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WINNER

Award of Excellence

(CDE)

WINNER

Award of Excellence

(LAUSD)

WINNER

Advocates of the Year

(CASC)

WINNER

Leadership Award

(Ford Foundation)

WINNER

Vanguard Award

(NAACP)

Our Mission

 

The Young Center is an award-winning nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering young people— especially underserved youth—with the tools needed to achieve success and grow into confident, capable leaders.  Through immersive programs like the California Youth Think Tank, we help students discover their voice, achieve academic excellence, and strengthen leadership skills—creating a diverse pipeline of first-generation college graduates and civic leaders prepared to create positive change in their communities.

Standing in Our Mission

 

     We begin this year with purpose and optimism for the future.  We recently experienced a loss of funding from one of our longtime partners due to our continued commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.  While the national political landscape may have shifted, our mission remains unchanged. 

     For 25 years, our organization has served the educational needs of students from over 250 schools—especially those with limited access to opportunity.  Today, our alumni attend over 80 colleges and universities nationwide and are emerging as respected leaders across a wide range of professional fields, making meaningful contributions to their communities. 

     We believe diversity is one of our nation’s greatest strengths, and we remain steadfast in our commitment to ensuring every student we serve has the tools, support, and guidance needed to succeed in college and in life. 

     We are deeply grateful to those who continue to stand with us, and we look forward to welcoming new partners who share our values and believe in investing in the next generation of leaders.       Thank you for standing with us as we continue this important work.

​William A. Young

Founder/President

News Briefs

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Young Center Scholarships at St. Mary's College

Grants for Fall '26 admission available for all Young Center alumni.  More

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Alumni Give Back to Support  Youth Participants

YC alumni support group provides training, mentoring, and financial support for youth participants.  More

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College Recruitment 2026

Colleges nationwide are now accepting applications for Fall 2026 school year.  Learn More

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Young Center to Host Great American Youth Debates​  

This fall, the Young Center will host the 3rd Annual Great American Youth Debates for youth. Learn More

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Testimonials

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Karen Bass

Mayor

City of Los Angeles

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The Young Center prepares our youth to become future leaders and engaged citizens.  We need more of that in our society.

Darrell Brown

Sr. Vice President

US Bank

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After twenty years, Young Center alumni are still planting seeds that reflect the organization's original mission, vision and goals.​

Sandra Evers-Manly

Vice President

Northrop Grumman

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"The Young Center produces young leaders who are ready to go back into their community and BE the change that is needed."

Michael Tubbs

Former Mayor 

City of Stockton

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"Being a part of the Young Center literally changed my life trajectory and helped me become who I am today."

Jack 'Connell

Superintendant

CA Public Schools

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"The Young Center has succeeded in creating effective programs that celebrate our youth for their strengths and abilities."

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