Empowering Youth to Become Catalysts for Change
The Youth Catalyst Blueprint Program is a youth-led initiative designed to cultivate strong, resilient, and responsible young leaders in Urbana-Champaign.
About the Program
The Youth Catalyst Blueprint Program directly addresses the urgent need for evidence-based programming that mitigates risk factors associated with firearm violence and fosters positive youth development in the Urbana-Champaign area. We provide a structured, hybrid environment focused on tangible skill development and community action.
Our goal is to empower youth to make proactive, constructive contributions to their communities, leading to improved academic outcomes, enhanced self-sufficiency, and a reduction in neighborhood violence.
Our Four Core Pillars
Mentorship
Each participant is paired with a dedicated mentor to provide one-on-one guidance on life skills and career readiness.
Leadership
A specialized civics curriculum teaches youth how to identify community issues, develop solutions, and advocate for change.
Wellness
We integrate mental and physical wellness strategies to help youth build resilience, manage stress, and prioritize self-care.
Community Service
Participants engage in a collaborative community service project, applying their skills to make a tangible local impact.
Our Three Phases of Impact
Phase 1: Foundation (Weeks 1-4)
Participants learn communication, conflict resolution, personal responsibility, and the fundamentals of mental and physical wellness. We also introduce our core technical and professional pillars: Technology, Financial Acumen, Entrepreneurial Spirit, Photography, and Media Videography.
Phase 2: Leadership Development (Weeks 5-8)
The core civics curriculum is introduced. Youth learn about local government, community organizing, and public speaking, applying these skills through a hands-on project to address a local issue.
Phase 3: Community Action (Weeks 9-12)
Participants implement their youth-led community service project, using their new skills in fundraising, project management, and digital media to document their impact and share their story.
Apply to the Program
Please fill out the application form below to get started!
Ready to Make a Difference?
Whether you're a potential participant, mentor, or community partner, we invite you to connect with us and learn more about how you can be a part of the Youth Catalyst Blueprint Program.
Contact Us Today