He never misses a monthly CAN gathering, actively participates by asking thoughtful questions, and is always willing to put in the work needed to achieve his goals. His dedication, consistency, and eagerness to learn make him an outstanding representative of YLC and its mission.
Program Needs
Transportation
Funding
Mentors
YLC would benefit from continued resources, expanded funding, and the addition of more dedicated mentors to help sustain the safe and supportive space it provides for both current participants and future generations. Additional funding would also make it possible to secure reliable transportation, allowing YLC to offer more educational outings, college visits, leadership experiences, and other enriching opportunities that broaden our youth’s horizons and support their personal and academic growth.
Ways To Support
In partnership with Project Blue, law enforcement officers serve as mentors, positive role models, and trusted community partners for our youth.
YLC Officers play an important role in making College Access Night (C.A.N.) meaningful and inspiring for participants.
As peer leaders, they:
- Join the conversation by discussing the importance of preparing for college, careers, and life after high school.
- Share their personal journeys, including their successes, challenges, and lessons learned while navigating school, college, or career decisions.
- Encourage and motivate students to stay focused on their goals, even when they face obstacles or setbacks.
Officer Frazier is a valued mentor who attends our monthly College Access Night (C.A.N.) workshops. He invests in our high school students by sharing his experiences, encouraging them to stay focused on their education and future goals, and reminding them that challenges are opportunities for growth. His ongoing commitment has helped build trust and inspire our youth to believe in their potential.
The relationships our youth have built with law enforcement have given them the confidence to engage in healthy, open conversations with officers. These meaningful interactions bring different perspectives together, encourage understanding and respect, and help build trust.
