WE PROVIDE ACCESS, EQUITY, AND VALIDATION TO FOSTER AND SYSTEM-IMPACTED YOUTH CREATIVES AGES 16-24 THROUGH MEDIA ARTS PROGRAMMING AND MENTORING, HELPING THEM BRIDGE THE DIGITAL DIVIDE AND DEVELOP THEIR CREATIVE CONFIDENCE. UPLEVELING OUR YOUTH THROUGH PRE-APPRENTICESHIP AND APPRENTICESHIP CAREER PATHWAYS IN DIGITAL STORYTELLING.
What We Do
Community
We build youth-based communites to foster creativity
Competence
Equip our youth with professional development in media arts and tech
Connections
Provide support for housing and wellness rsources, case management & paid internships
Confidence
Transform lives by developing and sharpening life and social skills
Our Story
Founded by Syd Stewart, Better Youth started as a music and creative writing organization. In the heart of New York City, Stewart led with the goal to ease children from their daily adversities.
She worked with children from The Ronald McDonald House battling cancer and children facing poverty in the housing projects of Harlem. In 2010, Stewart set her sights on the west coast in Los Angeles.
Our Timeline
2010
LAUSD After School Program in South LA
2020
Monthly C.A.R.E Rountables @ LA Film School Rooted Photo Voice Initiative w UCLA
2015
Real To Reel Global | Exhibition Platform AIM-N-Inspire | Pre-Apprenticeship Program
Our Impact
90%
program retention rate
80%
of our youth members have pursued interships to further gain experience and skills
91%
of our youth have graduated from high school, enrolled in college, or employed
100%
of our youth have engaged through media and technology platforms
100%
of our youth have engaged through media and technology platforms
