HOPE Youth Leadership Program

The HOPE Youth Leadership Program (HYLP) is a statewide development program designed to prepare high school students for a self-sufficient future that will allow for economic and political parity through a college education. Established in 2004, the HYLP has trained more than 4,000 high school students across California through HOPE’s conferences, including 615 graduates of the program’s six-month intensive Leadership Track.

Through the HYLP, low-income high school students prepare for college, gain financial literacy skills, civic leadership skills, and build social capital alongside peers and advisors who support them in achieving their personal academic goals.

HYLP is transforming futures:

98% of HYLP alumnae graduate high school
93% enroll in college
93% graduate college in five years or fewer

Objectives

Prepare students for college by promoting a college-going culture, demystifying the college admission process.

Expose students to career exploration opportunities, especially in science, technology, engineering, arts, math and public service, while providing mentorship from first-generation professionals.

Educate students on basic financial literacy, including saving, budgeting and setting healthy financial goals.

Provide students with enhanced civic participation opportunities and civics education.

Equip students with knowledge and resources to support healthy living, wellness, and overall wellbeing.

Program Components

The program is designed to be a youth centered experience.

The program is free of cost to families and consists of 4 training sessions:

Session I | Cultural Conversations: College & Mental Health Stigma (Family Session)

Session II | Student Leadership Journey: Culture, College & Career

Session III | College Boot Camp: Preparing for the College Admission Process

Session IV | Demystifying Policy, Government and Centering Youth Voices

Partnership and Participants Selection

HOPE works with community leaders in underserved and underinvested areas to identify potential partners. After an initial vetting process and with community buy in, Partners and HOPE enter into a MoU and begin the process of identifying a Program Advisor and selecting students. HOPE has had partners in the following counties: Alameda, Santa Clara, Napa, Fresno, Kern, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, Sacramento and San Diego.

Partners select student participants based on a defined criterion below:

Have a GPA between 2.0 and 2.99

Be a high school junior (11th grade)

Be a prospective first-generation college student

Qualify for the National School Lunch Program

Show a commitment to the program and HOPE’s mission

HOPE programs are open to all qualified individuals. HOPE does not exclude anyone on the basis of race, gender, ethnicity, national origin, or other protected traits.

Competencies

Professional & Workplace Skills: Business etiquette; creating effective presentations; social media communication & professional online presence.
Communication & Leadership: Public speaking; collaboration and teamwork; leadership confidence and self-awareness.
Civic Knowledge & Advocacy: Civic participation & engagement; understanding local, state, and national government; advocacy tools.
Analytical & Problem-Solving: Research & data analysis; financial literacy & resource management.
Career & Pathways Development: Career exploration; career roadmap development; exposure to STEM and public service opportunities; mentorship engagement.

Stay Connected, Supported, and Part of the HOPE Community

The HOPE Youth Leadership Program (HYLP) is just the beginning.

HOPE ensures that HYLP graduates can still count on this powerful community once they enter college. As graduates step into college, they remain connected through the HOPE College Leadership Program (HCLP), where they continue building their leadership, amplifying their political voices, and preparing for meaningful careers. Guided by mentors, supported by peers, and strengthened by a community that believes in them, students know they are never alone on their journey.

Support HYLP & HCLP Today!

HYLP Sponsors

Contact Us

To learn more about the HOPE Youth Leadership Program, please contact Monica Medina, Senior Manager.