The Youth Led Leadership Alliance is a network of 7 different leadership groups sponsored by the Santa Cruz County Office of Education working together to develop leadership skills and make an impact across their community. All groups meet once a week on Tuesdays in a hybrid format, and once a month on Saturdays in person at either the County Office of Education in Santa Cruz, or the Sequoia High Schools campus in Watsonville.
These groups include:
- Youth for Environmental Action – Students passionate about environmental justice and interested in taking action to address our changing climate.
- Youth Artists Taking Action – Youth artists of all disciplines interested in using their art to address social and environmental justice and create societal change.
- Youth Empowerment through Technology & Innovation – Youth examining the role of technology in education, promoting ethical and responsible use, and working together to explore innovative solutions to real-world challenges.
- Youth Mental Health Leadership Council – Youth driven to break stigmas, promote wellness and increase mental health resources on their campuses.
- Multilingual Youth Taking Action – Multilingual students inspired to be future leaders and create a welcoming and supportive environment for peers of all backgrounds.
- Queer Student Union – QSU provides Santa Cruz county high school students with the opportunity to explore LGBTQ+ issues, and build their leadership skills through advocacy and service to their local community.
- Countywide Black Student Union – Black students interested in building a network of support and solidarity that fights for equity and promotes cultural pride and awareness.
The Queer Student Union (QSU) provides Santa Cruz county high school students with the opportunity to explore LGBTQ+ issues, and build their leadership skills through advocacy and service to their local community. Through student-led projects and events, QSU members can expand their networks, hone their communication and organizational skills, and create a habit of civic engagement that prepares them to become the torch bearers of tomorrow’s LGBTQ+ community.
The QSU also provides input and speakers for other queer related groups and events in the county including the Santa Cruz COE LGBTQ+ Task Force, Santa Cruz Pride, the Diversity Center, and the Safe Schools Project.
This year, in honor of the 50th anniversary of Santa Cruz Pride, QSU members are working to create a podcast that documents the LGBTQ+ history in Santa Cruz county. Students will conduct a series of interviews with current and former LGBTQ+ leaders in the community to hear their stories, struggles and advice.
Interested in joining the Alliance? Just fill out this short interest form for the 24/25 academic year.