Invest in the power of art and youth voice in the Bay Area and beyond

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“The first step of social change is being deeply connected to yourself and knowing very specifically the issues at hand and where you sit. The poet actualizes the lived experience. The poem carries the influence. The influence generates power to work.”

- Ariana, a 2025 Public Poet Fellow

 

of student participants said Youth Speaks programs had a positive effect on their mental health

of student participants said Youth Speaks programs helped them understand perspectives different from their own

of student participants said that Youth Speaks programming brings something unique and valuable to their school that is different from other programs or classes

of student participants shared that Youth Speaks helped them improve their writing skills

of participants reported that Youth Speaks’ programs helped them feel like they could have a positive influence on their school, family, friends, or broader community

of participants reported that Youth Speaks’ programs helped them feel more comfortable sharing their perspective

The Next Generation Speaks for Itself

  • My favorite thing about this program is how I was allowed to explore new topics and types of writing. This helped me learn new ways to express my feelings.
    In-School Residency Student
  • Each class there have been students who don't share and they are so shy or they don't have the confidence and by the end or some point in the residency they build up the confidence to share their free writing or poem. (This is a) Really special glow because it's like magic, like how’d you get this kid to say something when they never say something.
    Residency Partner Teacher
  • I love being here, and it makes me feel less alone in my rage and my grief and my experiences as a teenager, as well as teaching me about the inner experiences of my peers. Thank you.
    Teen Poetry Slam Youth Attendee
  • I enjoy hearing other people’s perspectives and I felt more connected to my fellows when we discussed the problems our communities face with water issues. How climate change is impacting our communities and families. It’s devastating to connect over something so terrible but I was grateful we were able to put our minds together to see similarities and bring about our own opinions on things. It made me feel uplifted and inspired by my fellows to keep writing environmental justice pieces.
    Pte, Power Lab Poet
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