YouthBuild Charter School of California is a unique charter school model that provides young adults at YouthBuild programs with an authentic alternative to traditional school environments. Launched with support from YouthBuild USA in 2008, YCSC provides a project-based high school curriculum that relies on authentic assessment to fulfill credits toward a high school diploma. Young people between the ages of 16-24 enroll at YCSC after having dropped out, aged out, or been otherwise failed by the traditional school system. Here they find an education that is more relevant to their goals, talents, and daily lives.

Unlike traditional schools that employ standardized curriculum and classroom practices which can often disempower and alienate marginalized students, YCSC’s project-based approach, modeled on the Diploma Plus system, allows young adults to take ownership of their education. It offers them the means to pursue meaningful academic and professional success and gain the skills necessary to realize their personal dreams and goals. In order to reach our goals for effective, relevant education, we hire only highly-qualified teachers who come from some of the country’s most progressive educational colleges and universities.

The mission of the YouthBuild Charter School of California is to cultivate collaborative learning communities in which every student has the right to an authentic education, plays a meaningful role in creating positive social change, and becomes an active participant in working towards just conditions for all.

Our vision is that all young people, regardless of their circumstances, have access to an education that will prepare them to counter social inequities and realize their full potential. Our school empowers young people to transform themselves and become leaders in their communities. Our school is a haven of trust and respect, where students can prepare for success in careers, post-secondary education, and life.