Elevate Youth California is a statewide program addressing substance use disorder by investing in the youth leadership and civic engagement for youth of color and 2S/LGBTQ+ youth ages 12 to 26 living in communities disproportionately impacted by the war on drugs.
Funding of $205.923 million is supporting technical assistance for grantee partners mobilizing youth leadership.
We 
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Youth Empowerment
Our funded programs foster a power-sharing environment between youth and their adult allies, where young people’s skills and ideas are valued.
Our youth are talented, capable, and ready to lead.
Cultural Empathy
Our partners are working on healing and changing the environment for communities impacted by the War on Drugs.
Funded programs are designed with trauma-informed strategies and cultural humility, while centering young people’s experiences and expertise.
Systemic Change
Adult allies guiding Elevate Youth California-funded programs recognize that the War on Drugs is a direct result of systemic racism, which has led to inequity in health systems and criminalization of youth in low-income communities and communities of color.
The focus is to build a new foundation by shifting the way problems are solved.
Funding Tracks
Elevate Youth California has two funding opportunities in years 2023-2024: Standard Track and Capacity Building Track.
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Standard Track
36 months
Up to $1 million
The award announcement is anticipated in Winter 2023.
Focusing on policy, system and environmental change through youth civic engagement, mentorship, and peer-led support.
Capacity Building Track
30 months
$75,000 to $400,000
RFA released January 2024
Focusing on strengthening the operational, programmatic, financial or organizational structure of community-based organizations.
Our Youth are Ready to Lead
Mission: Elevate Youth California is a statewide program addressing substance use disorder by investing in youth leadership and civic engagement for youth of color and 2S/LGBTQ+ youth ages 12 to 26 living in communities disproportionately impacted by the war on drugs.
Vision: All California youth should have equitable opportunities to be leaders and change agents in their community.
Uplifting Youth One Action at a Time
Change happens when we work together. Elevate Youth California is a statewide program of community leaders, partners, and youth investing in a more equitable California.
Meet our partners supporting youth empowerment and civic engagement through their programs. »
Prioritizing Strategies
We support our mission by prioritizing strategies that begin with youth civic engagement focused on impacting policy, systems and environmental change, including:
Investing in youth empowerment, leadership, and development
Service provision through the cultural lens of the impacted community
Promoting population-level impacts