Want to make a difference in a young person’s life and future?

So do we. We work to empower and support youth in our community to become it’s leaders and advocates for the issues that matter to them.

We focus on leadership development, community engagement, advocacy support, project management, building relationships, providing resources and coordinating events.

If you have strong communication, project management, and mentoring skills, knowledge of District 4 community issues and politics, a passion for justice and community organizing and a love for the Encanto neighborhoods and the people, you will fit right in with us.

Why This Matters:

To our community : Opporunity to
- promote our community, our culture and our history
- Preserve our Identity
- Build unity
- Educate and inspire
- Boost Local Pride
- Attract visitors and investment
- Celebrate our diversity
- improve our health and well-being

To our leaders: Opportunity to
- enhance their credibility and trust
- serve and address community needs
- foster community collaboration
- strengthen relationships
- attract resources and support
- prove effective leadership
- drive long term positive change
- experience fulfillment and accomplishment
- feel community gratitude
- inspire future leaders
- enhance personal growth

To our Students preparing to be our future leaders: Opportuny to
- honor the legacy of past leaders
- learn firsthand how government works
- have a real-world lesson in civic engagement
- bring for real change
- follow the actual steps required to get a project approved
funded and accomplished in San Diego.

We welcome you to:

Volunteer.

Volunteer with Power Up and support the next generation of changemakers. Whether you’re helping with educational programs, community events, or behind-the-scenes work, your time can have a lasting impact.

Your involvement helps empower youth to lead and create positive change in their communities. Whether you’re interested in teaching, becoming a mentor, partnering with us, or supporting our programs financially, there are many ways you can help. Together, we can build a better future, one leader at a time.

Teach:

Power UP teachers shape future leaders in the classroom

Power Up teachers provide young leaders with the tools they need to succeed academically and as active citizens. They create learning environments that promote critical thinking, problem-solving, and active participation in democratic processes.

Power Up teachers go beyond the classroom to help students engage with real-world issues, fostering a deep understanding of civic responsibilities and leadership. Through their mentorship, students are equipped to take on leadership roles in their schools and communities.

Examples of Power Up Teachers:

• Sonja Taylor – A high school teacher dedicated to teaching students about civic engagement and social justice through hands-on activities and discussions.

• Tammy Robinson – An elementary school teacher who fosters leadership skills in younger students by integrating community service projects into their lessons.

Mentor.

Mentorship is at the heart of our mission. We encourage professionals, educators, and community leaders to join our mentorship program and guide youth toward success. Whether it’s answering questions, suggesting issues to explore, guiding advocacy efforts, or providing career advice, your mentorship can help shape a leader’s future.

Our mentors come from diverse backgrounds and include teachers, community leaders, elected officials, and dedicated middle school mentors. Each plays a vital role in helping youth develop the skills, confidence, and passion to drive change in their communities.

Middle School Mentors: Laying the Foundation for Leadership Early

Our middle school mentors are dedicated to guiding younger students and helping them build leadership skills from an early age. These mentors play a key role in helping youth understand the importance of their voice in shaping their communities.

They focus on developing teamwork, responsibility, and critical thinking skills, ensuring that students feel empowered to take on leadership roles as they grow older. Middle school mentors are instrumental in instilling a sense of civic duty and passion for justice in younger generations.

Examples of Middle School Mentors:

• Allie McBride – A middle school teacher passionate about helping students explore civic engagement, leadership, and social responsibility. Mentors students through group projects that address local community issues.

• Sarah Hillard - A middle school teacher who works with young people to harness emerging technologies and empower youth entrepreneurship.

Elected Officials:

We are proud to have a network of elected officials who offer mentorship and guidance to our youth. These officials are passionate about teaching the importance of civic engagement and how youth can impact local and state policy. They share their expertise in the legislative process, advocacy, and community leadership, inspiring the next generation of civic leaders.

Through their involvement, our youth gain insight into the power of government and the importance of advocating for the causes they care about.

Examples of Elected Official Mentors:

• Henry L Foster – San Diego City Councilmember District 4 who mentors students on local government processes and encourages youth participation in elections.

• LaShae Sharp-Collins - A California State Representative dedicated to empowering young people to get involved in politics and use their voices to influence policy decisions.

• Sharon Whitehurst-Payne - Board Trustee San Diego Unified School District. Dedicated to her students, her teachers and her community. Sharing her experience and insight to find solutions for major issues facing the district.

Community Leaders: Guiding Youth in Real-World Advocacy

Our community leaders are mentors who actively engage in local initiatives and advocacy work. They guide youth in making a difference in their neighborhoods, teaching them how to create lasting, positive change.

These mentors bring real-world experience in organizing, activism, and problem-solving. They serve as examples of what it means to be a leader and advocate for justice in a community.

Examples of Community Leader Mentors:

• Clara Carter – A local entrepreneur mentoring youth to use the tourism and hospitality industry as a vehicle for personal and community prosperity

• Jennifer White -

• Danielle Anderson -

• Ashley Mendiola - Youth Organizer

Sponsor/Partner

Organizations and businesses can sponsor and partner with us to increase opportunities for underserved youth and further the impact of our programs.

Sponsor/Partner Mentorship Requirement

In order to help create an even more robust and supportive network, we ask our sponsors and partners to identify a person at their organization who is available to serve as a mentor. Even if this person’s role is limited to answering questions, offering advice, or suggesting an issue or approach for students to explore, their mentorship will be invaluable to our youth.

This requirement ensures that sponsors and partners are not only supporting our programs financially but also playing an active role in shaping the next generation of leaders. By engaging in mentorship, sponsors and partners help create lasting, impactful relationships that enhance the learning experience and the potential for positive change.

Donate

Your donations allow us to expand our programs and reach more youth. Help fund leadership workshops, mentorship programs, and community outreach initiatives that are transforming lives.

Make an Impact

• Become a Mentor, sponsor, partner and donor

email us: powerupwithyouth@gmail.com