Youth
Commission
CITYOF SAN JOSE
2023-2024
Annual Report
NEIGHBORHOOD SERVICES & EDUCATION COMMITTEE
CONTENTS
03 MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR
05 ABOUT THE COMMISSION
08 2023-2024 ADOPTED
WORKPLAN & OUTREACH PLAN
10 BILL OF RIGHTS FOR CHILDREN
AND YOUNG ADULTS
11 ENHANCING THE YOUTH
COMMISSION MEMO
LIDECITY HALL
12 OVERVIEW OF YOUTH IN SAN
JOSÉ
CONTENTS
13 YOUTH PRIORITIES SURVEY
RESULTS
16 WORK PLAN OBJECTIVE REPORTS
24 DISTRICT REPORTS
43 VOLUNTEER STATISTICS
44 SAN J
YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCILS IN
ACTION
49 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS &
CONTACT
MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR
The San José Youth Commission enjoys a long history of youth advocacy and civic engagement. We are the official advisory group to the Mayor and City Council who are leading youth representation in local government. As the Chair of the Commission, I am proud and honored to have led such an amazing group of youth advocates and trailblazers. Our Commissioners are responsible for developing policy recommendations and representing over 20,000 youth constituents in their respective districts. The mission of the Youth Commission is to empower and encourage youth to be civically engaged through local and city-wide events and initiatives.
However, youth inclusion in local
government is drastically different
now than in the past. At the start of
this year, the Commission changed
the municipal code as a beginning
step to engaging youth and local
government on a deeper level. This
included the age restrictions for
commissioners and the
implementation of compensation,
fostering greater diversity and
inclusion for socioeconomically
disadvantaged youths to participate
in City government. Additionally, we
established a pipeline for youth-
related policies, ensuring that issues
directly affecting youth are sent to
the Youth Commission for
recommendation and comment
before proceeding to the City Council.
Our primary objective throughout the
year has been to promote
transparency within local government
and inclusion of youth voices and
experiences in the process. This is
evident in a much more narrowed
work plan, youth-directed projects,
and youth inclusion in decision-
making processes.
YOUTH COMMISSION 23-24 ANNUAL REPORT PAGE 03
MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR
We created three ad hoc committees "The Commission changed in alignment with our work plan goals.
the municipal code as a
The first goal in our work plan was to
establish the Youth Participatory beginning step to engaging Budget project. We distributed a city- youth and local government wide survey that received over 900 on a deeper level."
responses from youth and highlighted
their priorities. As we reflect on our
accomplishments and progress, I
The second goal, environmental trust that the Youth Commission advocacy, included several city-wide will remain committed to fostering projects-such as our Oak Tree an inclusive and equitable Planting event—to foster community community where every young engagement, City beautification, and person has the opportunity to green activism. thrive. In the future, we envision
even greater strides in youth
Finally, our third goal was gender- engagement and representation in based violence and sexual local government.
harassment awareness. We focused
on policy-specific issues, such as a With gratitude,
memorandum on preventing human
trafficking. DEITRA V. HOANG
CHAIR, YOUTH COMMISSION
CITY OF SAN JOSÉ
YOUTH COMMISSION 23-24 ANNUAL REPORT PAGE 04
YOUTH COMMISSION
The Youth Commission is the official advisory group to the Mayor and City Council, which empowers and encourages youth to be civically engaged through local and city-wide events and initiatives.
Aanya Mishra
Commissioner | District 1
• 1st year on the Youth Commission
• Junior at Lynbrook High School
• Participated on the Gender-Based Violence and Youth
Participatory Budget Program Pilot ad hoc committees
• Public Forum debater
• Bharatanatyam dancer
Neyha Pradeepkumar
Commissioner | District 2
• 1st year on the Youth Commission
• Sophomore at Presentation High School
• Participated on the Gender-Based Violence and Youth
Participatory Budget Program Pilot ad hoc committees
• Bharatanatyam dancer graduating this summer with
her solo arangetram performance
Deitra Hoang
Chair | District 3
• 2nd year on the Youth Commission
• Senior at Gunderson High School
• Participated on the Environmental Advocacy, Gender-
Based Violence, & Youth Participatory Budget Program
Pilot ad hoc committees
• Authored and passed five policy recommendations
• Will attend the University of Pennsylvania in the Fall Thy Luong
Commissioner | District 4
• 1st year on the Youth Commission
• Senior at Notre Dame
• Led the Youth Participatory Budget Program Pilot ad
hoc committee
• Santa Clara County Youth Poet Laureate
• Will attend Yale University in the Fall
YOUTH COMMISSION 23-24 ANNUAL REPORT PAGE 05
YOUTH COMMISSION
Youth Commissioners develop policy recommendations concerning youth and support youth who serve their community through civic engagement and participation.
Andrew Lieu
Commissioner | District 5
• 3rd year on the Youth Commission
• Junior at William C. Overfelt High School
• President of Region 4 of the California Association of Student Councils, 2023-2024
• Student Body Co-President at Overfelt High School
• Runs cross-country and track
Amiya Bansal
Communications Officer | District 6
• 2nd year on the Youth Commission
• Junior at Notre Dame
• Participated on the Gender-Based Violence ad hoc
committee
• Intern for the Mayor's Office
Megan Luong
Commissioner | District 7
• Ist year on the Youth Commission
• Senior at Notre Dame
• Led the Gender-Based Violence ad hoc committee and
participated on Youth Participatory Budget Program
Pilot ad hoc committee
• Will attend Stanford University in the Fall
Aldojoell Gonzalez-Muñiz
Commissioner | District 8
• 2nd year on the Youth Commission
• Junior at William C. Overfelt High School
• Plays on Overfelt JV Soccer team
• On the school beautification committee in Overfelt
Leadership
• Works with Project Hope for the past 3 years
YOUTH COMMISSION 23-24 ANNUAL REPORT PAGE 06
YOUTH COMMISSION
The Youth Commission promotes resources and opportunities available to youth and provides equitable access and support to marginalized youth communities.
Agam Singh
Commissioner | District 9
• 3rd year on the Youth Commission
• Junior at Leigh High School
• Participated on the Environmental Advocacy ad
hoc committee
Nolan Mascarenhas
Vice Chair & Outreach Officer | District 10
, 1st year on the Youth Commissio
• lunior at Branham High Schoo
• Participated on the Environmental Advocacy ad
hoc committee
• Intern for the District 10 Council Office
Vedant Janapaty
Commissioner | Citywide
• 2nd year on the Youth Commissior
• Senior at Silver Creek High School
• Led the Environmental Advocacy ad hoc
committee
• Recipient of the Eagle Scout Award
• Will attend university in the Fall
STAFF
Megan Maloy Lizzie Nolan Dziem Nguyen
Librarian || & Youth Senior Librarian Administrative Assistant Commission Coordinator
Ananya Sriram Vidya Kilambi Karla Alvarez
Youth Intern Division Manager Deputy Chief of Staff
YOUTH COMMISSION 23-24 ANNUAL REPORT PAGE 07
ADOPTED WORK PLAN
The San José Youth Commission developed a Work Plan for Fiscal Year 2023- 2024 and presented it to the Neighborhood Services and Education Committee on September 14, 2023.
As the official advisory body to the Mayor and City Council, representing approximately 248,000 youth under 19, our mission is to empower youth in civic activities, promote resources, ensure equitable access, support marginalized youth communities, and develop policy recommendations.
YOUTH PARTICIPATORY BUDGET PROGRAM PILOT
• Gather youth input through various events and initiatives to determine their priorities.
• Convey youth priorities to City Council and other relevant municipal authorities. • Implement a City Budget Priority Session to gather insight and input from the youth on City Budget priorities.
ENVIRONMENTAL ADVOCACY
• Collaborate with local organizations and city departments to launch an awareness campaign by youth in order to show the impact of environmental issues. • Participate in litter pick-ups, dumpster days, and other clean-up events in collaboration with city departments and organizations.
• Collaborate with school clubs and encourage the creation and preservation of school/community gardens.
GENDER BASED VIOLENCE AND SAFETY
Collaborate with local organizations and city departments to conduct research and support an awareness campaign by youth around issues including but not limited to:
• Sexual harassment
• Assault / domestic violence
• Healthy relationships
YOUTH COMMISSION 23-24 ANNUAL REPORT PAGE 08
OUTREACH PLAN
With the new addition of the Outreach and Communications Officer roles, the San José Youth Commission developed and accepted an Outreach Plan for Fiscal Year 2023-2024 at their meeting on October 28, 2023.
PROMOTE YOUTH COMMISSION AND YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL EVENTS Objective Strategies Success Metrics
Engagement across social
Increase the number media, the number of
of youths who know youths who know about
about the Youth the Youth Commission,
Post on social media, create
Commission. and the number of Youth
flyers and share information at
schools and through youth Commission applications.
organizations.
Increase the number Number of youths who
of youths who participate in Youth
participate in YACs. Advisory Councils.
CONNECT WITH COMMUNITY-BASED ORGANIZATIONS AND DEVELOP
PARTNERSHIPS TO SUPPORT THE YOUTH COMMISSION WORK PLAN
Objective Strategies Success Metrics
Host community Number of presentations
Identify organizations,
based organizations at Youth Commission
and city departments departments, groups, and
activities that align with the meetings and the Youth
as presenters at Youth Commission work plan
Youth Commission work plan. objectives.
Commission meetings.
YOUTH COMMISSION 23-24 ANNUAL REPORT PAGE 09
YOUTH CNN
BILL OF RIGHTS
LIBERATION
MOVEMENT
for Children & Young Adults for Santa Clara County
Every young person must get what they need when they need it, no matter their actual or perceived race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, mental or physical ability, nationality, immigration status, criminal history, first language, skin color, education status, or wealth. We value the diversity of our children and young adults in Santa Clara County and believe we must treat each of them with respect and dignity.
All children and young adults Personal Development: Time, space, and resources to pursue any interest or opt for rest.
have the right to:
Healthcare: Affordable, timely, and quality External support for family: Support that will allow mental and physical healthcare that they can their families to be taken care of so they can pursue access at any time. their dreams.
Mental health: Mental and emotional health and well- Modern needs: Reliable transportation and wifi, being and support systems in and outside of the home computers that meet their needs, and phones when that promotes emotional and social applicable.
safety.
Basic needs: Enough quality food and water, showers,
Love and emotional connections: Meaningful clean clothes, and hygiene products to connections with consistent, caring adults and peers keep their bodies healthy. who love and appreciate the young person
for who they are and want to see them grow. Housing: Affordable, stable, safe, and comfortable housing that meets their needs as
Support and Guidance: Receive support and individuals.
guidance from role models who are dedicated to
helping them achieve their dreams and goals. Green spaces: Easily accessible and clean green spaces that will be preserved for future
Life Skills: Training to develop life skills and generations. knowledge as well as opportunities to apply them for
their growth. Safety: Feel and be safe in all environments they are in, such as their schools, homes,
Education: A relevant and engaging education that neighborhoods, and online. exposes them to other cultures and promotes
lifelong learning. Voice: Be treated as equal partners in identifying problems, developing solutions, and making the
Job Opportunities: Job opportunities that provide decisions that they are impacted by. safe and reasonable working conditions,
and a living wage, and allow them to grow their Choice: Make important decisions for their lives careers. and set boundaries that are respected.
The rights above have not been fulfilled for all youth. Many are limited by the inflexible and overly restrained structure of the environments designed for them. Change to these environments will not happen without mass commitment and action. By combining our personal power and expertise through continuous collaboration, we have the ability to create lasting change for Santa Clara County youth.
For more information: www.kidsincommon.org
YOUTH COMMISSION 23-24 ANNUAL REPORT PAGE 10
ENHANCING THE
YOUTH COMMISSION
On September 12, 2023, the City
Council unanimously approved an
ordinance strengthening the Youth
Commission's functions, powers,
and duties.
9/12/23|City Council Consideration and implementation of Enhancing the Youth Commission and Youth Participation in the Cly 7.1 Neighborhood Services Council direction created an opportunity for Youth Commissioners and staff to
revisit related policies and procedures to
include and uplift the lived experiences
of young people in the City of San José
who are most vulnerable, have been
underserved in the past, and are often
the hardest to reach.
Recommendation
Amend Section 2.08.4840 of Chapter 2.08
of the San José Municipal Code to ensure
the Youth Commission and Youth Advisory Recommendation
Councils are inclusive and representative of
Add Section 2.08.4835 of Chapter 2.08
the City of San José. of the San José Municipal Code to compensate appointed Youth
Recommendation Commissioners to encourage the
participation of economically diverse
Amend Section 2.08.4850 of Chapter 2.08
youth, increase engagement among
of the San José Municipal Code to revise
Commissioners while maintaining
and expand the advisory and
fulltime student status, and align with
recommendation powers of the Youth
Commission to City Council and the Mayor the citywide policy to reduce financial barriers to serve on boards.
and, following the revised municipal code
power and duties, designate youth
representatives to other San José
Commissions.
YOUTH COMMISSION 23-24 ANNUAL REPORT PAGE 11
YOUTH
75 to 79 years Under 5 5 to 9 years
2.5%
65 to 69 years 5.5% IN SAN JOSÉ
10 to 14 years
4.8%
5.9%
60 to 64 years
6% 15 to 19 years CHILD, YOUTH, YOUNG
6.3%
ADULT POPULATIONS
55 to 59 years
6.2% San José is the most populous city in
20 to 24 years Santa Clara County, with children,
6.9%
youth, and young adults under age 24
50 to 54 years accounting for nearly 30% of its almost
7% one million residents. Of these, 37.5%
25 to 29 years
are Asian, 31% are Latino/x, 24.4% are
7.1%
45 to 49 years White, 3% have Black/African ancestry,
6.7% 30 to 34 years and 4.1% identify as another race or 40 to 44 years 35 to 39 years 8.3% ethnicity. Approximately 40% of
6.9% 7.6%
residents are foreign-born, and 50%
speak a language other than English.
White
Under 5
African American or Black
Asian or Pacific Islander 5 to 17 years
Hispanic or Latino
18 to 24 years
Two or More Races
50000 100000 150000 200000
YOUTH AND POVERTY
LEVELS
While San José is one of the wealthiest
Total Population Below Poverty Level
cities in the country, many families are
struggling financially in the region. 8.2%
of San José residents under the age of Under 5 47,067 10.4% (4,915) 18 are below the federal poverty level,
compared to 7.4% of the overall
population of the city. For families with 5 to 17 146,563 8% (11,723) children under the age of 18, 6.5% live
below the poverty level. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2021 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates YOUTH COMMISSION 23-24 ANNUAL REPORT PAGE 12
YOUTH PRIORITIES
SURVEY REPORT
Importance of issues on a scale of 1 (lowest priority) to 5 (highest priority) The Youth Commission 1 2
creates and distributes an
annual survey to youth Housing & Homelessness
throughout San José that
serves as a too for Violence & Safety
gauging youth priorities Educational Resources
and sentiments towards
various issues and Mental Health Resources
Commission activities.
This year, the survey Environment & Climate Change
collected almost 900
Transportation
responses and ideas
related to our work plan Vandalism & Graffiti
and was a foundation for
100 200 300 400 500 600 700
the Budget Summit.
We asked respondents what issues they found most relevant. Respondents considered poverty, housing and homelessness, violence and safety, and educational resource availability to be the top three issues. We were impressed by the multitude of resolutions when asked what your ideas were to address or solve these issues. We noticed that most concerns were poverty, homelessness, and educational equity. Many of the solutions we were provided had an underlying theme of personal and community. Additionally, we noticed an overarching theme of youth advocacy.
"Educational resources to parents
"Schools and other city "There should be more high
on mental health to reduce stigma
properties could replace non- school-aged or young adult- around these topics, encouraging
native lawns with drought focused programs like SJPLF's diversity within existing school
tolerant native plants." Resilience Corps."
curriculums."
"Provide funding for schools
"Clean up the trash on the
and public institutions t
roads and highways, better mprove surveillance an "Form advocacy plans, and make police presence, there is too voices heard. Change won't much vandalism and theft - security technology in order to happen unless you speak up."
prevent abuse/violence from
makes me feel unsafe."
occurring."
YOUTH COMMISSION 23-24 ANNUAL REPORT PAGE 13
YOUTH PRIORITES SURVEY REPORT
If you were given $100,000 to improve your community, how would you invest the money?
0% 10% 20% 30%
Homelessness Support and Community Welfare 38%
Educational Initiatives and School Funding 25%
Health and Welfare Programs 16%
Public Transportation and Environmental Improvements 14% Miscellaneous Responses 11%
Infrastructure and Neighborhood Improvements 10%
Safety and Crime Prevention 9%
Community Enhancement 9%
Youth and Teen Engagement 8%
Food Banks and Nutrition Programs 6% % of Responses
We asked if you were given $100,000 to improve your community, how would you invest the money? Since this is a vast question, we specified it by asking if you would expand specific programs or services. Would you invest in new ideas or solutions? Over 36% of respondents wanted to invest in homelessness support and community welfare, followed by education and school funding.
"I would invest some in
"Everywhere around San José,
homeless/drug abuse there is a homeless person. I
"Invest in education, ending
support, and would link this want to invest in a home or a homelessness, and safe public
to a plan to more resources support center for all
transit."
for education to help the homeless people where they
lower classes access jobs." can stay under a roof and
vork on finding ways to ge
hemselves their own home.
want them to feel supported
"Invest in homeless
so that they have that
"Creating a shelter that motivation to get a job and shelters/food banks instead of nelps people that are get a home. If I make a care
struggling with menta
center for homeless people
health or abuse."
with $100,000, I know this will
help lots of people." run out more quickly."
YOUTH COMMISSION 23-24 ANNUAL REPORT PAGE 14
YOUTH PRIORITES SURVEY REPORT
Do you agree with the following statement:
The local City of San José government reflects youth priorities.
Strongly agree
4.9% Somewhat disagree
12.2% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40%
Somewhat agree Awareness/Engagement in City Initiatives 42%
25.1%
Call for Improvement 19%
Government's Responsiveness 19%
Youth Safety and Well-being 12%
Youth Influence and Representation in Govt 11%
Information Accessibility 7%
Miscellaneous Responses 6%
Policy Perception 3% % of Responses
Neutral / I don't know
Youth Self-Reported Understanding of the City's Efforts
51.5%
The pie chart shows the split of responses received when asked if the city government reflects youth priorities. We found it surprising that 50% of the respondents said they didn't know how their local government felt about youth needs. When explaining their understanding of City efforts and reasoning for their answer, we found that over 42% of survey takers lacked awareness and engagement in City initiatives. These responses illustrate opportunities for outreach around program and resource awareness. The Youth Commission's work plan supports increasing youth engagement in the design and implementation of community programs and overall participation in local government.
"No knowledge on how "I have not heard of one "To be honest I'm not sure much the city prioritizes program that the city has to about it so that's why I choose youth needs." offer for children." the neutral."
"Schools take initiative towards
"Before YAC I didn't even youth and encourage them to
know that San José youth fulfill their dreams. Resources "The youth follow in the
had a voice in policies are all present, but not many
footsteps of the society they
making decisions. I didn't people know about them. Thus, live in."
know the city council even making resources more
cared about we thought." accessible would be very
helpful."
YOUTH COMMISSION 23-24 ANNUAL REPORT PAGE 15
WORK PLAN OBJECTIVE
YOUTH
1. Gather youth input through
PARTICIPATORY various events and initiatives
BUDGET
2. Convey Youth Priorities to
PROGRAM PILOT City Council
3. Develop a recommendation
for a Youth Participatory Budget
Led by Commissioner Thy Luong
and comprised of Commissioner Program pilot
Deitra Hoang, Commissioner
Megan Luong, Commissioner Youth Participatory Budgeting Mishra, and Commissioner Neyha programs exist worldwide to Pradeepkumar, the Youth increase civic engagement and
Participatory Budgeting ad hoc allow youth-directed decision- committee first convened in making processes. For example, September 2023. Boston, Massachusetts's
participatory budget campaign,
The ad hoc committee focused its "Youth Lead the Change," allocates work on three key initiatives: $1 million for residents aged 12-25 to ideate, narrow down, and vote
YOUTH COMMISSION 23-24 ANNUAL REPORT PAGE 16
YOUTH PARTICIPATORY BUDGET PROGRAM PILOT
on projects addressing local
issues that their city government
eventually implements.
Recognizing the tokenization of
youth voices in San José and the
lack of youth input to local
government, the ad hoc
committee focused on
establishing pathways toward
funding youth projects. Youth Commission's annual Budget Priorities Summit in January 2024,
From October 2023 to December generating project ideas that 2023, the ad hoc committee would address issues in areas of developed and released its poverty and homelessness,
annual Youth Priorities survey, violence and safety, educational soliciting the opinions of nearly resources, mental health, climate 900 youth voices on identifying change, and transportation. The topics important to young people. summit engaged over fifty city Youth ranked seven key city youth in project ideation to solve issues and identified poverty and city issues and ended in a homelessness, violence and community conversation with
safety, and the availability and District 4 Councilmember David quality of educational resources Cohen.
as their top three areas of
importance. The ad hoc Based on the Teen Priorities
committee worked to sort and Survey, the Budget Priorities synthesize diverse responses to Summit, and Commissioner input, questions concerning youth the Youth Participatory Budgeting priorities, wellness, the ad hoc committee began writing a representativeness of local Manager's Budget Addenda to government, and more. allocate $16,000 to uplifting youth priorities and voices in San José to
Youth also provided input on be considered through the City budget priorities through the budget process.
YOUTH COMMISSION 23-24 ANNUAL REPORT PAGE 17
WORK PLAN OBJECTIVE
ENVIRONMENTAL Citywide Commissioner Vedant
Janapaty (ad hoc committee Chair),
ADVOCACY District 3 Commissioner Deitra
Hoang, District 9 Commissioner
Agam Singh, and District 10
The San José Youth Commission Commissioner Nolan Mascarenhas. recognizes the need to alleviate
climate change stress among The Committee focused on
youth. Hence, in its August Retreat, upscaling environmental the Commission agreed that awareness around native plant implementing community-wide rehabilitation, food waste, litter solutions, awareness campaigns, pickups, and school and and youth advocacy is the best way community gardens — all areas of to elevate existing environmental importance detailed in the awareness efforts. With that vision Commission's 2023-24 Work Plan. in mind, the Commission The following report presents the announced the formation of an work done to achieve the
Environmental Advocacy ad hoc Commission's environmental committee composed of objectives.
YOUTH COMMISSION 23-24 ANNUAL REPORT PAGE 18
ENVIRONMENTAL ADVOCACY
Marijane Hamann Park Oak
Planting Project
On March 16th, led by Citywide
Commissioner Vedant Janapaty,
the Environmental Advocacy ad
hoc committee successfully led
the planting of twelve native oak
trees. Inspired by the work of
environmental nonprofits such as
Grassroots Ecology and Keep
Coyote Creek Clean, the
committee looked to underscore
oaks for their high carbon
capture capacity, maintenance of
soil quality, and cultural
significance. Three species of
oaks were finalized, including the
blue oak, coastal live oak, and
valley oak. Google donated eight
coastal live oaks and valley oaks,
and four blue oaks were
purchased from Capitol
Wholesale Nursery in San José.
The Parks, Recreation &
Neighborhood Services
department and the Volunteer
Management Unit provided
tactical support in delivering the
oaks, tools, and supplies to the
project site. Grassroots Ecology,
Keep Coyote Creek Clean and
Silicon Valley Youth Climate
Action partnered with the
Commission to promote the
event to youth in San José and
beyond.
YOUTH COMMISSION 23-24 ANNUAL REPORT PAGE 19
ENVIRONMENTAL ADVOCACY
Silver Creek High School Native Municipal Regional Stormwater Garden National Pollution Discharge
The Commission recognizes the Elimination System (NDES) Permit need to involve school Status
communities in the City's youth In October, the Youth Commission environmental movement. To received an update from the
that end, a campaign was Environmental Services
established in Silver Creek High Department on its stormwater School to highlight the elimination system. Deputy
importance of native plants in Director Rajani Nair described how thwarting California's wildfires the ESD expands solutions to and to restore California plant broaden trash load reduction species that have been goals. Additionally, the ESD
decimated due to the relentless highlighted their vision to spread of non-native, invasive implement sediment control species. California native plants measures in "Old Industrial Areas" were introduced into a vacant and to manage PCBs-containing plot at Silver Creek High School. materials from building The project was funded through demolitions. The Commission farmer's market sales in the local seeks to implement these community. Among the native solutions by expanding stormwater plants introduced were the and trash reduction campaigns.
California sunflower, fuchsia, This will continue to be a major deer weed, sticky monkey flower, area of interest in the 2024-25 California rose, Lewisia, fiscal year.
goldenrods, wire rush, and
yarrow.
V. Discussion/Action Ite Provenzano)
YOUTH COMMISSION 23-24 ANNUAL REPORT PAGE 20
WORK PLAN OBJECTIVE
GENDER-BASED
Collaborate with local
VIOLENCE & organizations and city
SAFETY departments to conduct
research and support an
awareness campaign by youth
around issues including but not
limited to:
Led by Commissioner Megan
• Sexual harassment
Luong and comprised of
• Assault / domestic violence
Commissioner Deitra Hoang,
Commissioner Amiya Bansal, • Healthy relationships
Commissioner Aanya Mishra, and
Commissioner Neyha We did this by:
Pradeepkumar, the Gender-Based 1. Gathering youth input through Violence and Safety ad hoc various events and initiatives, committee first convened in 2. Researching the availability of September 2023. preventative measures,
support programs, and
The ad hoc committee focused its educational resources relating work on the following: to gender violence,
YOUTH COMMISSION 23-24 ANNUAL REPORT PAGE 21
GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE & SAFETY
3. And writing a memorandum on These accounts collectively implementing helpline placards in underscored the necessity of our city bathrooms as a safety ad hoc work. Supplementary
measure. corroborative data gleaned from
the Annual Youth Survey further
Gathering Input substantiated the concern and
Recognizing the importance of provided input.
amplifying youth voices in
combating gender violence, we
engaged with various
stakeholders to gather insights
and experiences. This included
meeting with the Coalition for
Social Justice at ESUHSD and
connecting with student survivors
and their stories. Notably,
discussions with TEA club
members at Andrew Hill High
School shed light on the
prevalence of violence among
peers and the support networks
that exist. Furthermore, the
Researching Community Resources
Committee drew upon the
Collaborating with organizations
personal experiences and
like the YWCA proved instrumental
observations of its
in our efforts to understand and
Commissioners, which included
leverage existing preventative
instances of gender violence
measures and support programs.
witnessed among elementary-
Through these partnerships, we
aged peers, as well as a notable
gained valuable insights into
surge in social media disclosures
initiatives such as the TEA Club
from San José high school
and safety workshops, which
students regarding experiences
address the root causes and
of rape and sexual violence.
ongoing effects of gender violence
in our community.
YOUTH COMMISSION 23-24 ANNUAL REPORT PAGE 22
GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE & SAFETY
Implementing Change This policy, aimed at responding to In pursuit of tangible policy the Bay Area human trafficking solutions, the committee crisis and promoting public safety, explored innovative approaches underscores our commitment to to addressing gender violence. At proactive intervention. By the 2024 budget summit, prominently displaying helplines discussions centered on for sexual assault, human
establishing a safety map to track trafficking, and domestic violence, instances of violence in real time, we seek to raise awareness and led by Commissioner Mishra. provide vital support to those in Additionally, recognizing the need need. The policy has garnered for immediate action, we support from Councilmember
championed the implementation Doan and his legislative team, who of Gender-Based Violence have championed its
Helpline Placards in city advancement. As a result, the bathrooms. policy is currently undergoing the
implementation process.
YOUTH COMMISSION 23-24 ANNUAL REPORT PAGE 23
DISTRICT REPORTS
DISTRICT 1
BY AANYA MISHRA
In September 2023, I established A dedicated officer team runs the the District 1 Youth Advisory District 1 Youth Advisory Council Council. We are a team of and meets biweekly, ensuring
seventeen civically engaged high regular and focused efforts toward school students who dedicate our our shared objectives. time, talent, and ideas to promote
positive change in our community. On December 15th, 2023, we had Along with the San José Youth the privilege of hosting Vice Mayor Commission, our primary goals are Rosemary Kamei at our Youth to provide the San José Mayor and Advisory Council meeting. We had City Council with policy the opportunity to share our policy recommendations, identify and proposals with her. In return, Vice address youth issues, host exciting Mayor Kamei offered invaluable events, and address the needs of insights and feedback, suggesting our district residents. strategies to enhance the reach and impact of our initiatives.
m beary sleep
YOUTH COMMISSION 23-24 ANNUAL REPORT PAGE 24
DISTRICT REPORTS: DISTRICT 1
On March 22nd, 2024, the District Specifically, we strive to establish 1 Youth Advisory Council clearly marked bike and pedestrian successfully organized the first- lanes and identify additional ever Career Exploration Fair at measures to bolster student safety Cupertino Library. This event across San José.
featured fourteen student-led
organizations, school clubs, and Furthermore, the District 1 Youth nonprofits and was attended by Advisory Council is gearing up to over 250 students and parents. host a College Admissions Attendees were immersed in a Workshop. With this event, we aim wealth of resources aimed at to invite current college students, illuminating various career who will offer invaluable guidance trajectories and highlighting the on essay writing, application plethora of opportunities strategies, and overall advice available to students. It provided tailored for juniors and seniors in a unique platform for attendees high school.
to ask questions, seek advice,
and gain insights from individuals
eager to share their knowledge
and experiences. In doing so, the
event fostered a sense of
community engagement.
In addition, the District 1 Youth
Advisory Council has drafted a
memorandum regarding the
prevention of unsafe conditions
in transportation surrounding
school campuses. Our policy
aims to achieve this objective
through collaborative efforts with
schools and community
organizations.
YOUTH COMMISSION 23-24 ANNUAL REPORT PAGE 25
DISTRICT REPORTS
DISTRICT 2
BY NEYHA PRADEEPKUMAR
In San José's District 2, our Youth the Family Giving Tree, raising over Advisory Council (YAC) tirelessly $200 through gift donations and in- empowers youth voices. Since its person contributions.
establishment in October, led by
Chair Rehaan Aziz and Vice-Chair In January, our YAC members Ruby Yu, our team of 10 members attended the Youth Commission's has been on an exhilarating Budget Summit, participating in journey of empowerment. vital discussions around youth
mental health. As we continue to
Our inaugural year has been expand our network, we've
nothing short of extraordinary. It welcomed members from multiple was marked by the launch of our high schools in District 2 and publicity team, which has formed a partnership with the extensively collaborated through District 2 Neighborhood their promotional efforts and Association, enriching our orchestrating a donation drive with community engagement efforts.
With the District 2 elections on the
horizon, our YAC is gearing up to
collaborate with the D2
Neighborhood Association to
civically empower the district's
youth in the democratic process.
Thanks to the commitment of our
YAC members: Rehaan Aziz, Ruby
Yu, Fernanda Avila, Khyati Indla,
Marian Kucharewski, Arunima
Garg, Divya Vattikonda, Andrea
Chen, and Kai Wang, totaling over
50 hours of volunteer service in
dedication to their community.
YOUTH COMMISSION 23-24 ANNUAL REPORT PAGE 26
DISTRICT REPORTS
DISTRICT 3
BY DEITRA V. HOANG
The District 3 Youth Advisory across the city. With nearly 900 Council (D3 YAC) is a grassroots responses in the most recent organization of passionate youth iteration, the survey serves as a advocates committed to positively vital tool for gauging youth impacting their community. Due to priorities and sentiments towards a history of underrepresentation in various city departments and local government, our YAC issues. Now in its fourth year, this specifically focuses on social ongoing initiative highlights D3 justice policy and equity initiatives. YAC's commitment to inclusivity and community engagement,
Activities and Impact ensuring that the voices of youth Annual Citywide Youth Priorities are heard and accounted for in the Survey: In collaboration with the decision-making processes of local San José Public Library, the survey government. The survey was was created to reach out to a recently made into a Commission- diverse range of young people wide measure.
EE
MICHAEL KORS
YOUTH COMMISSION 23-24 ANNUAL REPORT PAGE 27
DISTRICT REPORTS: DISTRICT 3
Annual District 3 Youth Policy
Summit: The D3 YAC hosts a
yearly policy-writing event open
to public youth to learn about the
Youth Commission's work and
how to write policy
memorandums. Also running for
the fourth year, we empower
youth to engage with policy-
making processes and address
present issues within their
community. Typically,
memorandum ideas are taken
from themes observed in our
citywide survey, ensuring we Policy Initiatives
address matters that general Establishing a San José BIPOC Visual youth care about. At our most Artist Grant Program-As a result of recent summit, we wrote a the 2024 Youth Policy Summit, this memorandum establishing a memorandum's purpose is to uplift Black, Indigenous, People of and financially support ВІРОС Color Visual Artist Grant Program. visual artists in San José for the artistic contributions they have
Career & Major Exploration made.
Workshop (In Collaboration with
District 4 YAC): The D3 and D4 Implementing Green Canopies in Commissioners organized this Downtown San José-To address workshop in partnership with environmental advocacy efforts, Study Smart Tutors. This event this policy recommends
allowed students to explore their implementing green canopies in interests and majors to identify Downtown San José's commercial career opportunities and streets, terraces, and squares to educational criteria. generate shade, reduce air
pollution, and beautify the
downtown area.
YOUTH COMMISSION 23-24 ANNUAL REPORT PAGE 28
DISTRICT REPORTS
DISTRICT 4
BY THY LUONG
This year, District 4's Youth D4YAC members also participated Advisory Council (D4YAC), a group in YAC socials and local leadership of nineteen youth living or conferences, attended SJYC's attending school mostly in District annual Budget Summit, and 4 San José, tackled a variety of volunteered at D4 events like the issues through policy writing, Berryessa Mid-Autumn Festival and volunteering, and event planning. city Dumpster Days.
Split into four key teams:
Homelessness & Poverty, Climate
Change & Environment, Safety &
Transportation, and Social & Racial
Equity, D4YAC ideated, planned,
and executed various initiatives in
D4 and across San José.
Across the school year, D4YAC met
biweekly both in person and on
Zoom as a full team, with
individual teams meeting outside
of general meeting times for team-
specific work. Spearheaded by D4
Commissioner Thy Luong and
D4YAC Vice Chair Kasey Cheung,
D4YAC worked to plan "A.I.M.
(Advise, Inspire, Motivate):
Pathways to Our Future," a
conference aimed at inspiring San
José Youth to attend college and
pursue diverse careers. A long-
standing District 4 tradition, 2024
is the first year since the pandemic
that A.I.M. will be held fully in-
person.
YOUTH COMMISSION 23-24 ANNUAL REPORT PAGE 29
DISTRICT REPORTS: DISTRICT 4
D4YAC Homelessness & Poverty The team also authored the Team "Menstrual Products in Libraries"
Led by Team Lead Ojas Gandhi memo, an initiative to implement and staffed by Harry Le, Vienna free menstrual products in at least Thai, Genesis Arroyo, and Kristina one bathroom per San José Public Huffman, the D4YAC Library, and is working with the D4
Homelessness & Poverty Team Office and city to implement the worked to run their annual memo in the near future.
clothing drive with CityTeam San
José at three different high school D4YAC Climate Change & locations: Independence High Environment Team
School, Evergreen High School, Led by Team Lead Katie Hion and and Piedmont Hills High School. staffed by Evelyn Wang, Katelyn From December 2023 to February Tran, Medha Mahanta, and Diya 2024, the team collected gently Arun Kumar, the D4YAC Climate used clothing to provide low- Change & Environment Team income and homeless San losé worked to develop a tree-planting residents winter clothes for the proposal that would encourage upcoming winter months through planting low-maintenance and donations directly to the drought-resistant trees in heat CityTeam San José shelter and islands to minimize the heat risk in boxes placed at the San José. The team also hosted
aforementioned high schools. various events aimed towards cultivating environmental literacy
and stewardship throughout the
year. In February, the team
partnered with the D4 Office and
Beautify SJ to host a Litter Pickup
at Flickinger Park, cleaning up
trash around the park to better
families' lives. Finally, in
partnership with four high school
environmental clubs in San José—
NDSJ Clean & Green Club, PHHS
Students Uniting Farm Workers,
YOUTH COMMISSION 23-24 ANNUAL REPORT PAGE 30
DISTRICT REPORTS: DISTRICT 4
PHHS Science for the Youth, and five Foothill College EMT students, PHHS Greenfingers— D4YAC and the Santa Clara County Opioid successfully hosted the inaugural Overdose Prevention Project, the Green Planet Conference, an team fostered youth awareness event that connected like-minded about drug use and trained youth youth over issues affecting the with life-saving skills. In the near environment, involved interactive future, the team is working exhibits presented by each club, towards partnering with local and allowed youth to plan a transportation authorities and citywide environmental community organizations to
awareness campaign around improve public transportation composting and environmental incentives for youth.
awareness.
D4YAC Social & Racial Equity Team
D4YAC Safety & Transportation Led by Team Lead Thanisha Kapur Team and staffed by Akshadha
Led by Team Lead Ethan Effendi Meenakshi and Vincent Siquig, the and staffed by Amy Nguyen, Kalie D4YAC Social & Racial Equity Team Huynh, and Aldrin Udasco, the planned D4 San José's first youth- D4YAC Safety & Transport Team led social business competition, worked primarily on promoting Innovate4Good. Aimed towards access to naloxone and bringing like-minded students with transportation issues. Most a passion for business and
notably, the team planned and community service together, the 5- spearheaded D4YAC's "You(th) hour intensive competition took Can Prevent Overdose" event, in place in April and was focused on which dozens of attendees fostering youth entrepreneurship listened to a presentation on and business skills. The team is drug safety by the D4YAC Safety also currently looking towards & Transportation team, practiced expanding youth access to mental naloxone administration and CPR health services and the science and had the opportunity to take behind mental health through home naloxone sprays. Joined by community partnerships and EMT instructor Angelica Lomeli, policy.
YOUTH COMMISSION 23-24 ANNUAL REPORT PAGE 31
DISTRICT REPORTS
DISTRICT 5
BY ANDREW LIEU
The District 5 Youth Advisory Homeless Encampments and
Council has hosted 3 YAC Meetings Oversized Vehicles near Schools, to and 15 YAC Leadership Meetings. Add "Civic Engagement" to the In addition to meetings, our YAC Youth Commission Work Plan, and hosted several events, such as the co-authored a Letter to Ask for "Culture Fest" at James Lick High More Support for the Youth School with Councilmember Ortiz's Commission. We also worked on a Office, the Second Annual City-School Collaborative to
Introduction to Public Policy provide Reports and receive Conference that focused on skilled, feedback from the Youth ethical, and empathetic-based Commission.
training for members, and
volunteering at the Second Harvest Additionally, we provided public Food Bank Events. comments on council items like
homeless encampments and
Policy-wise, our YAC authored a oversized vehicles near schools. memo to Support Addressing
GAP
YOUTH COMMISSION 23-24 ANNUAL REPORT PAGE 32
DISTRICT REPORTS
DISTRICT 6
BY AMIYA BANSAL
District 6 has made significant
improvements in expanding our
YAC and is actively welcoming new
applications. We hold our meetings
on Zoom and have a consistent
schedule. These meetings include
research, drafting, and overall
event promotion and planning. For
example, we researched for our
Budget Summit, where I had the
opportunity to speak and present.
The District 6 YAC and I have
attended many commission events,
like the Oak Tree Planting and YAC
Social. I am so grateful to be able
to work with such politically active
youth.
I have been deeply involved in our In my role as Communications community as the District 6 Youth Director, our efforts to engage Commissioner and youth have paid off. We have
Communications Director. A remarkable results, with our highlight of this year was the Instagram nearing almost 300 successful collaboration between followers from a humble start of 0.
Districts 1 and 6 in organizing a We're continuously crafting and Study Smart event focused on oil sharing content, even beginning spills and STEM. The event drew a video production for Instagram decent turnout and fostered Reels. Currently, 1 am working on connections with other civically commission graphics and content engaged youth, allowing us to to continue to boost our social expand our Youth Advisory media presence and outreach
Councils (YACs). efforts.
YOUTH COMMISSION 23-24 ANNUAL REPORT PAGE 33
DISTRICT REPORTS
DISTRICT 7
BY MEGAN LUONG
The District 7 Youth Advisory This event was made possible Council (D7 YAC) is a group of through a collaboration with the passionate youth advocates Key Clubs at Yerba Buena HS and committed to positively impacting Silver Creek HS, engaging nearly 60 their community. We consistently high school volunteers. The fair meet during general meetings attracted a diverse audience of twice a month. D7 YAC has twenty- over 250 individuals, providing eight active members at large who them with an opportunity to learn attend general meetings and about the San José Youth
twelve core council members- Commission while showing their Peter Vu, Aileen Dang, Trina Vu, support for youth-led small Elaine Tran, Andrea Gopar, Yash businesses.
Omprakash, Brandon Tran, Victoria
Ponce, Olive Luong, Anshul Dhaas,
Albert Vo, Kimberly Perez-who
commit extra time to writing
policies, volunteering, and event-
planning. Their collective work
allows the execution of successful
initiatives in District 7 and across
San José.
Events
Creative Futures Fair: The event
served as a platform to showcase
the talents and entrepreneurial
endeavors of over 50 youth
entrepreneurs representing 42
businesses. Held at Yerba Buena
High School, the fair also featured
performances by more than 20
student musicians.
YOUTH COMMISSION 23-24 ANNUAL REPORT PAGE 34
DISTRICT REPORTS: DISTRICT 7
Financial Literacy Study Smart Housing Policy Q&A and Forum for Workshop (in collaboration with Youth: D7 hosts speakers from the District 9 YAC): The D7 and D9 City of San José's Housing Commissioners organized this Department and invites young workshop in partnership with people to come and learn about Study Smart Tutors. This event the importance of affordable helps students successfully housing and how housing policy interpret basic budgeting can address community needs.
concepts, including analyzing
bank statements, the different Policy Basics: An Interactive & parts of checks and deposit slips, Virtual Workshop: Commissioner and tracking and managing their Megan Luong leads interactive spending. We performed policy workshops that are open to meaningful outreach to engage all San José youth, regardless of high school lifeskill clubs and YAC membership or policy youth through Breakthrough experience, to join and contribute Silicon Valley and the Bill Wilson to memo writing! During this Youth Center. workshop, participants are guided
through the collaborative
YOUTH COMMISSION 23-24 ANNUAL REPORT PAGE 35
DISTRICT REPORTS: DISTRICT 7
policy-writing process for an We also distributed harm
actual policy memorandum and reduction educational materials, have time to conduct research food, and vaccinations to the and write portions themselves. unhoused community, engaging with their lived experiences
Community Partnerships around Tully Library and the
We worked closely with the Bill Coyote Creek Trail.
Wilson Center, providing
consultancy during the planning Additionally, we collaborated with stage of their Direct Cash Breakthrough Silicon Valley, which Program aimed at supporting has an office in District 7, to homeless and transitional-aged actively recruit local youth leaders youth with monthly financial from low-income or first-
stipends of $1,000 and generation communities and
supportive programming. integrate their perspectives into the D7 YAC. Eight members of the
Furthermore, in partnership with D7 YAC are Breakthrough SV the Vietnamese American students.
Roundtable, YAC members
volunteered at cultural events Through our collaboration with and fostered stronger YWCA, we gained valuable insights connections with into preventative initiatives and
the District 7 community. This support groups such as TEA Club included speaking about youth and safety workshops, which mental health challenges during a addressed the root causes and Health Justice Dialogue event at ongoing effects of gender violence Tully Library with Assemblyman among youth in our community, Ash Kalra and volunteering at the even inviting them to share their Lunar New Year event in History expertise at a general Youth Park of District 7. Commission meeting.
YOUTH COMMISSION 23-24 ANNUAL REPORT PAGE 36
DISTRICT REPORTS: DISTRICT 7
human trafficking crisis, we have
drafted and passed a policy to
install signage displaying helplines
for sexual assault, human
trafficking, and domestic violence
in public city bathrooms. Aims to
promote public safety and
awareness.
Establishing a San José Green
Businesses Recognition Program-To
promote sustainable practices, this
policy recommends implementing
a tiered awards program as part of
the California Green Business
Network, acknowledging
environmentally responsible
businesses, nonprofits, and
institutions in San José that meet
high environmental standards.
Establishing a Youth Restorative Arts
Diversion Initiative as an
Incarceration Alternative-Policy
proposes the establishment of a
citywide Restorative Arts Diversion
Initiative for youth offenders in
Policy Initiatives San José. The initiative aims to
Implementing Gender-based promote fair and restorative
Violence Helpline Placards in City justice practices, diverting youth Bathrooms—In line with the work from lifelong criminal records and plan goals aimed at addressing preventing their entry into the rampant gender violence and carceral system.
responding to the Bay Area
YOUTH COMMISSION 23-24 ANNUAL REPORT PAGE 37
DISTRICT REPORTS
NEIGHBORHOOD
ASSOCIATION
DISTRICT 8
BY ALDOJOELL GONZALEZ-MUNIZ
The District 8 Youth Advisory
Council made a work plan about SANJOSE
what YAC members wanted to do
as a community event and to
collaborate with other districts or OD
organizations. We partnered with
the Welch Park Neighborhood
Association and participated in
monthly litter pick-ups, dumpster
days, and monthly food
distributions with Second Harvest
to help our community and make it
a much cleaner, safer place.
and Youth Participation in the City.
eighborhood Services g the Youth Commission and Youth Participation in the City YOUTH COMMISSION 23-24 ANNUAL REPORT PAGE 38
DISTRICT REPORTS
DISTRICT 9
BY AGAM SINGH
This year, we formed a brand-new We had extensive brainstorming Youth Advisory Council (YAC) sessions throughout our year, specifically for District 9, primarily crafting policy recommendations comprising students from Leigh and innovative project proposals.
High School. Over the past year, l In support of the Environmental ad have been working on bridging the hoc committee, District 9 has been divide between the YAC and the working on an environmental schools involved in our district. I policy, and we plan on wrapping up reached out to the ASB program in this year soon and starting strong my school and began the next year. To do this, we have
paperwork and process for begun drafting flyers for next establishing a YAC club within my year's recruitment and plan to school to increase youth create a social media profile to engagement within my district. further increase civic engagement in our district.
NIT
YOUTH COMMISSION 23-24 ANNUAL REPORT PAGE 39
DISTRICT REPORTS
DISTRICT 10
BY NOLAN MASCARENHAS
During my tenure as Vice Chair and organizations, and schools in San Outreach for the YC, I undertook José.
various endeavors to bolster
community engagement and foster In addition, I researched the civic involvement. A significant availability and quality of aspect of my role involved devising educational resources in more effective outreach strategies preparation for the budget and cultivating productive summit, enhancing my
relationships with stakeholders understanding of pertinent issues within the Commission. Notably, I and that of other youth. My collaborated on implementing a outreach efforts helped attract youth-oriented budget priority over 70 attendees to the summit, survey, which garnered close to including Councilmember David 900 responses through Cohen. Additionally, I played a
coordinated efforts with local crucial role in tagging the gathered council offices, community-based data to filter out youth priorities.
YOUTH COMMISSION 23-24 ANNUAL REPORT PAGE 40
DISTRICT REPORTS: DISTRICT 10
Furthermore, I orchestrated
several noteworthy events,
including a Tree Planting initiative
that drew over 30 participants
(including the Mayor), planting a
dozen Oak Trees in Marijane
Hamann Park. I co-sponsored City
Council and County Supervisor
candidate forums in partnership
with neighborhood associations,
collectively attracting
approximately 130 attendees. The District 10 Youth Leadership Also, I collaborated with the Coalition has also engaged in Parks, Recreation, and policy efforts. We have developed Neighborhood Services (PRNS) policies regarding universal basic department to adopt Almaden income and traffic safety. Along Lake Park for cleanup activities these lines, I also advocated for and tree planting initiatives, the passage of the Bill of Rights for contributing to environmental Children and Young Adults and the conservation efforts. passage of the expanded powers
of the Youth Commission,
In tandem with these endeavors, changing the municipal code.
I prioritized expanding our digital
outreach by establishing an Beyond my formal responsibilities, official District 10 Youth I actively interned with the Council Leadership Coalition website and Office throughout the academic launching an Instagram account year, ensuring the representation to broaden our reach and of youth perspectives in local engagement. I also facilitated a governance discussions. well-received financial goals and Councilmember Batra graciously career planning workshop in attended one of the District 10 collaboration with Study Smart Youth Leadership Coalition's Tutors, which benefitted 15 meetings, offering insight and participants. information about the District.
YOUTH COMMISSION 23-24 ANNUAL REPORT PAGE 41
DISTRICT REPORTS
CITYWIDE
BY VEDANT JANAPATY
This year, the San José Youth Additionally, organizations like Commission established the Grassroots Ecology, Keep Coyote Citywide YAC with the intention of Creek Clean and Silicon Valley integrating youth voices and Youth Climate Action endorsed the actualizing interdistrict initiatives. event and promoted it to youth environmental stewards.
Composed of four members, the
Citywide YAC promoted the Following the successful
Commission's oak planting project completion of the oak planting in Marijane Hamann Park. This project, YAC members
project was conceptualized and led brainstormed youth-led project by Citywide Commissioner and ideas and presented them during Environmental Ad Hoc Chair the YAC's February meeting. Nidhi Vedant Janapaty. Ahead of the Yellamraju proposed a youth event, YAC members assisted in mentorship program to empower advertising the event to schools, youth by pairing them with adult communities, and youth-led mentors. Saket Pathak and Arjun organizations. Chawla conceptualized educational
awareness programs to boost
reading proficiency and academic
support initiatives respectively.
Finally, Shaurya Sharma is looking
to host a citywide brain disease
prevention and awareness
campaign.
All four of these projects will
commence this summer. In the
meantime, the Citywide YAC is
working on identifying schools and
communities to pilot the
programs.
YOUTH COMMISSION 23-24 ANNUAL REPORT PAGE 42
VOLUNTEER STATISTICS
2282
Total number of volunteer service
hours from Youth Commission and
Youth Advisory Council members
from July 2023 to April 2024.
16 128
The average number of hours The average number of hours spent spent by 55 Youth Advisory Council by the 11 Youth Commissioners on members in Districts 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, activities such as attending general 8 & 10 were spent on activities meetings, coordinating YAC such as attending YAC meetings, meetings, conducting community supporting district events, and outreach, and crafting policy doing policy research. recommendations.
YOUTH COMMISSION 23-24 ANNUAL REPORT PAGE 43
YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCILS
IN ACTION
OCTOBER 15, 2023
DISTRICT 5 CULTURE FEST
District 5 YAC, in partnership with
the District 5 Councilmember's
Office, hosted a celebration of
cultural diversity in San José at
James Lick High School.
NOVEMBER 4, 2023
BAY AREA YAC SOCIAL
An opportunity for YACs across
the peninsula to come together
THE GO
and network, collaborate, share
ideas, and inspire each other
through fun activities.
DECEMBER 3, 2023
DISTRICT 2 GIVING TREE
DRIVE
District 2 YAC, in collaboration with
Family Giving Tree, hosted a
donation drive of necessities on wish
lists provided by underprivileged
youth and families.
JANUARY 13, 2024
DISTRICTS 1 & 6 STUDY
SMART WORKSHOP
A workshop hosted in coordination with
Study Smart focused on working
together and utilizing problem-solving
to resolve a STEAM issue like an Oil Spill.
YOUTH COMMISSION 23-24 ANNUAL REPORT PAGE 44
YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCILS
IN ACTION
JANUARY 20, 2024
DISTRICT 3 POLICY SUMMIT
District 3 YAC hosted an annual
policy-writing event open to public
youth to learn about the Youth
Commission's work and how to
write policy memorandums.
JANUARY 21, 2024
YOUTH BUDGET SUMMIT
The annual summit is where youth
gather to voice their thoughts on
the organization of the city budget
and policy priorities through
discussion and presentation of
ideas to elected officials.
JANUARY 27, 2024
DISTRICTS 2 & 10 STUDY
SMART WORKSHOP
A workshop hosted in coordination
with Study Smart where students
explored possible college and career
paths and developed new money-
management strategies, setting long
and short-term goals.
FEBRUARY 17, 2024
DISTRICT 5 SECOND
HARVEST SERVICE
District 5 YAC, in collaboration
with Second Harvest, distributed
food to underprivileged families
and those in need.
YOUTH COMMISSION 23-24 ANNUAL REPORT PAGE 45
YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCILS
IN ACTION
MARCH 9, 2024
BAY AREA YAC ATTACK
A bi-annual youth conference
where YACs sit in on educational
sessions and gain new insight into
their roles as YAC members.
MARCH 16, 2024
CITYWIDE OAK TREE
GA
PLANTING
San José youth volunteered to plant
12 trees at Marijane Hamann Park
alongside Mayor Mahan to promote
ecological awareness and
encourage all youth to participate in
making San José Greener!
MARCH 16, 2024
DISTRICT 4 DRUG SAFETY
+ NARCAN TRAINING
District 4 YAC hosted a workshop
for youth about the opioid crisis
and free training on how to
administer Narcan.
MARCH 17, 2024
DISTRICT 7 CREATIVE
FUTURES FAIR
D7 YAC and Yerba Buena High School
Key Club hosted a fair showcasing
youth artists and entrepreneurs to
promote their small businesses
featuring handmade goods.
YOUTH COMMISSION 23-24 ANNUAL REPORT PAGE 46
YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCILS
IN ACTION
MARCH 22, 2024
DISTRICT 1 CAREER
EXPLORATIONS FAIR
D1 YAC hosted a fair showcasing
student-led clubs and organizations
where young people could learn about
various career paths in a comfortable,
pressure-free atmosphere. APRIL 6, 2024
DISTRICT 5 POLICY
CONFERENCE
(ALIBIT D5 YAC hosts an annual conference
with guest speakers and workshops on
empowering young people to become
more actively involved in their local
government and developing policy
ideas around youth issues.
APRIL 7, 2024
DISTRICT 4 GREEN PLANET
CONFERENCE
District 4 YAC hosts a conference
featuring interactive exhibits and
impactful activities about
environmental awareness in San José.
APRIL 13, 2024
DISTRICTS 7 & 9 STUDY
SMART WORKSHOP
A workshop hosted in coordination
with Study Smart, in which students
interpret basic budgeting concepts and
track and manage their own spending.
YOUTH COMMISSION 23-24 ANNUAL REPORT PAGE 47
YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCILS
IN ACTION
innovated
APRIL 13, 2024
DISTRICTS 3 & 4 STUDY
SMART WORKSHOP
A workshop hosted in coordination
with Study Smart will allow students to
identify different career opportunities
and explore various colleges and
majors based on career choice.
APRIL 20, 2024
DISTRICT 4
INNOVATE4GOOD
Innovate4Good is a youth-focused
business competition hosted by
D4 YAC. The competition aims to
inspire more youth to pursue a
business career.
MAY 18, 2024
DISTRICTS 5 & 8 STUDY
SMART WORKSHOP
A workshop hosted in coordination
with Study Smart will allow students to
identify different career opportunities
and explore various colleges and
majors based on career choice.
JUNE 8, 2024
DISTRICT 4 AIM
CONFERENCE
District 4 YAC hosts a conference
featuring speakers, a
resource fair, and workshops that
serve to develop real-world
applicable skills for attendees.
YOUTH COMMISSION 23-24 ANNUAL REPORT PAGE 48
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
SAN JOSÉ CITY DEPARTMENTS
• The Mayor and City Council Offices
• The City Manager's Office
• San José Public Library
• Parks, Recreation & Neighborhood
Services
• Volunteer Management Unit
• Environmental Services
• Housing
• Office of Racial Equity
SAN JOSÉ CITY STAFF
• Council Liasion: Vice Mayor Kamei
• Laura Buzo
• Alexander Dersh
• Ann Grabowski
• Lauren Hawkins
• Mumtaz Mohammad
Oaks • Kallie Schloemann
eam Ricey TBC
ORGANIZATIONS
• Grassroots Ecology
• Keep Coyote Creek Clean
• Silicon Valley Youth Climate Action
• YWCA
• BreakthroughSV
• Bill Wilson Center
• Vietnamese American Roundtable
PARTNERS
• Santa Clara County Youth Task Force
• San José Library and Education
Commission
• Santa Clara County Library District:
Cupertino Library
YOUTH COMMISSION 23-24 ANNUAL REPORT PAGE 49
THANK YOU
The San José Youth Commission extends heartfelt appreciation to all who have contributed to our endeavors. We thank city officials, staff, and department heads for their support. We warmly thank our community partners for enriching our programs and events benefiting San José's youth.
We're grateful for the energy and ideas of our young participants and for the generosity and enthusiasm of our Youth Advisory Council volunteers. Thanks to the families of our Commissioners and Youth Advisory Council members for their support. We also acknowledge the contributions of educational institutions, sponsors, donors, and residents of San José. Finally, we sincerely appreciate our dedicated staff and advisors driving our mission forward.
[email protected]
sjpl.org/youth-commission
• @SJYouthCommission