25 Jun SCYEA Youth Leaders Graduate With the Knowledge to Impact the World
For more than 29 years, South Central Youth Empowered thru Action’s (SCYEA’s) purpose has been to develop the next generation of empowered youth leaders and their parents to improve public education, close the achievement gap, and dismantle the “School-to-Prison Pipeline.” CoCo youth leaders learn the principles of community organizing and skills that develop their individual leadership styles. Most importantly, as these young leaders graduate from high school they will use their power and impact to transform their communities and the world.
Madeline J Orellana Alfaro, Augustus Hawkins High School CHAS
Why did you join SCYEA ?
I joined AHYEA & SCYEA because they spoke about mistreatment in my community that I have seen since I was a kid. SCYEA is a space in which youth have a voice to speak about the injustices in South Central especially for people of color.
What did you learn or enjoyed working on the most (ex. campaigns)?
What I learned is how there’s so much power in numbers and that although we are young, we are allowed to speak up. I also enjoyed seeing other kids around me speaking on injustice and serious events.
What are your next steps, post graduation?
My next steps are to either apply to social justice fellowships for a year and later apply to community college or I might just apply to community college and apply to different organizations to help my community while in school.
Makailah Jenkins, Washington Prep HS
Why did you join SCYEA?
I joined SCYEA in 2017, when I was facing really traumatic things in my household. I wasn’t doing well in school. I wasn’t receiving the basic care and necessities in my home. But I was understanding to the fact that most of the people in my community are facing at least one of the things I named, specifically youth. So I joined SCYEA to build community with my peers while also fighting back against things and systems that hold Black and Brown youth back from achieving their goals.
What did you learn or enjoyed working on the most (ex. campaigns)?
Something I truly enjoyed about being in SCYEA were the campaigns and rallies we were a part of. My favorite thing we worked on was SENI 2.0, considering it worked to bring funds to low income schools. This brought everyone from different cities and organizations together for the same reason. I learned so much from SCYEA! Specifically, how to organize especially when you’re faced with adversity.
What are your next steps, post graduation?
My next steps are San Francisco State University! I plan to study Sociology and/or Race Resistance studies. With that degree, I plan to continue my organizing work in South Central. I want to work in a nonprofit organization that specializes in dismantling oppressive practices within educational systems, in our neighborhoods/communities and beyond.
Sintia Juarez, Augustus Hawkins High School CHAS
Why did you join SCYEA ?
I joined SCYEA because this space helped me become more outspoken, to not be afraid to use my voice and stand up for what I think is wrong.
What did you learn or enjoyed working on the most (ex. campaigns)?
I enjoyed working on myself through SCYEA to be a better person and to learn that hard work does pay off. I have a lot of dedication in me and I won’t stop ’til I make it in life.
What are your next steps, post graduation?
My next steps are to attend West LA College and ultimately go into dentistry and business. I am currently working on scholarships to help me with my next steps.
Kawika Smith, Verbum Dei High School
Why did you join SCYEA ?
Being part of SCYEA has helped me strengthen my advocacy skills, which will be necessary for college.
What did you learn or enjoyed working on the most (ex. campaigns)?
We don’t win by accepting the circumstances and holding our heads down, hoping to find a way to come out on top. Gone are the days of ‘that’s just how it is.’ We have to demand equity.
What are your next steps, post graduation?
Next Fall, I will be a Freshman at Morehouse College with a full academic scholarship thanks to the generosity of the Wings Foundation. My future includes redirecting power to the youth of color, the ones always on the front line, and doing the work necessary to achieve equity.
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