Youth Empowerment Institute 2019

Our Mission

The Youth Empowerment Institute (YEI), is a non-profit summer program created and organized by undergraduate students partaking in the Everett Program at UCSC. YEI began as a camp for both boys and girls of under-represented backgrounds, but has evolved into a camp that serves young women. Research has shown time and time again that race and other socioeconomic factors often are at play in the existence of the achievement gap, individuals most affected being female students of color coming from low income households. We strive to empower young women by allowing them to gain confidence in tech literacy, as well as feel at home in a University setting. YEI is free of charge and invites girls from surrounding cities to spend a week at UCSC. During this week, the girls will learn skills that not only boosts confidence, but will be useful in college and beyond. This year’s 2019 YEI will be hosted by Lauren Hasserjian, Micaela McGee, and David Saenz where girls will working to create and design a website geared toward the college navigation process, while also utilizing aspects of video production, graphic design, and other tech literacy aspects.