YouthBuild Charter School of California

For today’s we are shining a light Jaylen Jefferson, a May graduate from our Palmdale site at Advancing Communities Together. His favorite YouthBuild memory was going on a field trip where went on a tour of Dodger Stadium. Jaylen, 23, appreciated how YouthBuild helped him become a leader, and now that he’s graduated, he plans to join the Army. Congratulations, Jaylen! We are so proud of you. 🎓🎉

En el de hoy, celebramos a Brianna Moran, graduada del primer trimestre de nuestra sitio en Canoga Park, en RUTH YouthBuild . Brianna aspira a convertirse algún día en asistente de vuelo, pero, mientras tanto, está ahorrando para comprar un auto y así poder asistir a la universidad. ¡Felicidades, Brianna! 🎉🎓

In today’s Grad Spotlight, we’re celebrating Brianna Moran, a Trimester 1 graduate from our Canoga Park site at RUTH YouthBuild. Brianna aspires to become a flight attendant someday, but in the meantime, she is saving up to buy a car so she can attend college. Congratulations, Brianna! 🎉🎓

In today’s we are celebrating Rosie, a recent graduate from our Palmdale site at / AV YouthBuild. Since graduating from YouthBuild Charter School of California earlier this school year, Rosie has been attending beauty college. She hopes to become “your future go-to barber.” Congratulations, Rosie and best of luck in beauty college!! 💈💇🏽🎓🎉

Last week, several of our staff and program partners went to Washington D.C. to participate in the 2026 YouthBuild Directors Association Conference and Capitol Hill Day. Dr. Sonia Hernandez, Phil Matero, and Frank Alvarez represented YCSC at the conference. Our program partners from , , , , , , , and were also in attendance.

Sonia (YCSC Principal) and Frank (Director of Partnership Development) joined with several of our program partner directors to support YouthBuild Global’s efforts on Capitol Hill, advocating for deeper federal investment in Opportunity Youth and programs that connect education, workforce development, and positive youth development. Our Founder/CEO Phil Matero dedicated his time to collaborating with the international YouthBuild Directors and strengthening the global network.

Frank Alvarez shared the following about his experience at YBDA: “One major takeaway from the week was that the challenges facing YouthBuild programs are not unique to Southern California. Across the country and globally, YouthBuild leaders are navigating similar issues while continuing to innovate and share best practices. The experience reaffirmed the importance of staying connected as a movement and continuing to learn from one another as we strengthen opportunities for young people.”

We love our teachers! We hope you all had an amazing Teacher Appreciation Week! Words can't describe just how grateful we are for each and every one of you.

In today’s , we are celebrating Jon-Michael Romero Jr., a 23-year old senior from our Fresno site at Fresno EOC Local Conservation Corps/ YouthBuild Fresno.

Before coming to YouthBuild, Jon-Michael dealt with homelessness and other life challenges, but at YouthBuild Charter School of California, he found “a second home… surrounded by people who genuinely cared.” He was able to realize his full potential and become a leader at his school site and in his community. Jon-Michael, who will be graduating next month, plans to attend the Paul Mitchell Barber School and become the best barber he can be. One day, he wants to give back to his community by donating hair cuts while sharing his story. 🎓💈❤️

Jon-Michael, we could not be more proud of you and all you’ve accomplished during your time at YouthBuild Charter School! We hope your story inspires other young people to enroll, finish their diploma, and achieve their dreams. 🎉

It’s officially Senior and Grad Spotlight Season, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to celebrate our Class of 2025-26!! We are kicking things off with Alexus Kennedy, a May graduate from our Palmdale site at Advancing Communities Together/ AV YouthBuild. Now that she’s got her diploma, Alexus plans to finish her prerequisites at Antelope Valley College before she transfers to a 4-year school to get her RN degree. We are so proud of her. Congratulations, Alexus!! 🎉🎓

Students from our sites at Moreno Valley YouthBuild, Compton YouthBuild, LA CAUSA YouthBuild, and RUTH YouthBuild traveled to Sacramento on April 30th to take part in “Voices for Change: Sacramento Youth Activation and Listening Session,” a youth-centered event that brought together young people from across the Sacramento region to share their experiences, ideas, and solutions for building stronger and supportive communities. This event was intentionally designed to uplift youth who have historically been left out of conversations that shape policy and legislative change, especially historically marginalized youth who have had limited access to government decision-making spaces.

At the event, our young people had an opportunity to connect with their peers, state and community leaders, educators, and Youth Empowerment Commission (YEC) representatives to discuss some of the most pressing topics effecting youth—such as education, mental health, housing, and well-being— to learn how their voices can help shape real change in their schools, neighborhoods, and across California.

Thank you to , COYN, , and the California Youth Empowerment Commission for inviting us to participate in this event!