What makes a community thrive? At United Way of Santa Cruz County, we believe it starts by listening to young people, walking alongside them, and trusting them to lead.
Every year, hundreds of youth across our county step into leadership roles through United Way of Santa Cruz County’s countywide United4Youth initiative. United 4Youth unites our youth-focused programs under a shared vision: to uplift youth voice, expand access to resources, and champion youth well-being. From Watsonville to Scotts Valley, youth are co-creating a stronger, more connected community, one where all young people are seen, supported, and empowered.
United4Youth brings together four core programs under this vision: The Youth Action Network, where young people take on leadership roles and serve as city liaisons. The Youth Participatory Action Research initiative, where youth lead research and advocate for the issues that matter most to them. Jóvenes Sanos, based in Watsonville, is a youth leadership program focused on reducing stigma and promoting wellness through peer-led efforts. In Scotts Valley, Pathways to Possibility equips youth to address Adverse Childhood Experiences through policy advocacy and expanded afterschool access.
“Youth are taught to listen. From an early age, we are conditioned to absorb information, listen and learn in school, listen and learn from authority figures. But rarely are encouraged to speak on their own experiences. Programs like Jóvenes Sanos and Youth Participatory Action Research change that by giving youth the tools and confidence to share their voices and empower others to do the same.” Gabriel, a long-time participant in Jóvenes Sanos /Youth Researcher
“Nowadays it feels like the burden is on the younger generations to fix the problems of the world. With so much information available, it can be overwhelming to imagine fixing major issues that couldn’t possibly be solved alone.” Adrian, Jovenes Sanos Participant.
This is why United4Youth is dedicated not to placing more responsibility on young people, but to creating the supportive spaces they need to THRIVE. We invite you to learn more about our initiatives and consider joining our efforts, whether through volunteering, partnering, or donating, to help expand our countywide reach and invest in the future leaders of our community.
Want to learn more? Explore highlights, impact stories, and countywide data in our latest United4Youth Annual Report at https://www.unitedwaysc.org/research-reports
Or volunteer at the annual Stuff the Bus Event next year.
Stuff the Bus is more than a backpack, it’s a commitment to ensuring every student starts the school year prepared and confident. The Santa Cruz County Office of Education and United Way of Santa Cruz County join forces to collect school supplies for students in need.
The County Office of Education estimates that over 2,700 K-12 students in Santa Cruz County are currently experiencing homelessness or extreme hardship. Stuff the Bus aims to fill over 2,500 backpacks with new school supplies, helping students focus on learning, build positive self-esteem, and stay engaged in school.
Join us in sending our youth back to school with the tools they need to succeed.
Comcast is proud to sponsor this column, which features the great work of non-profit groups supporting the Santa Cruz community.
