Better Youth's AIM-N-INSPIRE Media Arts Program

Support for Foster and Systems-Impacted Youth

Expand existing project, program, or initiative

Due to the effects of the pandemic, a growing number of youth are disengaged and unemployed, often referred to as NEET (not engaged in employment, education, or training). Ninety-five percent of our program youth are Latino and African-American, ages 14-24. The dropout rate is 19% with 65% of adults 25+ have not completed high school. The numbers have alarmingly increased due to COVID 19, which has created a need to help bridge the digital divide and buffer learning loss mitigation. A recent report by the Annie E. Casey Foundation states that in low-income neighborhoods, 84% of households with children do not own computers. As a result, many miss out on opportunities to benefit from technology by accessing information, learning valuable computer skills, and communicating with others. It is critical, now more than ever, to provide social support and development processes that help youth cultivate a rigor for learning, healthy relationships, self-regulation and resilience to adversity.

AIM-N-INSPIRE, is a high-powered media arts training experience for foster and community youth ages 16-24 that provides professional development, intensive training, and the opportunity to showcase created content to industry professionals. The AIM program offers 3 distinct tracks in Animation, Interactive/Gaming, and Media/New Media. Better Youth’s AIM program, cultivates a sense of character, a heart for service, excellence and accomplishment for foster, TAY, homeless, and low-income youth in Los Angeles County by providing state-of-the art training in preparation for careers in the creative economy. In partnership with Skydance Media, Amazon, Supervisor Mitchell, and LAUSD, Better Youth’s program participants discover and express their personal voice and identity, develop socio-emotional strength through mentoring, use their talents to inspire creativity, network with leading media and entertainment industry professionals, and build marketable skills that enable them to pursue desired career pathways through paid internships supported by JVS SoCal, UCLA Worksource Center and South Bay Workforce Investment Board. When accepted as a program participant, youth receive a scholarship (valued at $2k) that pays for enrollment, activities and equipment needed for projects. As a result, program participation is of no cost. The media works of successful participants will be showcased at our annual Real To Reel Global Youth Film Festival and other digital distribution platforms.

Many racial and cultural tensions are caused by the lack of fulfilling job opportunities available to youth living in L.A.'s disadvantaged neighborhoods. Specifically, the shortage of employment and training options that allow youth to make a decent wage, establish a stable career and support themselves. We acknowledge this disparity and focus on investing in these communities by providing training and workforce development opportunities for marginalized youth. We are dedicated to creating a youth-centric culture where youth experience safe and affirming relationships and environments in which they can thrive. By relentlessly supporting vulnerable youth, LA County disadvantaged communities can be transformed to a place of opportunity. Rather than solely focusing on alleviating the lasting effects of the deficits, we create strength-based alternatives that empower youth through mentoring, training and digital storytelling that help them create a sustained livelihoods.

We have an internal tracking system for data collection, aggregation and evaluation. In addition we track successful mentor and mentee matching through the Civic Camps, through a partnership with MENTOR National. Our measurement of quantitative program impact and youth progress includes pre/post survey and formative assessments to inform best practices in program deployment. Our measurement of qualitative impact consists of youth development reflection tools, facilitator and mentor post assessments, and audience exit interviews at youth exhibition events. We carefully review feedback from our executive board, advisory council members, youth stakeholders and incorporate suggested ideas to improve and elevate our quality of programs and youth experiences. 91% of program youth have graduated from high school and are enrolled in a college or university and/or gainfully employed. 90% have produced a media project or community event for peers, parents, teachers and stakeholders.