Resilient ARTivist Youth School (RAYS)

Youth economic advancement

South LA

Pilot or new project, program, or initiative (testing or implementing a new idea)

Los Angeles stands at a critical juncture, grappling with economic instability, escalating consequences of climate change & deepening social inequities. These challenges cast a shadow over the future, particularly for low-income teens & young adults navigating a rapidly evolving job market.
Recent federal divestment in public education threatens to further diminish opportunities for low-income youth. Coupled with an increasingly isolated society, these challenges result in young adults (ages 18-25) experiencing higher rates of depression and anxiety than other age group, according to the CDC.
We believe now is the moment to equip youth with a methodology for channeling their creative ideas into careers that can not only sustain them financially, but also have a deep and rewarding impact on individuals, the larger community and the planet. Our mission is critical in a city facing societal transformations, offering a path to purpose, connection and fulfilling futures to vulnerable youth.

Building upon our 15-year history of empowering youth with creativity & a change-making mindset, we’re excited to introduce the Resilient ARTivist Youth School (RAYS). This 24-week training program for transition-aged youth will pilot in the Rebel Garden at Chuco's Justice Center. South Central LA youth will be invited to apply through local partners like 2nd Call, Coalition for Responsible Community Development, Young Women's Freedom Center & FREE L.A High.
RAYS encapsulates our time-tested core principles into an accessible learning experience, guiding participants through the creative process from concept to completion:
- Interact: Participants engage with community organizations & leaders, fostering collaboration and understanding of social impact, building the skill of Community Engagement.
- Collaborate: Through hands-on workshops, youth co-create a plan for their project, gaining Practical Skills like strategy and design.
- Create: Participants develop projects that address community needs and environmental sustainability, rooted in Creative Concept Development.
- Make Change: Youth connect their project to a larger cause, building Resilience & Leadership.
- Build Community: Multi-generational & cross-sector involvement is emphasized, with training on budgeting, fundraising, and entrepreneurship, supporting Financial Literacy.
With funding, participants will receive a generous stipend, earn a certificate & receive connections to employment/education within our network.

In the short term (1 year), RAYS will be successful if we can:
Graduate the first cohort of 10 systems-impacted young adults
Confirm 80% of enrolled youth attend at least 75% of sessions
Place 60% of graduating youth in paying jobs, further education, or volunteer opportunities post-program
In the long term, we envision a future where young adults embrace their creativity, confident in their ability to drive positive change. RAYS aims to foster youth connection and engagement, encouraging ongoing relationships with RuckusRoots and our partners to support their progress. Our goal is to transform Los Angeles by empowering young people to believe their actions can lead to tangible change.
With funding to develop and pilot our RAYS curriculum, we plan to then scale it through:
Feedback & Iteration
Train-the-Trainer Workshops
Digital Curriculum Access to educators, community partners, and schools across Los Angeles County
Partnership Expansion (host sites)