Celebrating 25 Years of SYLA Across California
Each year, Californians for Justice offices across the state transform into the Summer Youth Leadership Academy (SYLA). This intensive 5-week program focuses on political education, public speaking, organizing tactics, and campaign work. What started as neighborhood canvassing and local word-of-mouth recruitment in our Bay Area regions has expanded greatly. Today, SYLA spans four regions across…
See How CFJ Spent the Summer Developing the Next Generation of Leaders
Over the past 5 weeks, the Californians for Justice offices across that state have been hustling and bustling with energy and excitement of youth leaders as they develop leadership abilities, grow grassroots organizing skills and hone their political education knowledge. Each year, Summer Youth Leadership Academy (SYLA) students in each of our four regions participate…
The CA High School Exit Exam Is Kaput
The Exit Exam is officially kaput. Rightfully so. A test should not measure a student’s potential; especially when that test only furthered racial inequity for low-income students of color across California schools. When the exam launched in 2000 — low-income students of color rallied to Sacramento in waves. “First they test us, then they arrest…
Students Lead The Way For Relationship Centered Schools
Every single student deserves to feel welcomed, cared for, and supported to succeed in school. Unfortunately, every single day a student of color will wake up, go to school, sit in class, walk the halls for an entire school year without being able to identify a single caring adult at school. Student leaders have set…
Equity That’s About Racial Justice – Hector Castaneda
The Institute for Educational Leadership held their National Family and Community Engagement Conference this past weekend. The conference brought 1700 participants from across the country to engage in conversation about family and community on a deeper level. Our Californians for Justice student leader Hector Castaneda participated as keynote speaker, sharing his indispensable experiences and bold…
Students Believe The Local Control Funding Formula Is Working – Zhihao Guo
The Institute for Educational Leadership held their National Family and Community Engagement Conference this past weekend. The conference brought 1700 participants from across the country to engage in conversation about family and community on a deeper level. Our Californians for Justice student leader Zhihao Guo participated as the only student leader on the Bay Area…
Bold Vision for Education – Naudika Williams
The Institute for Educational Leadership held their National Family and Community Engagement Conference this past weekend. The conference brought 1700 participants from across the country to engage in conversation about family and community on a deeper level. Our Californians for Justice student leader Naudika Williams participated as keynote speaker, sharing her indispensable experiences and bold…
"CaliforWHO? CaliforALL" Candy Lara Speaks To Legislators For The First Time
My name is Candy Lara and I am a sophomore at Lakewood High School and a youth leader with Californians for Justice. A few weeks ago, I had the privilege of attending Free Our Dreams, a statewide event with the goal of gathering youth across California for a weekend to prepare them for meetings with…
What Can Students Do When Given a Voice in Their Schools?
Two years ago, California for Justice student leaders fought to have their voices to be heard in the passage of the Local Control Funding Formula – driving more resources to students with the most needs. Since then, students have continued to flex their power in making sure the state and their school districts listen to…