California Youth Think Tank

Income inequality

County of Los Angeles (select only if your project has a countywide benefit) Central LA East LA South LA West LA San Gabriel Valley San Fernando Valley South Bay Gateway Cities Long Beach Antelope Valley City of Los Angeles (select only if your project has a citywide benefit)

Expand existing project, program, or initiative (expanding and continuing ongoing, successful work)

Since 2003, we’ve been addressing income inequality by tackling the root issue: unequal access to opportunity, resources, and a belief in what is possible. Many of the young people we serve come from low-income households, are first-generation college-bound, and face systemic barriers that limit their access to economic mobility. The California Youth Think Tank was created to change that. Through residential immersion on the USC campus, daily college and leadership workshops, and mentorship, students begin to see themselves as scholars and leaders. They leave with real tools to pursue higher education and long-term success, and the confidence to create change in their communities. After over two decades of doing this work, we’ve seen firsthand how investing in youth transforms lives, shifts trajectories, and sparks generational impact.

The California Youth Think Tank (CYTT) is a weeklong summer leadership and college access program designed to address income inequality by investing in the potential of young people from low income and historically underserved communities. Hosted on the USC campus, CYTT gives students ages 13 to 18 a fully immersive experience in college life—living in dorms, engaging in daily workshops, and participating in activities that build academic confidence, leadership skills, and future-focused thinking.
Through a carefully designed curriculum, participants explore real-world issues, take part in team debates and collaborative projects, and work closely with educators, mentors, and civic leaders to develop personal college and career plans. Many participants are first generation college bound students who are not only navigating limited resources but also carrying the weight of being trailblazers for their families. CYTT gives them exposure, encouragement, and tangible tools to envision and pursue a more secure economic future.
The program culminates in a ceremony that honors each student’s growth and connects them to a broader network of CYTT alumni who have gone on to college and leadership roles in business, education, and public service. By creating this environment of possibility and preparation, CYTT helps students take meaningful steps toward breaking cycles of poverty and creating long term change in their communities.

If our work is successful, Los Angeles County will be home to a new generation of diverse leaders from low-income and underserved communities who have the tools, confidence, and support to pursue higher education, meaningful careers, and lifelong civic impact. The California Youth Think Tank will serve as a launchpad for youth to break generational cycles of poverty and become changemakers in their families and communities. To date, over 90% of CYTT participants enroll in college, with 75% being first-generation college students. Many go on to lead in education, business, and public service. Our vision includes expanding CYTT’s reach across LA County, building year-round support for alumni, and developing a scalable model that can be adapted in other cities. With continued investment, we can help shape a stronger, more equitable Los Angeles, one youth leader at a time.