Youth In Focus

The guiding vision of Youth In Focus is of a world in which youth and adults share knowledge and power to create a more just, sustainable, and democratic society. Since 1990 YIF has pursued this vision by providing training, consulting and coaching support in youth-led action research (Youth-REP) to underrepresented youth and adult allies working for positive change. Youth-led action research brings young people's energy and information to bear upon social and organizational challenges. Young people play lead roles in designing, doing, and following up on research or evaluation projects that serve to change or initiate a program, organization, community initiative, organizing campaign, or policy that affects them and their peers.

Our mission is to educate underrepresented youth and adult partners in youth-led action research, evaluation and planning to create the conditions for social justice.

California Friday Night Live

The California Friday Night Live (FNL) Program was developed in 1984. It began as a pilot program dedicated to reducing the number of deaths and injuries caused by teen motorists driving under the influence of alcohol and other drugs. During the first years of the program the youth involved were organized into high school-based student action groups. The success rate was so great that in 1988 a statewide office was established. By 1990, the number of counties with the FNL Program had increased 300% and the main focus of the program began to shift from one of preventing drinking and driving among teens to promoting healthy lifestyles free of alcohol, tobacco, or other substance abuse among youth.

Kern County Tech Prep Collaborative

Kern County Tech Prep Collaborative is an important school-to-work transition strategy, helping all students make the connection between school and employment.