YCD’s model is underpinned by the idea that when students are empowered, schools become more inclusive and justice-oriented.
Problem to be Solved
YCD exists because many students do not feel safe, accepted, or respected in school and do not reach their educational potential. These feelings may arise from any number of challenges or social dynamics, including racism, white supremacy, sexism, misogyny, homophobia, transphobia, ableism, xenophobia, economic inequality, anti-Semitism, Islamophobia, and other forms of oppression.
Common outcomes for students that derive from these forms of oppression include late graduation, dropping out of school, economic insecurity, drug use, crime and violence, homelessness, emotional distress, mental illness or even attempts at suicide.
YCD programs aim to change these patterns and paths for better outcomes, and we have empirical data to show their effectiveness.
YCD’s Intervention
Our programs leverage student-led clubs, groups, and experiences focused on social justice and inclusion in order to teach and develop core skills for program participants.
- First, students organize with peers to form anti-oppression clubs and groups. These groups can be grounded in a single identity (i.e. Black Student Alliance) or across identities (i.e. inclusion or diversity club).
- Club participants go through a series of exercises and workshops to bond, foster dialogue on the social issues affecting their school, and develop a common sense of purpose.
- Students attend YCD conferences, virtual trainings, or other events to learn more deeply about the issues they have identified from authentic, local experts.
- Finally, students are challenged to create an action project of their own design to be implemented locally to advance inclusion and justice.
Core Skills
YCD-affiliated clubs, groups, trainings, conferences, discussions, and experiences develop these core skills and associated qualities in our program participants:
Identity
Students learn to define and explain their identity, values, and beliefs. Identity and its complexity is a foundational concept explored in early part of the YCD Program.
Key outcome 1
Figures from the 2022-2023 program year; rankings out of 10
I can define and explain my identity, values and beliefs.
Colorado students reported an increase
8.07 → 9.12
New Mexico students reported an increase
7.95 → 8.38
Authenticity
Students learn the importance of being authentic when interacting with others who are different. Building community requires students to become vulnerable with one another, something that feels unnatural or uncomfortable for many teens.
Key outcome 2
Figures from the 2022-2023 program year; rankings out of 10
I am proud of my identity.
Colorado students reported an increase
8.77 → 9.39
New Mexico students reported an increase
8.63 → 8.67
Perspective taking
Students learn to respect those who are different, see things from their point of view, and show them empathy. This skill becomes key in bridging divides and building coalitions for change.
Key outcome 3
Figures from the 2022-2023 program year; rankings out of 10
I feel that I respect those who are different and show them empathy.
Colorado students reported an increase
9.20 → 9.48
New Mexico students reported an increase
9.21 → 9.32
Communication
Students learn how to communicate openly and honestly with others to address social problems. We can’t address issues if we aren’t honest and in dialogue with one another.
Key outcome 4
Figures from the 2022-2023 program year; rankings out of 10
I feel that I can communicate openly and honestly with others to address social problems.
Colorado students reported an increase
7.98 → 8.91
New Mexico students reported an increase
7.72 → 8.08
Conflict resolution
Students learn specific strategies to navigate conflict when it arises. Conflict is natural and unavoidable; we need tools and skills to deal with it in a variety of contexts.
Key outcome 5
Figures from the 2022-2023 program year; rankings out of 10
I know I can navigate conflict when it arises with specific strategies.
Colorado students reported an increase
7.61 → 8.58
New Mexico students reported an increase
7.19 → 7.73
Collaboration
Students learn how to call upon allies and accomplices when facing oppression, discrimination, or an uncomfortable situation. Students can’t do this work alone, and need to know they can call on others when times get tough.
Key outcome 6
Figures from the 2022-2023 program year; rankings out of 10
I feel able to call on allies and accomplices when facing oppression, discrimination or an uncomfortable situation.
Colorado students reported an increase
7.55 → 8.82
New Mexico students reported an increase
7.51 → 7.93
Integrity
Students learn how to hold themselves accountable for the things they have said and done to others. Good intentions aren’t enough; impact of words and actions need accountability.
Key outcome 7
Figures from the 2022-2023 program year; rankings out of 10
I hold myself accountable for things I have said and done to others.
Colorado students reported an increase
8.83 → 9.21
New Mexico students reported an increase
8.75 → 8.89
Decision-making
Students learn strategies for making good choices when facing difficult decisions. Teens are faced with social dilemmas on a regular basis, and need tools to make positive choices in the face of peer pressure.
Key outcome 8
Figures from the 2022-2023 program year; rankings out of 10
I think I make good choices when facing difficult decisions.
Colorado students reported an increase
7.89 → 8.97
New Mexico students reported an increase
7.73 → 7.96
Activism
Students become engaged in making positive social change in their community or school. It’s not enough to want change; you must take action to make it happen.
Key outcome 9
Figures from the 2022-2023 program year; rankings out of 10
I feel engaged in making positive social change in my community or school.
Colorado students reported an increase
8.64 → 9.36
New Mexico students reported an increase
8.25 → 8.44
Vision
Our vision is that one day, every teen in America will feel safe, respected, and empowered to achieve their potential.