California Youth Leadership Corps 

Fall 2023 - Spring 2024 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 2023 to Spring 2024, offering participants the opportunity to earn a Certificate in Leadership and Social Change from De Anza College.

Must be 18 years or older.

Class schedule below:

Fall Quarter: September 25th - December 15th, 2023cylcflyer23

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

Winter Quarter: January 8th - March 29th, 2024

  • 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 approximately 10 - 13 hours of 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!

Applications are currently CLOSED for the '23-'24 school year.

Fall 2023 - Spring 2024 Mentor Application 

Interested in being a mentor for the CYLC 23-24 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.
  • 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.cyclmentorflyer23
  • 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.

Applications are currently CLOSED for the '23-'24 school year.

Community Partners:

If you are a community organization and would like to supervise a CYLC member at your site, we are able to offer an $8,000 stipend  per school year for each student you host. Up to $32,000 annually. 

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