Foundation investments in youth skill-building and youth organizing help young people by offering them opportunities to see themselves as leaders who can make a difference in their own lives and the lives of others.

Youth Rights Media’s video production and community organizing programs, where marginalized young people are equipped with the skills and strategies to use media to effect social change. The youth present their films and speak publicly on issues that affect themselves and their communities.

Julio spent time in a residential mental health facility during middle school. He was tracked by the New Haven school system into an alternative high school because of behavioral disabilities that made him hyperactive and disruptive. In 2004, Julio was referred to Youth Rights Media by a social worker. He worked on two documentaries and other media projects while school was in session and during the summer. His behavior alternated from shyness to hyperactivity and social awkwardness. Julio learned to positively communicate and interact with other youth through the media projects and was so successful that he was hired by the organization as a Media Lab Intern. He became confident enough to serve as master of ceremonies at video screenings and even joined the Student Council at his school.

With the help of volunteers from Yale University, Julio graduated from high school and received a full scholarship to attend a post-secondary technical school to work towards an electrician’s license. Youth Rights Media provided a safe space for Julio when things were chaotic and stressful at home. Julio says, “Before I was in this program, I used to express my feelings through fighting; I never talked it out. Being here actually helped me release most of that temper because I basically spoke out my feelings. Now I’m the first one to actually speak up about problems and see how we can get them fixed.”