Youth United for Change (YUC) is an organization comprised of high school students acting on their own behalf to improve the quality of public education. YUC is building a broad-based, democratic organization with the power to hold school officials and government accountable to meet the educational needs of Philadelphia Public School students. This is done through a process of community organizing, where a diverse group of youth come together, identify common concerns and act collectively on their own behalf
Each year, YUC works with 100-125 youth who attend five Philadelphia public high schools. YUC follows a specific school-based model of community organizing that consists of student members of school leadership teams called chapters that gain input from the general membership. YUC members identify specific issues, conduct research into the issues, develop and implement a strategy to address the issues and hold public actions or meetings where a person in power publicly agrees to meet their demands.
CPER Funded Project
YUC's CPER-funded work includes:
- Expanding a network of citizens (both youth and adults) informed and engaged around the issues of equitable school funding and quality education;
- Increasing the capacity of students, parents and other stakeholders to hold district and school administrators accountable for equitable distribution of resources and quality educational opportunities;
- Gaining public commitment from the school district officials for small schools for Olney High School, breaking ground on new construction for Kensington CAPA and engaging in long-term planning for existing Kensington small schools; and
- Increasing coordination and collaboration at a state level between education organizing groups by understanding high school reform and student engagement in organizing throughout the region.
Curriculum Reform
School Funding Reform/Fiscal Equity
Student Leadership Development
Small School Reform
High School Reform
Contact Representative
Philadelphia, PA 19122
Fax: (215) 423-2468