YCD is a youth-led leadership and activism training program, where students ages 11-18 can build community, develop their identity and self-confidence, learn critical skills for advocacy and changemaking, and ignite a passion for advancing inclusion and justice in our communities.
The YCD Experience
Whether you have an existing club or want to start something new, YCD offers guidance and support to help you and your group advance inclusion and social justice.
Organize
Create a youth-led club or group to advance inclusion and justice in your school or community, or register an existing club/group.
Train
Learn valuable life skills and strategies you need to be an inclusive and authentic leader for social change and justice!
Educate
Join regular meetings and conferences/events to educate your peers and yourself on the social issues of your choosing.
Take Action
Create a project of your own design to make your school or community more inclusive, equitable and just.
Upcoming Events
September 13, 2025
Denver, CO
The YCD Changemakers Gala: Dream Loud, Stand Proud
Join us on Saturday, September 13, 2025 at the Denver Art Museum to DREAM LOUD and STAND PROUD as we celebrate and empower youth working for inclusion and justice!
Who and What We Fight For
We’re building a grassroots movement of students and educators organizing locally, fighting for social justice, and making schools safe and inclusive for all identities.
Conflict Resolution
We provide young people with strategies to peacefully and effectively address and resolve conflicts with friends, family, peers and others. MORE >>
Disability Justice and Youth
We build understanding, empathy and connections between disabled youth and their peers to envision a world without ableism. MORE >>
Economic Justice
We educate young people on economic inequality; strategies and resources to address these challenges; and their role in creating economic justice for all. MORE >>
Gender Justice and Equity
We support young people leading the way in abolishing gender stereotypes, advancing gender equity, and creating a world free of misogyny. MORE >>
Immigrant and Refugee Youth
We help students engage with immigrant and refugee peers, break down stereotypes, and create welcoming spaces for everyone in our schools and communities. MORE >>
Inclusive Sports and Activities
We support student athletes and activity participants making their teams and groups inclusive and welcoming for everyone’s benefit. MORE >>
Interfaith Dialogue and Cooperation
We empower and connect young people to speak and work across religious traditions to build community and advance social justice. MORE >>
LGBTQ+ Youth
We affirm everyone’s right to love whomever they love, and to make schools safe for all identities, especially LGBTQ youth. MORE >>
Mental Wellness and Healthy Relationships
We support teens building healthy relationships and combating suicide, anxiety, stress and other challenges so that young people can focus on achieving in school. MORE >>
Racial Justice and Anti-Racism
We challenge young people to recognize the impact of race and racism on American culture while also envisioning a future without racism. MORE >>
Student Activism
We provide young people with training and tools to build coalitions, call out injustice, and actively work for positive social change. MORE >>
Teaching for Equity and Social Justice
We train educators to play a critical support role for students learning about and addressing inequity and injustice, both in and out of the classroom. MORE >>
