Youth Fund USA programs are organized around three strategic pillars that work together to create comprehensive support for America's youth. Each program integrates technology and data-driven approaches to maximize impact.
Pillar 1: Economic Mobility
Programs focused on creating pathways to financial independence and wealth building.
YOUTH JOBS PROGRAM
Learn More: Youth Jobs Campaign
Scholarships & Grants
The Fund and its' college, university, technical school and community college partners come together annually to award up to twenty-five (25) full tuition, room, board and book scholarships to youth who are accepted, and choose to attend an institution of higher learning within their region.
The Fund makes grants available to youth led and youth serving organizations twice a year. In the fall cycle up to ten $25,000 grants are awarded. In our spring grant cycle up to twenty $5000 grants are made. We also manage a 'Start Up' Fund that takes applications on a rolling basis.
Pillar 2: Future Workforce
Programs focused on preparing youth for careers in STEM, trades, and technology-augmented fields.
Resource Clearinghouse
The Fund is a resource clearinghouse that has curated programs and opportunities for youth, and has organized them in an online database with interactive Beltline map of programs by neighborhood. The network of youth led and youth serving organizations typically fall under:
- STEM and technology
- trades and apprenticeships
- entrepreneurship
- academics
- women and girls in STEM
- performing arts
- work readiness and internship programs
In addition to the out-of-school time programs listed, the Fund lists resources for youth facing homelessness and financial hardship.
Affordable Housing
Youth Fund USA supports affordable housing initiatives for young people through strategic partnerships with housing organizations and mixed-use developments. We work to create housing opportunities that are accessible to youth pursuing education, skills development, and career pathways. Our housing support programs are designed to help young people transition to stable, independent living while they build the skills and experience needed for long-term economic mobility.
Pillar 3: Justice & Policy
Programs focused on building power, organizing, and driving systemic change through policy advocacy.
sub/urban justice
Every year high school students from participating communities apply, are interviewed and chosen to participate in this program.
We meet to build community, learn community organizing and social justice principles, and develop our leadership skills. We learn about our communities' histories together and each bring our unique youth perspective to the conversation. We play key leadership roles in Youth Fund USA, receive a stipend, and are called upon when youth representatives are needed. We represent a group of individuals and organizations committed to transforming our suburban and urban communities by supporting youth to develop a social justice perspective, and empowering them with the leadership skills to make positive changes in their schools and communities. We currently work with many different organizations across the country to build a broad and effective network implementing social justice policies and practices nationwide. We invite you to participate, collaborate, and help create the change we so desperately need.
Data-Driven Advocacy: Through data analysis from our surveys, we identify the most pressing issues facing youth and mobilize evidence-based advocacy efforts. Youth organizers use this data to make compelling arguments for increased youth funding in municipal, state, and federal budgets.
CIRCLES
In practice we aim to create a space in schools for youth to share their stories, find their voice, and take action collectively as a conscious youth empowerment movement. We believe that youth should feel safe to be their most authentic self and connect with each other in meaningful ways. In Circles we do our teaching, learning, community building, organizing and healing through four interrelated methods: Liberation Pedagogy (Popular Education), Restorative Justice, Emotional Literacy, and the Recovery Model. Once a week undergrad volunteers facilitate a Circle story sharing group in participating middle and high schools. The story sharing is in essence a healing circle that makes youth self aware and open to non-violent forms of communication.
HERE ARE SOME ELEMENTS OF THE CIRCLE:
Circles use the ancient Native American tradition of using a talking piece. The person holding the talking piece has the undivided attention of everyone else in the circle and can speak without interruption.
Participants sit in a circle of chairs with no tables. We sit in a circle to symbolize shared leadership, equality, connection and inclusion. It also promotes focus, accountability and participation from all.
The Circle Process is a storytelling process. Every person has a story, and every story has a lesson to offer. Because storytelling engages people on many levels -- emotional, spiritual, physical, and intellectual -- listeners absorb stories differently than they do advice.
Circles use a ceremony or reading in the opening and at the close to mark the circle as a sacred space in which participants are present with themselves and one another in a way that is different from an ordinary meeting.
The facilitator/keeper of the circle is a participant who assists the group in creating and maintaining a collective space in which each participant feels safe to speak honestly and openly without disrespecting anyone else. The keeper does not control the group or try to move the group towards a particular outcome.