N E I G H B O R H O O D S E R V I C E S & E D U C A T I O N C O M M I T T E E 2025-2026
Annual Report
MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR 03
ABOUT THE COMMISSION 06
2025-2026 ADOPTED WORK
PLAN
09 OVERVIEW OF YOUTH IN SAN
JOSÉ
13 YOUTH PRIORITIES SURVEY
RESULTS
14 CONTENTS
OUTREACH PLAN &
COMMUNICATIONS REPORT
10 CONTENTS
WORK PLAN OBJECTIVE REPORT:
COLLEGE, CAREER & LITERACY
20 DISTRICT REPORTS 26
VOLUNTEER STATISTICS 46
YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCILS 47
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS &
CONTACT
52 WORK PLAN OBJECTIVE REPORT:
COMMUNITY & PLACEMAKING
22 This year’s Commission approached
that responsibility with a strong focus
on growth and follow-through. With
eight new commissioners stepping in
to replace last year’s seniors, we
began the year still figuring out how
we would operate as a group.
Over time, however, commissioners
developed their skills, built
confidence, and learned how to
effectively engage with their districts,
city departments, and council offices.
What started as a relatively
inexperienced group became a more
cohesive and capable Commission.
This year, we continued to focus our
work on the Youth Budget Priorities
Survey and Summit. Through this
process, we gathered over 653
responses from youth across San José,
allowing us to better understand their
needs and concerns. The survey
results helped guide discussions
involving 57 youth participants on key
issues and ultimately informed the
budget priorities we presented.
Y O U T H C O M M I S S I O N 2 5 - 2 6 A N N U A L R E P O R T P A G E 0 3
MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR
The San José Youth Commission serves as the official advisory body to the Mayor and City Council, representing the perspectives and priorities of approximately 248,000 youth under nineteen across the city. Through this role, commissioners work to increase civic engagement, connect with their communities, and ensure that youth voices are reflected in local decision-making.
MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR
P A G E 0 4 Y O U T H C O M M I S S I O N 2 5 - 2 6 A N N U A L R E P O R T Our Annual Youth Budget Priorities Summit continued to be a strong reflection of youths' increased willingness to be involved in city affairs and garnered significant support. There is a growing awareness among youth of how local government impacts their lives and how they can take part in it.
In addition to this work, commissioners collaborated through ad hoc committees and Youth Advisory Councils to focus on specific projects and initiatives. These smaller groups allowed members to take ownership of their work, develop ideas more fully, and contribute in a more direct way.
We also introduced a new approach to our work plan this year: creating two broad categories that encapsulated the different areas commissioners wanted to address. The first continued our focus on educational resources and equity for San José youth. The second responded to the current state of our city and nation, combining immigration rights with community placemaking, cultural expression, and belonging. This shift allowed greater flexibility for commissioners to address priorities in ways that best suited their districts' needs. Whether through outreach, event planning, or policy creation, commissioners demonstrated their ability to take on a structure like this and turn it into meaningful impact.
Looking at the Commission as a whole, I am proud of how much each member has grown. Everyone came in with different strengths, backgrounds, and levels of experience, but over time, each person found their role and contributed in their own way.
MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR
Each commissioner worked hard to develop their own style. I am pleased with every one of them: for the progress they have made and the initiatives they have led. That individual growth is what strengthened the Commission as a whole and made our work more effective as the fiscal year progressed.
Moving forward, I am confident in the Commission’s success in the years ahead.
Commissioners such as Edwin, Fiona, and Anushka will play an important role in guiding the next term, as many commissioners finish their term this year. They have shown initiative, consistency, and a strong ability to support others. These qualities will be essential in continuing the progress made by the Commission this year.
Serving as Chair this year gave me a new perspective on what it means to lead. It pushed me to listen more, to adapt, and to support others in finding their place within the Commission. More than anything, it showed me that leadership is built on a willingness to grow alongside the people you work with. I am so thankful for the chance I’ve had to lead and for the people who made it meaningful.
As this year comes to a close, I am excited to see how the Commission continues to evolve. Our Commission’s foundation is there, and the next group of leaders is ready to build on it. I have no doubt that youth in San José will continue to step up by taking part in San José Youth Commission activities and will play a larger role in shaping the future of their city.
Yours faithfully,
MARIAN KUCHAREWSKI
CHAIR, YOUTH COMMISSION
CITY OF SAN JOSÉ
Y O U T H C O M M I S S I O N 2 5 - 2 6 A N N U A L R E P O R T P A G E 0 5 “...leadership is built on
a willingness to grow
alongside the people
you work with.”
YOUTHCOMMISSION
The Youth Commission is the official advisory group to the Mayor and City Council. It empowers and encourages youth civic engagement through local and citywide events and initiatives.
1st year on the Youth Commission
Junior at Lynbrook High School
Participated in the Education ad hoc committee
Communications Officer | District 1
Anushka Deshmukh
3rd year on the Youth Commission
Senior at Presentation High School
Participated in the Community and Education ad hoc
committees
Will be attending the University of Pittsburgh, majoring in Public Health
Vice Chair | District 2
Neyha Pradeepkumar
1st year on the Youth Commission
Senior at Piedmont Hills High School
Participated in the Immigration ad hoc committee
Commissioner | District 4
Akshadha Babu Chakravarthi
2nd year on the Youth Commission
Junior at Hillbrook High School
Participated in the Community and Immigration ad
hoc committees
Edwin Sanchez
Commissioner | District 3
P A G E 0 6 Y O U T H C O M M I S S I O N 2 5 - 2 6 A N N U A L R E P O R T
YOUTHCOMMISSION
1st year on the Youth Commission
Sophomore at De Anza College
Participated in the Education and Immigration ad hoc
committees
Commissioner | District 5
Dali Guerrero Fernandez
1st year on the Youth Commission
Sophomore at Notre Dame San José High School
Participated in the Community ad hoc committee
Commissioner | District 6
Fiona Canfield
1st year on the Youth Commission
Senior at Evergreen Valley High School
Participated in the Immigration ad hoc committee
Will be attending Stanford University, majoring in
Public Policy
Commissioner | District 8
Micah Chung
1st year on the Youth Commission
Senior at Willow Glen High School
Participated in the Community and Education ad hoc
committees
Will be attending Princeton University, majoring in
History
David Huynh
Outreach Officer | District 7
Youth Commissioners develop policy recommendations concerning youth and support youth who serve their community through civic engagement and participation.
Y O U T H C O M M I S S I O N 2 5 - 2 6 A N N U A L R E P O R T P A G E 0 7
YOUTHCOMMISSION
STAFF
1st year on the Youth Commission
Senior at Presentation High School
Participated in the Immigration ad hoc committee
Will be attending the University of California, Davis,
majoring in Political Science
Commissioner | District 9
Jingru (Ruby) Yu
1st year on the Youth Commission
Junior at Pioneer High School
Participated in the Community ad hoc committee
Commissioner | District 10
Jinyoung (Kyle) Park
2nd year on the Youth Commission
Senior at Valley Christian High School
Participated in the Education and Immigration ad
hoc committees
Marian Kucharweski
Chair | Citywide
Emily Terada
Youth Commission
Librarian
Megan Maloy
Senior Librarian
Vidya Kilambi
Division Manager
Dziem Nguyen
Administrative Assistant
Karla Alvarez
Chief of Staff
The Youth Commission promotes resources and opportunities available to youth and provides equitable access and support to marginalized youth communities.
P A G E 0 8 Y O U T H C O M M I S S I O N 2 5 - 2 6 A N N U A L R E P O R T
ADOPTED WORK PLAN
The San José Youth Commission developed a Work Plan for Fiscal Year 2025- 2026, and the Neighborhood Services and Education Committee approved it on December 11, 2025.
EVALUATE AND ADVISE ON COLLEGE, CAREER, AND
LITERACY OPPORTUNITIES AND RESOURCES IN SAN JOSÉ
Conduct youth participatory action research and a citywide youth survey to gather insight and input from youth on City budget and educational priorities Explore and uplift community partnerships with local education agencies CELEBRATE SAN JOSÉ’S DIVERSITY AND CULTURE
THROUGH EXPLORING COMMUNITY BUILDING AND
PLACEMAKING
Fostering the youth voice through culture and art through Beautify initiatives, community art, events, and fairs
Conduct outreach and promote existing local resources and events in partnership with the City of San José and other community-based organizations Advocate for immigrant youth and families by promoting support resources Y O U T H C O M M I S S I O N 2 5 - 2 6 A N N U A L R E P O R T P A G E 0 9
PROMOTE YOUTH COMMISSION AND YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL EVENTS Outcome Strategies Success Metrics
Have engaged YAC
members and youth
who participate in
work plan initiatives.
Implement a multi-channel
recruitment strategy for YACs
and Youth Commission through
library communications, school
outreach, social media, and
council member networks.
Engagement across social
media, the number of
youths who know about
the Youth Commission,
and the number of Youth
Commission applications.
Increased YAC and
Youth Commission
participation from
SJPL library
communities.
Number of youths who
participate in Youth
Advisory Councils.
OUTREACHPLAN
The San José Youth Commission developed and accepted an Outreach Plan for Fiscal Year 2025-2026 at their meeting on September 22, 2025.
CONNECT WITH COMMUNITY-BASED ORGANIZATIONS AND DEVELOP
PARTNERSHIPS TO SUPPORT THE YOUTH COMMISSION WORK PLAN
Outcome Strategies Success Metrics
Host communitybased organizations
and city departments
as presenters at Youth
Commission meetings.
Identify organizations,
departments, groups, and
activities that align with the
Youth Commission work plan.
Number of presentations
at Youth Commission
meetings and the Youth
Commission work plan
objectives.
Increase the number
of survey responses
and the diversity of
demographic data.
Share the Citywide Youth
Priorities Survey with other
youth-led clubs and
organizations.
Survey questions
pertaining to respondents’
affiliations and
demographics, and the
increase in responses.
P A G E 1 0 Y O U T H C O M M I S S I O N 2 5 - 2 6 A N N U A L R E P O R T
FOSTER AND MAINTAIN RELATIONSHIPS WITHIN THE CITY OF SAN JOSÉ LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Outcome Strategies Success Metrics
Deepen partnerships
between
Commissioners and
District Council offices.
Consistent communication with
Council Offices and staff to
share on social media and in
District newsletters.
Attend community events held
by Councilmembers.
Increased engagement in
City Council events and
with District offices.
Increase youth
engagement through
library activities and
initiatives.
Update libraries regarding
Youth Commission activities
and events.
Share SJPL initiatives and
programs with YACs.
Increased youth
participation in both YAC
events and library
initiatives.
OUTREACH & COMMUNICATIONS REPORT
This year, as Outreach Officer, District 7 Commissioner David Huynh developed the Youth Commission Fiscal Year 2025–2026 Outreach Plan to guide outreach and recruitment efforts. In tandem with these efforts, as Communications Officer, District 1 Commissioner Anushka Deshmukh strengthened the Commission’s digital presence by managing its social media platforms to better connect with youth across San José.
Following the release of the Annual Youth Priorities Survey, targeted outreach and communications strategies worked hand in hand. A Youth Herald blog post invited youth participation, while direct email outreach to school counselors, teachers, and principals significantly expanded engagement. These combined efforts resulted in 653 participants, with an 82% completion rate. Notably, 510 completed responses came directly from email outreach, demonstrating the success of efforts to grow partnerships with local schools. Continued outreach also supported strong and diverse youth participation in the Annual Youth Priorities Budget Summit.
OUTREACH & COMMUNICATIONS REPORT
BY ANUSHKA DESHMUKH & DAVID HUYNH
Y O U T H C O M M I S S I O N 2 5 - 2 6 A N N U A L R E P O R T P A G E 1 1 Followers
November 2025
December 2025
January 2026
February 2026
March 2026
0 2
4 6
8 10
12 14
INSTAGRAM FOLLOWER GROWTH
OUTREACH & COMMUNICATIONS REPORT
These expanded communications efforts yielded measurable growth. Since January, the Youth Commission’s Instagram has generated 33,010 views across posts and videos, with 90.7% of viewers being non-followers, indicating a significant expansion beyond the existing audience. Since November, the account has gained 44 new followers, with March showing the highest growth, signaling increased visibility and engagement.
Together, the coordinated outreach and communications strategies strengthened connections with schools, broadened youth engagement, and amplified the visibility of the Youth Commission’s work. As the year concludes, both officers look forward to continuing to celebrate and document the Commission’s accomplishments while building a strong foundation for future initiatives. ■
On the communications side, social media
initiatives focused on accessibility,
transparency, and engagement. Regular
posts informed youth about Youth
Commission meeting dates and provided
clear instructions on how to attend both in
person and online. Event recap posts
highlighted the Commission’s work
throughout the year, while interactive tools
such as polls gathered real-time feedback
from youth and encouraged ongoing
participation.
P A G E 1 2 Y O U T H C O M M I S S I O N 2 5 - 2 6 A N N U A L R E P O R T 0 50000 100000 150000 200000
Under 5
5 to 17 years
18 to 24 years
Total Population Below Poverty
Level
Under 5 45,000 5.4% (2,410)
5 to 17 141,265 8.5% (12,053)
YOUTH
IN SAN JOSÉ
San José is the most populous city in
Santa Clara County, with children,
youth, and young adults under age 24
accounting for 28.6% of its 997,395
residents. Of these, 39.5% are Asian,
30.8% are Hispanic/Latino, 22.3% are
White, 2.9% have Black/African
ancestry, and 4.5% identify as another
race or ethnicity. Approximately 42%
of residents are foreign-born, and
50% speak a language other than
English.
CHILD, YOUTH, YOUNG
ADULT POPULATIONS
While San José is one of the wealthiest
cities in the country, many families in
the region are struggling financially.
7.8% of San José residents under 18
are below the federal poverty level,
compared with 8.1% of the city's
overall population. For families with
children under the age of 18, 7.5% live
below the poverty level. ■
YOUTH AND POVERTY LEVELS
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2024 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates Y O U T H C O M M I S S I O N 2 5 - 2 6 A N N U A L R E P O R T P A G E 1 3 Under 5 years
4.6%
25 to 85 years and over
26.5%
5 to 9 years
4.8%
10 to 14 years
5.7%
15 to 19 years
6.3%
20 to 24 years
7.1%
YOUTH PRIORITIES SURVEY REPORT
None of the questions required responses, allowing participants to share what they felt comfortable with. Our outreach was successful across multiple channels, with 31 responses from flyers, 12 from social media, and 565 from email. We incentivized participation with drawings for Apple AirPods, achieving an impressive completion rate.
Our survey captured a diverse cross-section of San José youth: 72% high school students and 12% middle school students; 47% Asian or Pacific Islander, 24% Hispanic/Latino, and 16% White; with 55% speaking English at home and 15% Spanish.
Key demographics included 63% women, 14% reporting mental health challenges, 9% LGBTQIA+ community members, 23% first-generation Americans, and 10% potential first-generation college students.
SURVEY RESPONSE DEMOGRAPHICS
The Youth Commission
creates and distributes an
annual survey to youth
throughout San José that
serves as a tool for gauging
youth priorities and
sentiments towards various
issues and Commission
activities. This year, the
survey collected 653
responses with an 82%
completion rate and was a
foundation for our work plan
and budget advocacy efforts.
The diverse representation
of respondents ensures that
the priorities identified truly
reflect the needs of San José
youth across various
communities.
Our Annual Youth Priorities
Survey ran from November
24, 2025 to January 20, 2026,
featuring 37 thoughtfully
designed questions.
72% are in high school (+16%)
12% are in middle school (-9%)
82% attend public schools
33% attend school in ESUHSD
47% identify as Asian or Pacific Islander, including
Vietnamese (-4%)
26% identify as Hispanic or Latino (-2%)
16% identify as White (+6%)
55% speak English at home
15% speak Spanish at home (+1%)
10% speak Indian languages at home (+1%)
7% speak Vietnamese at home
7% speak Mandarin or Cantonese at home
63% identify as a woman (+9%)
28% identify as a man (-11%)
13% consider themselves low-income (+4%)
14% struggle with their mental health
9% identify as part of the LGBTQIA+ community (-2%)
4% identify as non-binary or transgender (+1%)
23% are part of the first generation in the US (+2%)
7% were born outside of the US (+1%)
10% would be the first in their family to go to college (+1%) P A G E 1 4 Y O U T H C O M M I S S I O N 2 5 - 2 6 A N N U A L R E P O R T Looking at where our youth live and attend school, District 8 shows the highest school attendance at 19%, which we attribute to a spike in responses from Evergreen Valley High School. District 8 also has the highest residence rate at 16%. We see good representation across all districts. Some respondents come from other parts of Santa Clara County, showing our broader regional impact.
WHERE DO YOU CURRENTLY GO TO SCHOOL AND LIVE?
YOUTH PRIORITES SURVEY REPORT
School Live
District 1
District 2District 3
District 4
District 5District 6District 7District 8District 9
District 10
Santa Clara County
Bay Area
California
Out of State
Homeschool
0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
6% 6% 6%
8%
5%
6% 6%
11%
4%
11%
9% 9%
4%
6%
19%
16%
13%
12%
10%
8%
12%
7%
1% 1%
1%
0% 0% 0%
2%
IMPORTANCE OF ISSUES ON A SCALE OF 1 (LOWEST PRIORITY) TO 5 (HIGHEST PRIORITY) Our survey identified several critical priorities for San José youth. Our youth ranked various issues on a scale of 1 to 5. The top 5 priorities are: Violence & Safety (4.3/5), Housing Affordability (4.29/5), Poverty & Housing Insecurity (4.18/5), Meaningful & Sustaining Jobs (4.12/5), and Quality Educational Resource Equity (3.99/5). This shows that our youth are deeply concerned about fundamental safety and stability issues in our community, as well as about equitable access to their futures.
4.30 4.29
4.18 4.12
3.99 3.62
3.57 2.85
1 2 3 4 5
0 100 200 300 400 500 600
Violence & Safety
Housing Affordability
Poverty & Housing Insecurity
Meaningful & Sustaining Jobs
Quality Educational Resource Equity
Quality Mental Health Resource Equity
Environment & Climate Change
Transportation
Vandalism & Graffiti
3.46 15% 26%
17%
12%
10%
30% 18% 11%
32% 24% 23%
29% 27%
12% 26% 56%
14% 31% 48%
26%
30% 25% 29%
20% 30% 40%
18% 28% 47%
14% 20% 60%
Y O U T H C O M M I S S I O N 2 5 - 2 6 A N N U A L R E P O R T P A G E 1 5 2023-2024 2024-2025 2025-2026
0 1 2 3 4
Violence & Safety
Housing Affordability
Poverty & Housing Insecurity
Meaningful & Sustaining Jobs
Quality Educational Resource Equity
Quality Mental Health Resource Equity
Environment & Climate Change
Transportation
Vandalism & Graffiti
2023-2024 2024-2025 2025-2026
4.37 4.27 4.30
4.29 4.43 4.24 4.18
3.95 4.12
4.07 3.97 3.99
3.87 3.86 3.62
3.78 3.68 3.57
3.46 3.41 3.46
2.80 2.71 2.85
Compared to results from previous years, we see increased concern about violence and safety. While Housing Affordability was new, Housing and Poverty remain top priorities, and Educational Resources consistently rank high. A notable addition is that Meaningful and Sustaining Jobs has grown as a key concern. Our youth provided thoughtful suggestions for addressing these issues: mental health resources in schools; mentorship and internship opportunities for underserved areas; an integrated approach to homeless services; environmental initiatives; community engagement through workshops and panels; and expanded transportation options.
AVERAGE COMPARISION WITH PREVIOUS YEARS
“I think for youth to be able
to focus on education and
work they need to have a
safe and comfortable place
to live and access to meals
regularly.”
“I believe the availability of
school‑related resources—
such as volunteering and
internship opportunities—
needs greater attention, as
these experiences provide
valuable real‑world learning
and help students build a
strong foundation for college.
They also play an important
role in strengthening college
applications.”
“I want to feel safe at school, at
home.”
“I feel that the access to
mental health resources is
one of my top priorities
especially as a teen as I find
that it’s very difficult to find
places to reach out or
communities to join when
facing hardship.”
“Meaningful and sustaining job
opportunities are the most
important. When everyone has
money and the opportunity to
make it, then all of the other
problems automatically get
better.”
YOUTH PRIORITES SURVEY REPORT
P A G E 1 6 Y O U T H C O M M I S S I O N 2 5 - 2 6 A N N U A L R E P O R T Do you agree with the following statement:
THE LOCAL CITY OF SAN JOSÉ GOVERNMENT REFLECTS YOUTH PRIORITIES.
When asked how youth feel about local government and whether they agree with the statement "The local City of San José government reflects youth priorities," 33.1% say it does (combining "strongly agree" and "somewhat agree"). In comparison, 50.6% are neutral or unsure. Compared to last year, the neutral category has grown by 4.5% this year.
Strongly disagree has actually decreased slightly, so this is not growing cynicism, it is growing disconnection. Youth are less informed, not more disillusioned. The growing neutral category indicates we need to do more to help youth understand and see the impact of their engagement. Direct quotes from our youth show a desire for more engagement with city leadership, recognition of existing youth programs, concerns about implementing youth suggestions, appreciation for current youth-focused initiatives, and a lack of awareness about how to learn more about local news and information. “Believe that tech is more
prioritized than incentives
for home insecurity”
“Somewhat agree with this
statement because I do see the
City of San José making efforts to
include young people through
programs, schools, and
community resources. There are
opportunities for youth
involvement and support, which
shows that our voices do matter
to some extent. However, I don’t
fully agree because many youth
priorities, like mental health
support, safe spaces to hang out,
and better access to career and
college preparation, still don’t
feel fully addressed. It
sometimes feels like youth are
listened to, but not always fully
represented in decisions that
directly affect us.”
“The YACs - youth voices are
really heard.”
“There is a demonstrated
interest in supporting youth,
however, actual youth
oriented policies and events
can be sparse and limited by
issues such as funding.”
“I’m not fully up to date with city
politics. I keep up with state,
country, and world politics but
I’m not sure where I would
begin to get my city
politics/news information.”
YOUTH PRIORITES SURVEY REPORT
2023-24 2024-25 2025-26 Δ
Strongly Agree 4.9% 7.5% 6.6% -0.9% Somewhat Agree 25.1% 29.8% 26.5% -3.3% Neutral / I don’t know 51.5% 46.1% 50.6% +4.5% Somewhat Disagree 12.2% 12.5% 12.5% 0% Strongly Disagree 6.4% 4.2% 3.8% -0.4% Comparison With Last Year’s Responses Strongly Disagree
3.8%
Strongly Agree
6.6%
Somewhat Disagree
12.5%
Neutral / I don’t know
50.6%
Somewhat Agree
26.5%
Y O U T H C O M M I S S I O N 2 5 - 2 6 A N N U A L R E P O R T P A G E 1 7 IF YOU HAVE A DREAM JOB, WHAT IS IT, AND WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO YOU? Personal
Passion &
Interest
41.4%
Helping & Service Focus
39.2%
Financial Stability
& Family Support
11.5%
Personal
Experience &
Connection
8%
% of Responses
0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30%
Business & Finance
Creative & Arts
Education & Teaching
Environment & Animals
Healthcare & Medical
Legal & Justice
Public Service & Community
Skilled Trades
STEM & Technology
Undecided/Exploring
8%
11%
5%
4%
28%
7%
3%
3%
21%
11%
Regarding future careers, 28% aspire to healthcare and medical fields, and 21% want to pursue STEM and technology. When asked why these careers matter, 80% cited passion (41.4%) or a desire to help others (39.2%), rather than financial gain. Young people are gravitating toward careers that require human connection, empathy, and complex judgment, such as healthcare, education, social work, the creative arts, and skilled trades. This has implications for career development initiatives, which should support diverse pathways, not just technology careers. Youth shared inspiring reasons for their career choices, citing specific goals rooted in lived experience, and were clear about their desired impact.
“My dream job is to enter
the field of government and
public policy. It is important
for me because I currently
see a lack of diversity in the
field and also major power
imbalances that allow much
of the community to be
subjugated, which is
something that I want to
change.”
“I want to be a criminal
lawyer, specifically regarding
the youth. Based on my
personal experiences, I’ve
seen how much of a scar
childhood trauma can leave
on a person, and how it
impacts their day-to-day life. I
want to be someone who can
support them legally and
emotionally. I want to make
sure no other kid has to
worry about going home or to
school, or whether they’ll
even get to go to school.”
“Mechanical engineer my uncle
like cars he got me into cars
and I like how machines work ”
“My dream job is to become
a firefighter; it is important
for me because I want to
give back to my community
and meet new people.”
“My dream job is nursing
because helping people has
always been important to me. I
like being there for others when
they are sick, scared, or in pain,
and knowing I could make even
a small difference in how they
feel means a lot to me.”
YOUTH PRIORITES SURVEY REPORT
P A G E 1 8 Y O U T H C O M M I S S I O N 2 5 - 2 6 A N N U A L R E P O R T The top barriers young people face are career uncertainty (16%), college costs (16%), and lack of job or internship opportunities (15%). In a context of tech layoffs, AI disruption, and rising housing costs, career uncertainty reads less as indecision and more as a rational response to an unstable landscape. In college and future planning specifically, struggling outpaces excelling three to one (12% vs. 4%), reinforcing everything else we see in this data. More than 1 in 4 are struggling academically, and 13% are actively dealing with mental health challenges. Yet Mental Health Resource Equity dropped as an overall priority (from 3.86 to 3.62), suggesting it has become something young people manage in a crisis rather than advocate for. Notably, even those who are excelling report disproportionate struggles with mental health, balance & time management, pointing to burnout underneath the surface. These challenges compound one another, and effective responses need to treat them accordingly. ■ % of Responses
0% 5% 10% 15%
Not knowing what career path to pursue
Lack of information about college/training options
Cost of college or training programs
Not understanding how to apply for financial aid
Lack of job or internship opportunities
No one to ask for guidance or advice
Academic challenges or low grades
Family responsibilities or expectations
Mental health concerns
Transportation issues
15.97%
9.99%
15.79%
6.46%
14.83%
8.19%
6.82%
9.21%
7.66%
5.08%
WHAT ARE THE BIGGEST BARRIERS OR CHALLENGES THAT IMPACT FEELING PREPARED FOR YOUR FUTURE AFTER HIGH SCHOOL?
YOUTH PRIORITES SURVEY REPORT
WHAT ARE YOU EXCELLING OR STRUGGLING WITH THIS YEAR?
Excelling Struggling
Academics & School
Balance & Time Management
College & Future Planning
Extracurriculars & Activities
Family & Home Life
Financial & Economic Concerns
Mental Health & Well-being
Personal Growth & Development
Physical Health & Well-being
Social Connections & Friendships
Work & Career Development
0%
10%
20%
30%
40% 37%
26%
4%
12%
3%
8%
13%
4% 6% 8%
1%
4% 3%
13%
8% 6%
2% 2%
19%
11%
4% 4%
Y O U T H C O M M I S S I O N 2 5 - 2 6 A N N U A L R E P O R T P A G E 1 9 The San José Youth Commission recognized the need to evaluate and advise on college, career, and literacy opportunities and resources in San José, while also supporting the City’s educational and budget priorities. The Commission works to strengthen community partnerships, including collaborations with local school districts, and conducts youth participatory action research and citywide surveys to gather input from young people across San José.
This year, the Commission appointed District 2 Vice Chair Pradeepkumar, District 1 Commissioner Deshmukh, Chair Kucharewski, District 5 Commissioner Guerrero Fernandez, and District 7 Commissioner Huynh. Together, commissioners worked collaboratively to carry out projects and initiatives that expanded beyond the original scope of the workplan.
Budget Summit & Youth Priorities
The San José Youth Commission represents approximately 248,000 youth under 19 in San José and advocates for policies that promote equitable access to resources, particularly for historically underserved communities.
COLLEGE, CAREER & LITERACY
WORK PLAN OBJECTIVE
P A G E 2 0 Y O U T H C O M M I S S I O N 2 5 - 2 6 A N N U A L R E P O R T This past year, the Commission conducted its annual Youth and Young Adult Priorities Survey, gathering input from 653 youth across the city. In addition, 57 youth participated in the Youth Budget Priorities Summit held in February 2026.
Together, these efforts helped identify the most pressing concerns facing young people in San José.
Education Initiatives by District
District 7 – Creative Futures Fair & College and Career Pathways District 7 focuses on expanding access to creative and career exploration opportunities for youth. The Youth Advisory Council is organizing the third annual Creative Futures Fair in partnership with Culture Fest (Districts 1, 2, and 9 YACs), scheduled for May 16, 2026, at the Vietnamese American Cultural Center. The district is also supporting AIM (Advise, Inspire, Motivate), a College and Career Pathways event scheduled for May 30, 2026, at the MLK Jr. Library, highlighting vocational and trade school pathways.
District 6 – Arts Access and Youth Expression
District 6 focuses on increasing access to arts education and creative expression. Current initiatives in development include an art-supplies drive for students and families, as well as art-therapy workshops to support youth wellbeing.
District 5 – Youth Outreach and Engagement
District 5 focuses on youth civic engagement. Throughout the year, commissioners conducted outreach at East Side Union School District high schools to increase awareness of the Youth Advisory Council and encourage youth participation. These efforts are ongoing.
District 2 – School Beautification Project
District 2 focuses on improving school environments through community beautification. The district completed a daffodil planting at Stipe Elementary School in partnership with the Neighborhood Leadership Council, resulting in the planting of over 500 flowers with the support of more than 50 volunteers. ■
COLLEGE, CAREER & LITERACY
Y O U T H C O M M I S S I O N 2 5 - 2 6 A N N U A L R E P O R T P A G E 2 1 With rising concerns surrounding immigration and belonging among the young people of San José, the Youth Commission recognizes the importance of celebrating San José’s diversity and culture through exploring community building and placemaking. In the pilot year of the Community ad hoc, we convened with three objectives:
1. Fostering the youth voice through culture and art, including but not limited to:
a.Beautify initiatives
b.Community art
c. Events and fairs
2.Conduct outreach and promotion of existing local resources and events with the City of San José and other community-based organizations
3.Advocate for immigrant youth and families by promoting support resources, including but not limited to:
a.Workshops
b. Language accessibility
c. Safety
COMMUNITY & PLACEMAKING
WORK PLAN OBJECTIVE
P A G E 2 2 Y O U T H C O M M I S S I O N 2 5 - 2 6 A N N U A L R E P O R T Analyzing Community Needs
When first convening in September of 2025, the Community ad hoc identified the importance of expressing and enhancing the youth voice through art and culture. Additionally, with the increased presence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in San José and a shift in the federal government’s approach to immigration, the Youth Commission recognizes that ensuring the safety of our vast immigrant community is a high priority of the government of San José. This year, the Immigration ad hoc, within the Youth Commission’s first workplan objective, worked on several initiatives with many projects in progress.
Spearheaded by Commissioner Micah Chung (District 8), the Youth Commission sent a letter to City Council, urging termination of the City’s contract with Flock Safety. This letter was a response to recent events where ICE was found accessing Flock’s databases to track down immigration targets. Additionally, the letter highlighted that many California police departments, including the San José Police Department, have access to Flock camera data, which is a cause for concern, as some of these departments are known to collaborate with ICE.
On April 18th, 2026, the Youth Commission hosted a college-readiness workshop in collaboration with the Services, Immigrant Rights, and Education Network (SIREN). This workshop aims to teach participants about the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) application process, college pathways for immigrants, and financial aid planning. Through this workshop, participants will learn about updates to the DACA process and key resources to consider when seeking financial aid for college.
Currently, Commissioner Akshadha Babu (District 4) and Commissioner Ruby Yu (District 9) are working on a proposal to promote and support library branch Citizenship Corners, which provide vital immigration resources to the local community. Resources such as free consultations with lawyers and materials to study for the citizenship test are vital to the immigration process, and it is important that all people know they have access to these free resources.
COMMUNITY & PLACEMAKING
Y O U T H C O M M I S S I O N 2 5 - 2 6 A N N U A L R E P O R T P A G E 2 3 Community Partnerships and Events
The adhoc connected with city departments and council offices, including PRNS (Parks/Rec and Neighborhood Services) and the District 2 Council office. Through these partnerships, the ad hoc committee worked to strengthen communication between youth and local government, ensuring that youth perspectives are represented in city-led initiatives. By collaborating with PRNS, the ad hoc committee explored opportunities to support community-based programming, including public space activation and youth engagement efforts by planning community art initiatives.
COMMUNITY & PLACEMAKING
Understanding and Interacting with City-level Decisions On various occasions, members of the Community and Placemaking ad hoc presented public comments at events, including the City-County Joint Meeting Featuring the Children and Youth Services Master Plan and the Latino Health Assessment.
Through participation in these meetings, Youth Commissioners engaged directly with city and county leadership, ensuring that youth perspectives are included in broader policy discussions. Providing public comment allowed commissioners to advocate for the needs and priorities of young people.
P A G E 2 4 Y O U T H C O M M I S S I O N 2 5 - 2 6 A N N U A L R E P O R T Engagement with initiatives such as the Children and Youth Services Masterplan and the Latino Health Assessment also helped commissioners better understand how city-level decisions are made and how policies impact different communities. This experience strengthened the Youth Commission’s role as a bridge between youth and local government.
Events and Next Steps
The commissioners from Districts 1, 2, and 9 will be hosting Culture Fest: San José, featuring multiple school affinity groups and cultural performance teams.
This event aims to celebrate the diversity of San José by creating a space where young people can share their cultural identities through performance, art, and community engagement. By bringing together affinity groups and performance teams, Culture Fest highlights the richness of the city’s multicultural communities while fostering a sense of belonging among youth.
In addition to performances, the event serves as an opportunity for outreach, allowing community members to connect with local organizations, learn about available resources, and engage with the Youth Commission’s work.
The ad hoc will continue exploring avenues to foster youth voice through creative expression, including expanding access to art-based initiatives, supporting youth-led projects, and identifying new opportunities for community engagement. These efforts will further strengthen the connection between youth, culture, and community spaces in San José. ■
COMMUNITY & PLACEMAKING
Y O U T H C O M M I S S I O N 2 5 - 2 6 A N N U A L R E P O R T P A G E 2 5 The District 1 Youth Advisory Council (YAC) began the year by dividing the 25 members into four key groups. Each group focused on a different aspect of the Youth Commission workplan, including the environment, education, culture, and immigration. The students spent October and November brainstorming event ideas and working on their project proposals.
In the Environmental group, they focused on collaborating with various local organizations and city departments to raise awareness of city programs and beautification efforts. In November, the District 1 commissioner and vice president participated in the District 1 Adopt-a-Storm-Drain demonstration, where they learned about the program and began brainstorming ways to involve YAC members in the initiative. In January, they planned the “Daffodil Day” event in collaboration with the District 1 Leadership Group, during which they planted daffodil bulbs at Murdock Park in District 1. After meeting with the Adopt-aStorm-Drain team in February, the students plan to help bring awareness of the program to youth in San José.
DISTRICT 1
DISTRICTREPORTS
BY ANUSHKA DESHMUKH
P A G E 2 6 Y O U T H C O M M I S S I O N 2 5 - 2 6 A N N U A L R E P O R T In the Education team, the
District 1 YAC is collaborating
with the District 4 YAC to
organize the AIM event, which
will include several studentand expert-led workshops
focused on resume advice and
career exploration, as well as
expert panels featuring
professionals from various
careers.
The Culture team is
collaborating with District YACs
2 and 9 to plan CultureFest in
May. The event will feature
booths hosted by various
cultural organizations and
performances from cultures in
San José.
The Immigration team will be
partnering with SIREN
Immigration Rights and the
District 8 YAC to host an
information session on
immigrant rights for youth on
April 18th.
I’ve had a wonderful year working with my YAC and my fellow Youth Commissioners. As this was my first year as a Youth Commissioner, I’m prepared to apply the knowledge and experience I gained to larger projects during my second year on the commission. These months have helped me connect more with my community and hopefully make an impact on the youth in San José. I’m so excited for what comes next. ■
DISTRICT REPORTS: DISTRICT 1
Y O U T H C O M M I S S I O N 2 5 - 2 6 A N N U A L R E P O R T P A G E 2 7 The District 2 Youth Advisory Council (YAC) is composed of fifteen dedicated individuals committed to creating meaningful change within the South San José community. This year’s work plan focused on four key objectives: enhancing and uplifting the youth voice through creative expression and art; strengthening relationships with the District 2 Council Office; attending community events; engaging with neighborhood associations; and exploring community-based organizations with objectives related to sex education and youth violence prevention.
A significant initiative the District 2 YAC undertook this year was to explore sex education resources available to youth and to develop a central hub for accessing this information. As part of this research, the YAC wrote a letter to the City Council urging that sex education resources be included on the City of San José website. This project, led by the executive team (Ruby Yu, Emma Zhou, Tanisha Bhugra, Chithruby Jambunathan, and Andrea Chen), is set to be finalized by May 2026. While this project is a continuation from the previous year, the District 2 YAC is proud to report its continued collaboration with the District 2 Council Office.
Another significant achievement of the District 2 YAC is the planning and execution of a daffodil planting at Stipe Elementary School. This initiative was in partnership with leaders among the District 2 Neighborhood Leadership Council and concluded with the planting of over 500 flowers at the Elementary School.
We were excited to have over 50 volunteers from the Stipe Elementary Boys and Girls Club help carry this initiative forward.
The District 2 YAC is currently working on a Culture Fest in collaboration with YACs from Council Districts 1 and 9. The intended Culture Fest aligns with our objective of uplifting youth voices through creative expression by showcasing student-led affinity and performance groups from diverse cultural backgrounds.
DISTRICT 2
DISTRICTREPORTS
BY NEYHA PRADEEPKUMAR
P A G E 2 8 Y O U T H C O M M I S S I O N 2 5 - 2 6 A N N U A L R E P O R T DISTRICT REPORTS: DISTRICT 2
Vice-Chair Neyha
Pradeepkumar was honored
to receive the District 2
Community Hero Award,
presented by the Mayor and
City Council at the March
2026 State of the City. She
dedicated the award to her
hardworking YAC members
who have worked to make
the youth voice of District 2
present in local government
and heard by officials
On the communications and outreach front, under the leadership of Tanisha Bhugra, the YAC significantly expanded its reach, gaining over fifty new followers on Instagram. Multiple government officials and city departments engaged with the YAC’s content, following and reposting key initiatives, further amplifying our work.
We were proud to run a month-long campaign for National Health Literacy Month in October 2025, which resulted in the account garnering hundreds of visits from different district YACs and city youth commissions.
The YAC also had the privilege of regularly connecting with Councilmember Pamela Campos, including at the Youth Commission Annual Budget Priorities Summit and during several YAC meetings. These interactions allowed the YAC to align its goals with those of the District 2 Office, laying the foundation for future partnerships and initiatives in the coming fiscal years. The 2025-2026 term was an immensely valuable and productive year for the District 2 YAC. As it is Commissioner Neyha Pradeepkumar’s last year on the Youth Commission, she is very proud of the growth the YAC has had over the past three years, starting from a small team of 5 youth to 15 individuals. She is excited and looking forward to seeing the future of the District 2 YAC. ■
Y O U T H C O M M I S S I O N 2 5 - 2 6 A N N U A L R E P O R T P A G E 2 9 During my second year as the District 3 Youth Commissioner, I've been dedicated to building a better community environment and amplifying youth voices across my district. Since stepping into this role in August of 2024, I quickly established monthly neighborhood cleanups that consistently attracted over 70 participants. This year was the last one in the Guadalupe Washington neighborhood association. With the help of my community members, we did our best to promote environmental stewardship. We are planning to start a brandnew monthly clean-up day in the local downtown park, Saint James Park. These regular events not only improved our district's appearance but also fostered a stronger sense of community, which we look forward to building on with the local members of downtown San José.
DISTRICT 3
DISTRICTREPORTS
BY EDWIN SANCHEZ
I participated in critical policy discussions
throughout the year, including the San José
Budget Summit, where I advocated for
education and careers. I have been part of
discussions about ICE and how we can help
the local community of San José feel less
threatened, and help them know the best
steps to take to care for their family and
friends. We are in talks to place red cards at
more local businesses and make them
aware of what they should do if immigration
law enforcement were to come into their
establishment. This being my second year, I
successfully brought my community
together and showed what we can do with
not just our voices but our actions to move
forward. I attended meetings of our local
neighborhood associations to create
valuable opportunities for residents and
advise them on the Youth Commission's
work in positive settings. ■
P A G E 3 0 Y O U T H C O M M I S S I O N 2 5 - 2 6 A N N U A L R E P O R T This year, District 4’s Youth Advisory Council
(D4YAC) comprised a dedicated group of 24 youth
residing in District 4 of San José, all working to
create a better future for their peers by hosting
events, engaging with the community, advocating,
and writing policy. The D4YAC is divided into four
sub-committees: Social & Racial Equity, Climate
Change & Environment, Homelessness & Poverty,
and Transportation & Safety. The committees
worked to bring awareness and meaningful
change within their respective focus areas.
DISTRICT 4
DISTRICTREPORTS
BY AKSHADHA BABU CHAKRAVARTHI
Y O U T H C O M M I S S I O N 2 5 - 2 6 A N N U A L R E P O R T P A G E 3 1 D4YAC members remained actively engaged both within the district and across the broader region. They met bi-weekly on Saturdays at various libraries across District 4. The meetings were led by D4 Chair/Commissioner Akshadha Babu and supported by Vice Chair Ethan Effendi, Outreach Coordinator Evelyn Wang, and Secretary Amy Jeong. Members attended a Youth Advisory Council social alongside other Northern California youth commissions, where they exchanged ideas and gained insight into youth priorities in neighboring communities, which included Burlingame and Palo Alto. The council also met with Councilmember David Cohen of District 4 to debrief on ongoing initiatives and better understand his priorities for youth, allowing members to align their work with city goals and increase their impact.
In addition, the Youth Commissioner collaborated with the Immigration subcommittee on policy efforts to make immigration-related information more accessible to residents. As a council, D4YAC also participated in the annual Budget Summit in February, advocating for youth-centered funding priorities.
Their commitment to service was further demonstrated through community efforts such as park cleanups at Penitencia Creek Park, where members removed over 6 gallons of weeds and collected 3 bags of trash by hand, helping maintain a cleaner, more sustainable environment.
DISTRICT REPORTS: DISTRICT 4
D4YAC SOCIAL & RACIAL EQUITY TEAM
Led by Olivia Rodrigues and Aditi Jain, and supported by Amy Jeong, Siyuan Huang, and Jayda Davis.
This year, the Social & Racial Equity Team focused on fostering awareness and understanding of identity and inclusion within the District 4 community. The team hosted an “Identifying Identities” event on March 28th, featuring a guest speaker from the Santa Clara County Office of Education, Tara Sreekrishnan, and an Ethnic Studies professor at Foothill College, Ulysses Acevedo. Through interactive activities and open dialogue, the event encouraged participants to reflect on their identities and engage in meaningful conversations surrounding equity and representation.
In addition to their event, the team worked on a policy initiative to increase access to immigration resources by advocating for the placement of informational flyers in community centers and public libraries. This effort seeks to ensure that residents, particularly those from immigrant communities, have access to critical information and support services.
D4YAC CLIMATE CHANGE & ENVIRONMENT TEAM
Led by Ceci Goyette and Mahi Mekala, and supported by Evelyn Wang, Charlotte Fan, Deeksha Bharadwaj, Navika Deepak, and Paakhi Manglik.
The Climate Change & Environment Team focused on promoting sustainability and environmental awareness through both educational and community-based initiatives. In January, the team hosted an online Environmental Careers Webinar, providing students with exposure to career pathways in the environmental field.
This was followed by an Eco-Swap event in April at the Berryessa Branch Library, encouraging sustainable consumption by allowing community members to exchange gently used clothing. Additionally, the team worked on drafting a policy proposal to implement urban heat-relief mechanisms throughout San José, aiming to address the growing impacts of climate change and protect vulnerable populations.
P A G E 3 2 Y O U T H C O M M I S S I O N 2 5 - 2 6 A N N U A L R E P O R T D4YAC HOMELESSNESS & POVERTY TEAM
Led by Baohan Trinh and Joyce Gao, and
supported by Amy Nguyen, Ash Singh,
Aarthi Deepak, and Nhu Le.
This year, the Homelessness & Poverty
Team focused on increasing accessibility to
essential resources for underserved
communities. In collaboration with the
Climate Change & Environment Team, they
supported the planning and execution of
the Eco-Swap event in April, promoting
both sustainability and community support.
In addition, the team worked on a proposal to promote access to homelessness resources through informational materials in public libraries. This initiative aims to connect individuals and families in need with critical services and support systems available throughout San José.
D4YAC TRANSPORTATION & SAFETY TEAM
Led by Nithilraj Jayavel
As a solo-member team, the Transportation & Safety Team worked to improve accessibility and awareness of transportation options for youth across San José.
The team is organizing a VTA informational event scheduled for May to educate students on available transit services and how to use them effectively.
In addition, the team has been creating short-form digital content to promote public transportation and increase awareness of transit resources for students in San José and beyond. Through these efforts, the team aims to make transportation more equitable and accessible for all.
District 4 sincerely hopes that future commissioners and members continue to implement policies, host events, and engage with constituents in ways that uplift every voice and inspire the next generation to lead for change. ■ DISTRICT REPORTS: DISTRICT 4
Y O U T H C O M M I S S I O N 2 5 - 2 6 A N N U A L R E P O R T P A G E 3 3 As a newly appointed District 5 Youth Commissioner, I have dedicated my first year to expanding youth engagement and strengthening opportunities for young people across East San José. Since stepping into this role, my primary goals have been to grow my connection with the East San José Youth and to increase civic engagement opportunities for youth in my community.
Throughout the year, I focused on outreach and recruitment efforts. I visited local high schools across East San José, speaking with students about the importance of youth voice in local government and encouraging them to get involved. These efforts helped raise awareness of the Youth Advisory Council and increase membership and participation.
DISTRICT 5
DISTRICTREPORTS
BY DAL I GUERRERO FERNANDEZ
P A G E 3 4 Y O U T H C O M M I S S I O N 2 5 - 2 6 A N N U A L R E P O R T DISTRICT REPORTS: DISTRICT 5
In addition to school outreach, I also engaged with the community through Red Card outreach across East San José neighborhoods. This work was focused on sharing important immigration resources and information with residents. In a community like East San José, where many families are directly impacted by immigration issues, providing these resources is extremely important. This outreach allowed me to connect with community members on meaningful issues while also building awareness around civic engagement.
Over the past several months, I have also worked closely with the District 5 Council Office, learning how local government operates behind the scenes. This partnership has been extremely crucial in helping me better understand how to advocate effectively for youth and bring their concerns into meaningful conversations and decision-making spaces.
As this is my first year in this role, I have learned a lot about leadership, communication, and public service. Each experience has helped me grow more confident in my ability to represent and uplift the voices of youth in District 5.
Youth opportunities in East San José are extremely important. Many young people in our district face barriers to access and representation, which makes it even more important to create spaces where they can feel represented and develop leadership skills.
This first year has shown me how
important outreach and youth
engagement are for my East San José
community. As I look ahead, I am
committed to continuing to grow the
Youth Advisory Council, expand civic
opportunities, and advocate for the
needs of youth in District 5. I am also
excited to continue growing and
working alongside the other Youth
Commissioners! ■
Y O U T H C O M M I S S I O N 2 5 - 2 6 A N N U A L R E P O R T P A G E 3 5 This year was an amazing start to my first term as the District 6 Youth Commissioner. I built District 6's Youth Advisory Council from scratch with new members, and now we are a collaborative group of 30 members strong. We meet regularly and collaborate on research and ideas. I am excited to keep growing our impact and find even more ways for District 6 youth to have a real voice in local government.
The 2026 Budget Summit was a great opportunity to connect with civically engaged youth and strengthen the collaboration that makes our commission what it is. Also, my participation in the Community Ad Hoc Committee has kept me invested in uplifting the culture of San José.
As a YAC, we developed some initiatives
and projects. First, we reported on the
current state of 20 VTA bus stops in our
area, finding gaps in safety and
accessibility, and we are currently
continuing to explore what support we can
bring. Next was an art supplies community
drive, which is currently in development,
where we are working on getting creative
supplies into the hands of students and
families. The third initiative is art therapy
workshops at local schools, which teach
how creative expression is important in
youth well-being.
We have lots of momentum building across
all these projects, so I am more motivated
than ever for the next year. I can’t wait to
see the impact we will make! ■
DISTRICT 6
DISTRICTREPORTS
BY F IONA CANF IELD
P A G E 3 6 Y O U T H C O M M I S S I O N 2 5 - 2 6 A N N U A L R E P O R T The District 7 Youth Advisory Council (D7
YAC) is led by Commissioner David Huynh
and Vice Chairs Olive Luong and Lena
Nguyen, with the support of the Office of
Council Member Bien Doan. This school
year, we focused on building a capable and
diverse group of students from across San
José that will lead the charge on several
community-centered projects.
Throughout the year, the Vice Chairs and I
met with each new member to discuss
their interests in joining the YAC. Many
expressed enthusiasm for highlighting
youth artistry through the Creative Futures
Fair, while others sought opportunities to
advocate for and serve their communities.
It was exciting to meet students from
different geographic locations, schools,
cultures, and experiences. Ever since, we
have maintained rolling applications so
that every youth in San José can have the
opportunity to participate in the Youth
Commission.
The YAC has shown strong participation
year-round. We showed up and showed out
for Viva CalleSJ to conduct Youth
Commission outreach, the annual Budget
Summit to vocalize our youth priorities,
and other Youth Commission-related
events to support our peer YACs.
DISTRICT 7
DISTRICTREPORTS
BY DAVID HUYNH
Y O U T H C O M M I S S I O N 2 5 - 2 6 A N N U A L R E P O R T P A G E 3 7
Since late September, the YAC has held over fifteen meetings in two formats:
hybrid (in-person with a virtual component) and fully virtual. Our membership includes over 30 members, 11 of whom are on the Core Cabinet leadership team. In alignment with the Youth Commission’s fiscal year work plan, we identified two priorities to pursue throughout the year: college and career pathways, and civic engagement and advocacy. These focuses have culminated in the following events.
Civic Engagement and Advocacy
In collaboration with the District 1 Youth Advisory Council and District 8 Youth Council Committee, we are developing a workshop with SIREN Immigration Rights to engage students in educational experiences and resources relating to immigrants, ESL, and Know Your Rights. This event was held on Saturday, April 18th, from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm at the West Valley Branch Library.
Creative Futures Fair
We are organizing a third rendition of the Creative Futures Fair as a shared space with Culture Fest (hosted by the Youth Advisory Councils of Districts 1, 2, & 9) to share the cultural and entrepreneurial beauty of San José. This event will be held on Saturday, May 16th, from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm at the Vietnamese American Cultural Center, with the support of the Yerba Buena High School Key Club.
College and Career Pathways
We hope to bring exposure to non-traditional pathways after high school graduation, with a focus on vocational/trade schools, at AIM (Advise, Inspire, Motivate). This event will be held on Saturday, May 30th, from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm at the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library.
As my term comes to an end, I am excited to pass my torch on to the succeeding Commissioner and Youth Advisory Council. It is my hope that the fire we have nurtured throughout these past years will continue to illuminate the spirit of San José—whether through community service, event planning, or policy drafting. ■ DISTRICT REPORTS: DISTRICT 7
P A G E 3 8 Y O U T H C O M M I S S I O N 2 5 - 2 6 A N N U A L R E P O R T My experience with the Youth Commission began on the 18th of December, when I was officially sworn in as an interim Commissioner to fill the last few months of my predecessor’s term.
During that time, I pursued multiple initiatives as one of the most legislatively productive members of the Commission. My two top priorities were advocating for city affordability and combatting prejudice against our Black, Hispanic, and Asian communities. I proposed and wrote an official Youth Commission letter to express our opposition to community surveillance and breaches of public trust perpetrated by Flock Safety, in defense of our immigrant community. Similarly, I worked with other city districts to help stage workshops for immigrants to spread knowledge of Constitutional rights. In support of the city’s budget planning process, I strongly promoted the Commission’s Youth Priorities Survey, which led to District 8 receiving the most responses among the city’s districts. In the last few months, I have been working on a proposal to form a centralized, citywide Youth Labor Corps to help coordinate youth volunteers under the Commission.
DISTRICT 8
DISTRICTREPORTS
BY MICAH CHUNG
As part of the city’s budget process,
I’ve put forth recommendations to
fund the planting of public fruit
trees and wildflowers, alongside
other proposals to expand the
number of Community Service
Officers (CSOs), improve
affordability, and combat food
insecurity. I requested that
affordability be made a priority of
the Youth Commission to combat the
higher cost of living in San José, in
response to viewing widespread
food insecurity–including amongst
my close friends–in my District.
Y O U T H C O M M I S S I O N 2 5 - 2 6 A N N U A L R E P O R T P A G E 3 9 District 8’s Youth Council Committee (YCC), under the leadership of Aastha Bhagat, Laya Krishnan, Ariana Corbu, Yash Omprakash, and me, expanded in its scope and diversity this year. Participation expanded to include not only the immediate Evergreen area but also expansion into Silver Creek and its surrounding areas. Planned expansion for next year will include efforts to specifically target the areas around Overfelt for recruitment and an emphasis on establishing a diversity of perspectives and backgrounds. YCC aggressively pursued the expansion of services for District 8’s homeless/unhoused youth in schools, including washer/dryer access and food banking initiatives. YCC has also supported community events, such as the 4th of July celebration at Lake Cunningham, and participated in park cleanups, canvassing, and more. As part of a community outreach program, the YCC helped propose legislation to the East Side Union High School District and invested countless volunteer hours in the local community. This will mark the second year of District 8’s YCC's operation, and as a founding member who has had the privilege of watching it grow, I have great hope for the future of civic participation within District 8.
Being a commissioner at this time, in this moment, was of great significance to me as a transgender American; I hope that, in my time, I have done my part to make the diverse tapestry of our city’s experiences shine a little brighter. I would like to express my deepest gratitude to my Councilmember, Domingo Candelas, as well as my fondest appreciation for the people, staff, and fellow Commissioners of this fine City. ■
I personally helped feed families in
support of the Welch Park
Neighborhood Association through
multiple-month food drives, keeping
thousands fed. I similarly supported
recycling efforts and appreciation of
public parks in my District, and
supported other neighborhood
associations, such as those at
Brigadoon and in the Evergreen
neighborhood.
DISTRICT REPORTS: DISTRICT 8
P A G E 4 0 Y O U T H C O M M I S S I O N 2 5 - 2 6 A N N U A L R E P O R T As my time on the Youth Commission
comes to an end, I can say that I’m very
proud of everything the D9 YAC and I
have accomplished. Being on the Youth
Commission was invaluable, and I hope
the next District 9 Commissioner will
have the same enriching experience! ■
This year, the District 9 Youth Advisory Council (D9 YAC) consisted of 11 dedicated members, representing a diverse range of public and private schools in the area. Under the leadership of D9 Commissioner/Chair Ruby Yu and ViceChair Emily Guo, the D9 YAC’s work plan focused on increasing widespread community access to immigration resources. In addition, the YAC sought to uplift and celebrate the rich cultural and ethnic diversity that defines San José.
In collaboration with District 4, the D9 YAC is actively researching and working on a policy proposal that would require all San José Public Library branches to have citizenship corners. These citizenship corners will provide easily accessible immigration resources to the local community. Many of the D9 YAC’s meetings have been focused on conducting in-depth research into current issues with access to immigration resources and changes to the immigration system made by the current administration. This research will be included in our policy proposal, which will be completed this fiscal year but is likely to be approved next fiscal year.
In collaboration with Districts 1 and 2, the D9 YAC is also planning a Culture Fest to celebrate the diversity of San José and foster a greater sense of inclusion, awareness, and pride within the community. This event will host many high school clubs and cultural groups, giving them a platform to share their unique cultures with others. Through the Culture Fest, members of different communities can interact with each other, creating opportunities for crosscultural exchange.
DISTRICT 9
DISTRICTREPORTS
BY RUBY YU
Y O U T H C O M M I S S I O N 2 5 - 2 6 A N N U A L R E P O R T P A G E 4 1 During my 2025-26 tenure as a D10 Youth Commissioner, I prioritized political literacy among youth in San José. Every second Monday of the month, my YAC and I volunteered to run community meetings at the Almaden Valley Community Association. We set up the tables, chairs, and tech for these meetings, allowing neighborhood residents to voice their concerns to local authorities and connect with resources. Guest speakers included Congressman Jimmy Panetta, Councilmember George Casey, Mayor Matt Mahan, as well as representatives from PG&E and the San José Police Department.
On the theme of encouraging political literacy among youth, my YAC and I organized Youth Connect, an event that hosted Councilmember George Casey at Pioneer High School. Youth are disconnected from city politics, even though it affects their lives more than the state or federal government does. By partnering with Pioneer’s very own Equity Club, the event was a success, with a turnout of more than 90 high schoolers who listened to Councilmember Casey and asked him questions about local government over pizza and drinks. We hope to continue this event in the coming years as the Youth Commission and its council branches commit to youth civic engagement.
DISTRICT 10
DISTRICTREPORTS
BY KYLE PARK
P A G E 4 2 Y O U T H C O M M I S S I O N 2 5 - 2 6 A N N U A L R E P O R T In line with the council’s financial literacy commitments, my YAC hosted a financial literacy workshop in partnership with Wells Fargo and the District 10 Office. The event brought together youth from District 10 and taught basic financial responsibility skills that could be applied in everyday life. The D10 YAC plans to host another financial literacy workshop in partnership with “Teens Who Invest” before the fiscal year ends.
DISTRICT REPORTS: DISTRICT 10
Pivoting to the topic of community involvement and environmental advocacy, the D10 YAC has worked tirelessly within the community to ensure our duty as citizens and civic representatives was fulfilled. The D10 YAC sent a delegate to a District 10 Leadership Coalition meeting in March to present the initiatives underway within the YAC. Additionally, the D10 YAC continued to support the adoption of Almaden Lake Park and worked to organize cleanups. We are continuing to work on this project to complete at least one cleanup before the end of the Youth Commission timeline. ■
Y O U T H C O M M I S S I O N 2 5 - 2 6 A N N U A L R E P O R T P A G E 4 3
CITYWIDE
DISTRICTREPORTS
BY MARIAN KUCHAREWSKI
As I wrap up my final year on
the Commission and my term as
Chair, I want to thank everyone
who has been part of this
journey with me. From the
senior commissioners who
mentored me and taught me
the basics in my first year, to
the junior commissioners who
gave me the opportunity to
lead, to Ms. Emily, Megan, and
Dziem, who kept me on track
throughout my term—I am truly
grateful.
Although it requires a lot of work, serving on the San José Youth Commission is an incredibly valuable experience for young people. Commissioners learn to operate professionally at the city level while also taking responsibility for representing youth and using their voices to create meaningful change. If any youth in San José are truly taken seriously by the local government, it’s the Youth Commissioners. That is why this role must be treated with commitment and taken seriously.
I began my time on the Commission concerned about this responsibility. As Citywide commissioner, I felt I couldn’t fully represent every young person in San José. There are many individuals from different socioeconomic backgrounds, cultures, and lived experiences that I didn’t feel I could speak for. Over time, I learned from senior commissioners that authentic representation requires a willingness to listen and understand diverse perspectives. This comes from engaging directly with the community and learning from their experiences.
Without engaging with the community, I wouldn’t have been able to approach my work with the perspective of a representative of San José youth.
P A G E 4 4 Y O U T H C O M M I S S I O N 2 5 - 2 6 A N N U A L R E P O R T DISTRICT REPORTS: CITYWIDE
While I focused on building and collaborating with my YAC last year, this year I shifted my attention to my role as Chair. I supported commissioners by providing feedback and helping them advance their policy and event proposals.
Above all, I enjoyed facilitating discussions during meetings: organizing our budget survey process, presenting our annual survey results, discussing ad hoc assignments, talking about how to implement our work plan, or leading the Education Ad Hoc meetings. My favorite experience was guiding the discussion to develop our budget priorities letter to the Mayor. Commissioners contributed thoughtful ideas on what the letter should include, from key survey insights to many potential solutions addressing community concerns.
During the 2025–2026 fiscal year, the Citywide YAC met multiple times to work on projects and explore how volunteering can benefit youth in San José. While many initiatives are still in progress, we are planning to continue the commission's tradition with a tree-planting in a local park, supporting District 7’s Creative Futures Fair, and tabling at this year’s Cinco de Mayo celebration. As lead for the Education Ad Hoc, I had the privilege of working with David, Anushka, Dali, and Neyha to design our survey methods, develop questions, organize results, prepare for the event, brief new commissioners for their speeches, and lead the event, as well as analyze the results while drafting our official budget statement.
Most recently, Vice Chair Pradeepkumar and I have been preparing to transition our roles to next year’s executive committee. We discussed what guidance or suggestions to leave behind and whether a clear operations outline would benefit future leaders.
In my free time, I continue to support my Councilmember and the Mayor by attending cleanups and assisting at community events. After stepping down, I hope to remain involved by attending Youth Commission events, participating in PRNS park cleanups, and staying engaged in local governance.
Thank you all for this incredible experience, and best of luck to next year’s Commission! ■
Y O U T H C O M M I S S I O N 2 5 - 2 6 A N N U A L R E P O R T P A G E 4 5 Total number of volunteer service
hours from Youth Commission and
Youth Advisory Council members
from July 2025 to March 2026.
740
The average number of hours spent
by the 11 Youth Commissioners on
activities such as attending general
meetings, coordinating YAC
meetings, conducting community
outreach, and crafting policy
recommendations.
35 The average number of hours
spent by 45 Youth Advisory Council
members across San José was
spent on activities such as
attending YAC meetings,
supporting district events, and
doing policy research.
8 VOLUNTEER STATISTICS
P A G E 4 6 Y O U T H C O M M I S S I O N 2 5 - 2 6 A N N U A L R E P O R T Youth Advisory Councils (YAC) are a core group of approximately 223 volunteer youth throughout San José that support the Youth Commission’s mission and vision. These councils provide valuable input and insights into policies and programs that directly impact young people. Through participation, they gain a voice in shaping the future of their communities and ensuring that policies and initiatives are responsive to the needs and aspirations of the younger generation.
Building on last year, the Youth Commission uses an online application to encourage participation and boost YAC recruitment efforts citywide. This digital approach has helped streamline the YAC recruitment process and increase accessibility for interested youth.
To date, the application form has received 275 submissions, a 17.2% increase from last year, demonstrating its effectiveness in reaching potential youth volunteers.
Additionally, the Youth Commission established a participation survey for youth volunteers who attended individual District YAC meetings or Youth Commission events to better understand who is participating and to gather program feedback.
Participation in this survey is optional, and its reach depends upon the Commissioner distributing it at their regular meetings, which is why some District participation is underreported. Overall, the survey captured 290 responses from YAC participants through March 2026.
YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCILS
Y O U T H C O M M I S S I O N 2 5 - 2 6 A N N U A L R E P O R T P A G E 4 7 We saw the highest application volume in
August and September 2025, with 79
submissions (45.5%). This peak likely aligns
with back-to-school outreach efforts, when
students are more connected to school-based
announcements. The second-highest volume
occurred in March 2026, with 43 applications
(15.6%), possibly reflecting end-of-cycle
recruitment pushes. These trends highlight the
impact of strategic timing in engaging youth
and ensuring awareness of opportunities.
YAC APPLICATIONS RECEIVED BY MONTH
YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCILS
Aug 2025
Sept 2025
Oct 2025
Nov 2025
Dec 2025
Jan 2026
Feb 2026
Mar 2026
0 20
40 60
80 Applicant distribution varies significantly across San José’s districts, with District 1 leading at 90 applicants (32.7%), followed by District 8 with 39 (14.2%). District 9 was right behind with 31 applicants (11.3%), and Districts 2, 6, and 10 had moderate representation (18-26 applicants). Participation was lowest in Districts 3, 4, 5, and 7, with 6 to 13 applicants each. Eight applicants selected 'Other' as their district.
Council preferences largely align with residence patterns. District 1 was the most requested (78 applicants, 28.4%), closely followed by District 8 (34 applicants, 12.4%).
The Citywide option drew 19 applicants (6.9%), while 21 applicants (7.6%) selected 'I Don’t Know.'
A strong majority (73.8%) applied to serve in their home districts, highlighting deep community ties. However, 12% applied outside their district, likely due to their school location or specific interest in another area’s initiatives. The remaining 14.2% opted for the Citywide option or were unsure, signaling an openness to broader service. These patterns underscore the importance of both local engagement and flexible opportunities for cross-district participation.
District of Residence Preferred YAC
District 1
District 2District 3
District 4
District 5District 6District 7District 8District 9
District 10
Citywide/Unknown
0 20
40 60
80 100
90 78
18 22
8 5
13 8
11 8
26 26
6 7
39 34 31
23 25 24
8 40
Same District
73.8%
Citywide/Unknown
14.2%
Different District
12%
YAC APPLICANT DISTRICT PREFERENCE
P A G E 4 8 Y O U T H C O M M I S S I O N 2 5 - 2 6 A N N U A L R E P O R T High school students dominate the applicant pool, with grades 9-11 accounting for
82.2% of applications. Grade 11 leads with 89 applicants (32.4%), followed closely by grade 10 with 81 (29.5%) and grade 9 with 56 (20.4%). Grade 12 participation drops significantly to 25 applicants (9.1%). Middle school students (6.9%) and college students (1.8%) represent small minorities. Lynbrook High School dominates with 43 applicants (15.6%), followed by Valley Christian and Archbishop Mitty High Schools, each with 19 applicants (6.9%). The top ten schools account for 56.7% of all applications, while over 50 other unique schools make up the remainder, 23 of which had only 1 applicant, highlighting both concentrated interest at certain institutions and opportunities to diversify recruitment efforts.
YAC APPLICANT GRADE LEVEL
YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCILS
Middle School Grade 9 Grade 10
Grade 11 Grade 12 College/Other
0 50 100 150 200 250
Middle School (6-8)
High School (9-12)
College/Other
19 56 81 89 25
0 10 20 30 40 50
Lynbrook High School
Valley Christian High School
Archbishop Mitty High School
Evergreen Valley High School
Notre Dame San Jose
Presentation High School
Leigh High School
Bellarmine College Prepatory
Leland High School
The Harker School
43 19
19 14
12 11
10 10
9 9
YAC APPLICANT TOP 10 SCHOOLS
Similar to last year, YAC applicants' interests overwhelmingly center on education (200 mentions, 25.5%) and the environment (105 mentions, 13.4%), followed by community & youth empowerment (82 mentions, 10.5%), and mental health and civic engagement with 67 mentions (8.5%) each. Equity & social justice received 57 mentions (7.3%), and arts & culture (47 mentions, 6%) and technology (35 mentions, 4.5%) were included in the top interests this year.
These interests connect closely with the Youth Commission's work plan objectives and the top issue areas among youth, as identified in the Youth Priorities Survey. This natural alignment suggests incoming Advisory Council members will effectively support established initiatives while contributing fresh perspectives on San José's most pressing youth concerns.
YAC APPLICANT TOP 10 INTERESTS
0 50 100 150 200
Education
Environment
Community & Youth Empowerment
Mental Health
Civic Engagement & Government
Equity & Social Justice
Arts & Culture
Technology
Public Safety
Healthcare
200
105
82 67
67 57
47 37
30 26
Y O U T H C O M M I S S I O N 2 5 - 2 6 A N N U A L R E P O R T P A G E 4 9 While this distribution does not reflect all YAC participation, District 7 leads with 116 members (42.2% of total engagement), followed by Districts 4 and 1, with 99 and 25 members, respectively. Districts 6 and 9 show moderate participation (14 and 11 members), while Districts 5, 8, 10, and Citywide have smaller representations. Notably, YAC maintains a strong 87.9% active participation rate (233 youth), highlighting that once young people join, they remain engaged and committed.
WHICH YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL
(YAC) ARE YOU PARTICIPATING IN?
YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCILS
Participants
District 1
District 2District 3
District 4
District 5District 6District 7District 8District 9
District 10
CItywide
0 20
40 60
80 100
120
25 99
4 14
116
4 11
1 1
Yes
87.9%
No
12.1%
HAVE YOU PARTICIPATED IN THE
YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL THIS YEAR?
YACs primarily engage high school students aged 15-16, who make up the majority of participants (74.2%), while younger teens (ages 13-14) have limited representation (9.1%), and participation among older teens (ages 17-18) is growing (16.7%). Gender distribution reveals a significant imbalance, with women outnumbering men nearly three-to-one (46 women to 16 men). Notably, YACs also include gender nonbinary/genderqueer and transgender participants, reflecting a commitment to inclusion across the gender spectrum.
YAC PARTICIPANT AGE
Participants
13 14 15 16 17 18
0 5
10 15
20 25
30 1
5 21
28 9
2 Woman
69.7%
Man
24.2%
Prefer not to say
4.5%
YAC PARTICIPANT GENDER
P A G E 5 0 Y O U T H C O M M I S S I O N 2 5 - 2 6 A N N U A L R E P O R T Youth Advisory Councils span 20 zip codes, with the highest participation concentrated in North San José/Berryessa (95132: 8 participants), the Cambrian area (95124: 7 participants), and West San José (95129: 7 participants). District 7 has the broadest reach, engaging youth from nine zip codes, followed by District 6, which engages youth from seven zip codes. Some areas show concentrated engagement (95132 sends all eight participants to one district), while others are more dispersed (95129 participants span three programs). This distribution highlights strong representation in western areas while pointing to opportunities for expanded outreach in East San José neighborhoods.
WHICH YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL (YAC) ARE YOU PARTICIPATING IN?
YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCILS
District 1 District 4 District 5 District 6 District 7 District 8 District 9 95041
95070
95111
95112951169511795118
95121
95122
95124
95125951269512995130
95131
9513295133951359513695148
0 2
4 6
8 1
2 1
4 2 2 2 2 2
7 4
1 7
4 2
8 4
3 2
3 1 2 3 4 5
0 50 100 150
The program I attended met my expectations.
I would recommend the program to others.
25 73
170
20 71
176
YAC PROGRAM SATISFACTION
Participant satisfaction is exceptionally high, with 92% rating the program 4 or 5 out of
5. A majority (170 participants) gave the highest rating, while 73 rated it 4. No one rated their satisfaction lower than 3. Feedback highlights three key strengths: collaborative teamwork, efficient organization, and open communication. Participants appreciated collaboration and group culture, well-structured and productive meetings, and valued the guest speakers and opportunities for community building.
While most respondents had no suggestions for improvement, recommendations focused on a centralized communication structure, more in-person meetings and events, cross-district collaboration, and more interactive and engaging activities to draw people in. Overall, the feedback affirms a strong program that meets youth needs and expectations, requiring only minor adjustments rather than major changes. ■ Y O U T H C O M M I S S I O N 2 5 - 2 6 A N N U A L R E P O R T P A G E 5 1
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
SAN JOSÉ CITY DEPARTMENTS
The Mayor and City Council Offices
The City Manager’s Office
San José Public Library
Parks, Recreation & Neighborhood Services
Environmental Services Department
Children and Youth Services Master Plan
Budget Office
Clerk’s Office
SAN JOSÉ CITY STAFF
Council Liaison: Councilmember Campos
Councilmember Kamei
Councilmember Cohen
Councilmember Mulcahy
Councilmember Doan
Councilmember Candelas
Councilmember Casey
Jill Bourne, City Librarian
Lauren Box
Israel Canjura
Mayra Cerda
Ann Grabowski
Cassie Hunter
Ofelia Medina
Anthony Montes
Lizzie Nolan
Amanda Otte
Willow Glen Library Staff
ORGANIZATIONS
SIREN
Valley Transport Authority
Vietnamese American Roundtable
YWCA
PARTNERS
San José Library and Education Commission
San José Youth Empowerment Alliance
Santa Clara County Youth Task Force
P A G E 5 2 Y O U T H C O M M I S S I O N 2 5 - 2 6 A N N U A L R E P O R T
THANKYOU
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. sjpl.org/YouthCommission
[email protected]
@SJYouthCommission