In-School
- Best fit
- Elective, advisory or arts class
- Typical schedule
- 1–2 class periods a week
- Suggested duration
- One semester (12–18 weeks)
- School role
- Class period, room, teacher of record
- YBTC role
- Curriculum, facilitation, tools, showcase
Student voice belongs in the learning experience.
Bring a structured, project-based arts, media and leadership experience to your students.
Why it works in schools
- 01
Student Voice + Agency
Students gain structured opportunities to express ideas, make decisions and advocate for meaningful change.
- 02
Belonging + Purpose
Collaborative projects help students build confidence, relationships and stronger connections to school.
- 03
Real-World Skills
Students practice communication, research, collaboration, leadership, project management, media production and public presentation.
- 04
Community Connection
Projects can connect schools with local organizations, causes, mentors and community leaders.
- 05
Relevant Learning
Students work on issues connected to their interests, perspectives, communities and lived experiences.
Implementation options
Typical setups for each format. Every schedule and role is confirmed with the school during program design.
Afterschool
- Best fit
- Clubs and after-school programs
- Typical schedule
- 2 sessions a week, 90 minutes
- Suggested duration
- 12–24 weeks
- School role
- Space, recruitment, program lead
- YBTC role
- Facilitators, curriculum, mentors
Expanded Learning
- Best fit
- ELO-P and extended-day programs
- Typical schedule
- 2–3 sessions a week
- Suggested duration
- 12–24 weeks
- School role
- Site coordinator, cohort, space
- YBTC role
- Full program delivery + documentation
Intersession
- Best fit
- Winter, spring and summer breaks
- Typical schedule
- Daily intensive
- Suggested duration
- 2–4 week sprint
- School role
- Enrollment and campus access
- YBTC role
- Intensive curriculum + public showcase
Community Schools
- Best fit
- Community school partnerships
- Typical schedule
- Weekly, flexible timing
- Suggested duration
- 12–24 weeks
- School role
- Community school coordinator
- YBTC role
- Program + community partner links
Arts Education
- Best fit
- Prop 28 arts and media pathways
- Typical schedule
- Weekly within the arts block
- Suggested duration
- One semester or full year
- School role
- Arts lead, class time
- YBTC role
- Teaching artists, tools, yearbook
Leadership Programs
- Best fit
- ASB, student voice and leadership
- Typical schedule
- Weekly leadership session
- Suggested duration
- 12–24 weeks
- School role
- Advisor and student leaders
- YBTC role
- Campaign coaching + facilitation
Career Exploration
- Best fit
- CTE and college + career pathways
- Typical schedule
- Weekly, with mentor visits
- Suggested duration
- One semester
- School role
- Pathway lead, industry links
- YBTC role
- Creative-industry mentors + portfolio
School partnership model
- School Goal
- Program Design
- Student Cohort
- Creative Project
- Public Showcase
- Yearbook + Documentation
School priorities
YOU Be The Change can complement school and district priorities related to:
- Arts Education
- Expanded Learning
- Student Voice + Engagement
- Community Schools
- College + Career Readiness
- Leadership Development
- Media + Digital Literacy
- Social-Emotional Learning
- Civic Engagement
Funding Support
Potential sources
- Proposition 28
- ELO-P
- ESSA Title IV-A
- California Community Schools Partnership Program
- CTEIG
- Perkins V
- WIOA Youth
- Local funding
- Philanthropy
Funding eligibility and allowable expenditures depend on implementation, student population, funding source and local education agency requirements.