With your support, YouthBuild Charter School of California is able to continue our mission, which 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. 

With our struggling economy, more students are taking on additional jobs because their parents can't work. Though we strive to create flexible schedules for them, many students are attending school fewer days per week.  Attendance impacts the amount of funds we receive from the state to operate our school. Though our enrollment is up from previous years, daily attendance determines our allocation. 

We are seeking your support as we seek to keep our mission alive.  Please fill out the form below to support YCSC today.

YouthBuild Charter School of California was founded during the 2008 recession, when millions of young adults across our state were losing hope due to dire economic conditions. These days we have seen a dramatic increase in students who are facing some of the same crises due to loss of benefits, unemployment, and the high cost of food and rent. We are particularly noticing an increase in unhoused students.

We established the Building Hope Crisis Fund to support students like "Victor," who was nodding off in class and admitted that he'd slept on the streets the night before ... for "Patricia," who shared that her mom hasn't gone out to buy groceries for weeks over fears of ICE ... for "Juan," who hasn't been afford to diapers and formula for his baby girl ... and for "Lucy," who was distraught over an eviction notice, fearful that she, her husband and kids were going to end up homeless, perhaps end up in a tent on Skid Row.

Teachers and counselors are on the front lines of the crises our students are facing.  When they hear of a challenge, they submit an application to their principal for the Building Hope Crisis Fund.  Upon approval of the request, adminstrative staff take students to check into a hotel with a voucher, pay for groceries or give students clothing gift cards. 

Lucy said: "I'm so thankful for the funding I have received because it has allowed me and my family to stay in our home with our three kids when we were on the verge of eviction. This has also allowed me to continue going to school and has taken a mental load off. Thank you."

Please use the Donation Form below to give today.  Or, choose items off our Amazon Wish List, a carefully curated list of items that students need most in order to take care of themselves and/or their families and stay in school.

The needs are urgent.  Your gift to the Building Hope Crisis Fund ensures that a crisis doesn't become a permanent way of life.  For more information, please contact Cathy Brandt, development director, at (323) 610-9478.

Please Save the Date for Create Without Limits! 

Create Without Limits is YouthBuild Charter School of California's inaugural public art showcase and silent auction.  It benefits the Janis Matero Arts Fund, named in honor of our founder's late sister, a young artist. The event will celebrate the creativity and resilience of our students through an exhibition of student artwork alongside pieces donated by local artists. The event will bring together students, families, educators, community members, and business partners who will dine on the imaginative cuisine of our culinary arts students as they enjoy the show.

More than a fundraiser, Create Without Limits is an opportunity for the community to celebrate the talents of young people who have overcome significant barriers to their education and to invest in their continued success through the arts.

Proceeds will support: 1) graduating seniors who plan to pursue post-secondary education in the arts (learn more about the scholarship and Janis here), 2) arts supplies, creative technology and teacher professional development for existing and emerging classes in graphic, recording and other arts, and 3) a vocational training hub at one of our sites that is focused on the arts. 

Can't make the event? You can still give to the Janis Matero Arts Fund by choosing it in the drop-down menu below.  Want to sponsor the event or donate items to the silent auction? Contact Cathy Brandt, development director, at [email protected] or (323) 610-9478.

Donor Information

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