The Youth Policy Initiative is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization which strives to promote civic engagement in underserved youth communities. We specifically work with middle school students from across San Francisco, especially low-income, students of color, and first generation college students. Furthermore, YPI engages students in local and national political issues to raise awareness about current events in society and to gear participants towards a career in politics or political activism by inspiring them to find solutions for the many issues Americans face today.

We began in the Fall of 2015 and in Summer 2016 we served 20 middle school students in our annual Civics and Leadership Camp. In Summer 2017 we doubled the size of the camp to 36 students and this summer we served 33 students. Our programs are held at St. Ignatius College Preparatory in the Sunset neighborhood.

OUR STUDENT OBJECTIVES

  • To hone civics skills in preparation for high school and beyond.

  • To comprehend the role of the United States in domestic and global affairs.

  • To improve public speaking, debating, and leadership skills.

  • To learn about the many political issues and their causes in the United States.

  • To be encouraged to pursue politics or positions of leadership in the future.