Summary of 2022 Leadership Academy
February 25th, March 5th , and March 18, 2022
The 2022 Young Worker Leadership Academy was a hybrid event, taking place on February 25th (virtually via zoom), March 5th (in person at UC Berkeley for NorCal teams and UCLA for SoCal teams), and March 18, 2022 (virtually via zoom). YWLA hosted five teams, totaling 21 youth across the state of California, each supported by a youth mentor and adult advisor. Through participation in the hybrid academy and team meetings after the fact, students learned how to promote peer education for workplace rights, as well as ways to advocate for job safety. All five teams completed community action projects for Safe Jobs for Youth Month, which are detailed below:
Orosi High School
Location: Orosi, CA
Who we are:
- High School students from Orosi High School.
What we did:
- Made a skit and brochure for student
- Work permits were also attached to the brochures
“We learned about our rights and sexual harassment in the workforce and how to deal with it.” – Orosi High Team
North Monterey County High School
Location: Catsroville, CA
Who we are:
- The student are from Castroville, a small community of agricultural workers. Many of these residents attend their school and work job to support their families. This team wants to inform workers of their rights.
What we did:
- Presented informational lids to entire school
- Had students take survey based on the presentation
- Students took part in an Amazing Race scavenger hunt and were tested on the information
What worked:
- They taught local young workers their rights and the students had fun while learning valuable information.
“ My perspective on work issues was expanded, by allowing myself to indulge in the knowledge of my mentors I can now share and utilize information regarding the workplace.” – Emanuel Maciel, Youth Participant
“I learned how to be safe in a workplace both mentally and physically, as well as what to do if I feel I am being put in harm’s way. I now know what to look for when working, how to identify hazards, and how to keep myself safe. The academy was very informative and eye opening— there are many laws and regulations that I was unaware of before the academy that I am now grateful to have been informed about.”-Amber Jones, Youth Participant
Central High Scool
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Who we are:
- Students at Central Continuation High School/ Tri-C Community Day School in South Central Los Angeles.
What we did:
- Recorded a podcast where they interviewed the director of the UCLA LOSH program, Kevin Riley.
What worked:
- The team stated that there was great communication throughout the whole process with everyone in the group, even the guests and the mentors from UCLA. They also had lots of tech knowledge so that assisted them in the whole process.
“I learned a lot about health and safety rights from YWLA and the safety expert Kevin Riley. This experience helped me with great information I can use on the job” – Edwin Hernandez, Youth Participant
“I learned a lot about when to stand up for yourself when you are being mistreated.” – Kenneth Lozano, Youth Participant
Nava College Prep Academy
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Who we are:
- The students come from a small school, Nava College Preparatory in South Central Los Angeles. Their community is predominantly comprised of people of color and has thick cultural roots, which has been advancing over the years for the resources and opportunities.
What we did:
- Provide information on how young workers can be more precautious in the work environment
- Workshop lasted for about an hour and about 20 students were able to come and participate
What worked:
- Knowing people around the school made it easier for people to attend the activity. Also, they told the participants that there was a prize at the end of the activity, which caught their attention. Lastly, the team stated that everyone got something out of this.
“This experience did change some ideas for example before I would have thought I had to do something I shouldn’t have done only because my ‘boss’ told me knowing I can’t do certain things due to my age.” – Jonathan Cupa, Youth participant
“YWLA was a wonderful experience to have been a part of. – It is an all around loving and supportive environment filled with people and mentors who just want the best for us.” – Teresa Mendoza, Youth Participant
