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TESTIMONIALS

- What Educators are Saying -

 

“The Young Center have created an exceptionally inspiring program that finally celebrates our youth for their strengths and abilities.” – Jack O’Connell, CA Supt. of Public Schools

 

“Thank you for your commitment to the educational development of our youth.  It has been a tremendous asset in helping us to reach our goals.” – Dan Isaacs, Former Superintendent, LA Unified School District

 

“We are very proud of the work you and your organization are doing to uplift the hearts and minds of so many of our young people.”- Joyce Peyton, Director, Priority Staffing, LA Unified School District

 

“The Young Center represents an incredible opportunity for young people to realize their infinite potential to change the world around them.  The impact this program has had on our students has been phenomenal.” – Dr. L. Gail Garrett, Administrator, LA Unified School District

 

“The Young Center has succeeded in generating the almost perfect model for youth leadership development.  It is so vitally needed.” – Dr. Lewis King, Tom & Ethel Bradley Foundation

 

“There should be more opportunities like this that challenge young people to think, to question, and grow into mature, responsible and humane adults.”– Dr. Darlene V. Willis, Concerned Parents Alliance

 

“This is simply the most inspiring program I have had the good fortune to be involved with.  It provides the kind of gentle push that can make a huge difference in the lives of young people.”- Derek Penn, Educator, UCLA

 

“Mr. Young is an amazingly gifted person who touches the lives of people and changes them forever.” – Martha Maitchoukow, LA Unified School District

 

“The YoungCenter gives our youth unique opportunities to discover their gifts and teaches them how to use them to change the world.” – Michele Rice, Los Angeles Archdiocese

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“The Young Center represents an incredible opportunity for young people to realize their infinite potential to change the world around them!” – Valerie Morrison, Howard University

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“You really touched and reaffirmed in me the reasons why I continue to believe in this organization and its potential to change the world.” – Dominique Hall-Carr, USC

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- What Civic Leaders are Saying -

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“The Young Center Youth Ambassadors represent the future leaders of our nation.They are excellent youth role models for others to emulate.” – Karen Bass, Mayor of Los Angeles

 

“The Young has played an important role in my life.  I wouldn’t be in the position I am today if it had not been for my leadership development at the Young Center."

– Michael Tubbs, Former Mayor of Stockton (Class of 2007)

 

“When I look at the young people who come out of the Young Center, I see our next generation of leaders who are prepared to go back into their communities and BE the change that is needed.” – Sandra Evers-Manly, VP, Northrop Grumman


“Our students have soaked up every bit of knowledge from their incredible experience at the Young Center's California Youth Think Tank.” – Abby Adams, Exec. Director, Determined to Succeed

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“The Young Center is doing so much for so many young people and playing a pivotal role in delivering the next wave of consciousness in America.” – Pennie Ruffin, Director, Mayor’s Youth Advisory Commission

 

“The California Youth Think Tank is a proven asset to any school or youth program working towards the betterment of our youth.”- Audree V. Taylor-Jones, Oakland Dept. of Parks and Rec


“It's encouraging to see so many young people come to realize that they are capable of making a difference in the world.  Our students have benefited tremendously from being in your program.”– Patricia Rillera, Exec. Director, Young Black Scholars

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- What Our Alumni Are Saying -

 

“Mr. Young is an amazing human being who has inspired an entire generation to bebetter people and public servants.” – Bertrand Perdomo-Ucles (Class of 2010)

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“You have no idea what affect you have had on my life. You pushed me, motivated me, and challenged me to do things I didn’t know were possible.” – Johnathan Shaw (Class of 2010)

 

“Words cannot describe how grateful I am to the Young Center for playing a major role in getting me to where I am today – on my way to graduate school!” – Ashleigh Renteria (Class of 2014)

 

“The Young Center saw something in me and nurtured it.  And it changed my life.  Thank you for pushing me to make a difference in the lives of others.” – Felipe Hernandez (Class of 2010)

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“The Young Center staff inspire you to believe that you can do anything.  Sometimes that’s all we as young people need is someone to believes in us.” – Nicole Boggs, (Class of 2007)

 

“What a great experience!  My critical thinking, public speaking, and confidence improved so much that I enrolled in my first debate tournament and my team won first place!” – Andre Moore (Class of 2012-13)

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“Thank you so much for the support you have given me over the years.  It has contributed greatly to the person I am today and helped me get into Dartmouth University." – DaVeon S. Smith (Class of 2010-12)​

- What Our Alumni Are Saying -

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“I cannot thank you enough for the wisdom and self confidence you have instilled in me.  You encouraged me to think outside the box and inspired and pushed me to be the best I can be! – Madison Zill (Class of 2016)

 

“Without this program I would not have the skills I needed to prepare me for college.  The knowledge and inspiration you instilled in me are now mottos that I live by.” –  Sean Lee (Class of 2016)

 

“I never thought this program would have such a powerful impact on my life!  Thank you for giving me the confidence and pushing me to become the person I was always meant to be.” – Cooper Adams (Class of 2016)

 

“An amazing and important opportunity for me and others to experience college life for the first time.” – Nathaly Garcia (Class of 2016)

 

“Words cannot express how this program has helped to develop my leadership skills and shown me what young people can accomplish when they work together to achieve a common goal.” – Nicole Follons (Class of 2006)

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“The past two years of my life have changed significantly since being in the CYTT program.  I greatly appreciate the inspiration you have given to me and others.” – Amaan Kazi, (Class of2013-14)

 

“An amazing experience! The work you do is so incredible. Thank you for serving my generation.” – Destiny Novillo (Class of 2013)

 

“Because of the profound impact your program had on me, I have decided to start the first Black Student Union at my high school.  Thanks for igniting my fire!” – SaMyaGriffin (Class of 2013)

 

“This program had a great impact on me and helped me realize that I have a voice in this world. Thank you!” – Ella Johnson (Class of 2013)


- What Parents are Saying -

 

“This was the greatest educational experience for my two daughters.  As a parent, it means so much to see your children excited about learning and being challenged to think and to grow.” – Morrium Burgess, Upland

 

“Since participating in your program, my daughter Danielle has grown in so many ways.  She has become more active in school government and is now considering becoming a lawyer.” – Patricia Butler, Inglewood

 

"I cannot fully express how grateful I am for all that you and your team are doing for our youth. Our son, Austin, is enormously grateful to be a part of such an amazing program! - Robin Noll, Cerritos

 

"Programs like yours are making a huge difference.  Our daughter described her experience as 'life-changing!'  She is now a thriving first generation college student because of you." – Margarita Ward, Los Angeles

 

“My son, Anthony, is a proud alumni of your CYTT 2012 leadership class.  The value the Young Center puts on education and giving back to the community is unparalleled.” - Kimberly Hatten, Moreno Valley

 

"Our daughter, Sanaa, shared glowing feedback about the CYTT program at the Young Center.  Clearly, it had a positive impact on her. Your care for our young people extends well beyond this program." - Jairius & Wakia McClendon, Carson

 

"It is a great program for young boys and girls! We truly appreciate your devotion and passion to our youth. We hope that our son, Ryan, can participate again in this program." – Michael and Tomoko Uyeki, Gardena

 

“The Young Center has truly been an inspiration to me and my family.  I am eternally grateful to you for the impact you have had on our three children, but also the impact your organization has had in our community, our country, and the world.” – Janice & Craig Furness, Irvine

 

“William Young and Dr. Helen Young are so inspiring!  They have such a huge desire to give back to the community.  I don't know how they find the time!” – Charlotte Griffin, parent, San Diego

 

“Your program had a tremendous impact on my daughter’s success in college.  She is an honors graduate of Tuskegee University with a Bachelors degree inMarketing and is now Regional Sales Manager for Glidden.” – Gina S. Surgeon, Stockton

 

“The Young Center has played a significant role in our daughter’s leadership development and her success as a USC graduate.  Your vision is reaching our youth in meaningful ways.” – Marvin & Rita Foster, Los Angeles

 

“Having our daughter participate in your program was one of the best decisions we've made as parents. Her thirst for learning and passion for leading others was awakened at the Young Center.” – Kevin Tucker, Sacramento

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“You changed my son’s life!  His confidence level, speaking ability, writing skills, critical thinking, everything has improved.  I cannot fully express the gratitude I feel for what you and your organization are doing for our youth!” – NicoleJohnson, Inglewood

 

“What you are all doing at the Young Center is priceless.  May God bless you all for your dedication and for the positive impact you are having on future leaders of our nation and world.” – Hussar Kazi, Newbury Park

 

“Thank you, Mr. William Allen Young for this incredible opportunity for our children to grow and gain valuable knowledge.  It means so much to them and our entire family.” – Rachel Borders, Compton

 

“You have given my daughter a gift she will hold onto forever” – Kim Edwards, Los Angeles

 

“A GREAT experience for young people!” – Catherine Rubio, Pasadena​​​

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