Youth Power Lab: Leading the Next Wave of Ethnic Studies and Racial Justice
The Youth Power Lab is Washington Ethnic Studies Now’s (WAESN) newest statewide initiative designed to build a powerful, coordinated network of youth leaders advancing Ethnic Studies and racial justice in K–12 education. Rooted in WAESN’s multigenerational, majority POC-led mission, this program is a community-rooted leadership pipeline that transforms volunteer advocacy into sustained, impactful work.
What You’ll Gain:
- Structural Support & Mentorship: Young leaders, despite their expertise and lived experience, often lack the infrastructure to sustain their advocacy. The Lab fills this gap by providing structured training, a dedicated Youth Coordinator, and mentorship from near-peer coaches (recent graduates and young educators).
- Skill Development: Participants will receive in-depth training in:
- Advocacy and policy influence
- Facilitation skills for community education
- Digital literacy skills
- Community-based research practices
- Real-World Impact: Over the course of the program, youth leaders will be actively involved in systemic change:
- Designing and facilitating community education sessions.
- Leading intergenerational forums.
- Organizing statewide campaigns to counter misinformation about Ethnic Studies.
- Influencing local and state policy (e.g., through testimony and district commitments).
- Tangible Connections:
- Students who complete the program will receive a free laptop.
- Participants will be connected to various youth-led organizations where they can continue to grow their leadership skills and advocate for social changes they are passionate about.
By resourcing and amplifying the leadership of young people most impacted by inequities, the Youth Power Lab transforms Ethnic Studies from curriculum into action, offering a sustainable model for civic leadership and advancing racial justice across Washington State.
Program Details:
Participants are expected to attend both weeks.
- Week 1 (July 20-24): Inatai Foundation Seattle Office, Rainier Tower, 1301 5th Ave #2600, Seattle, WA 98101
- Week 2 (July 27-31): Estelita’s Library, Beacon Hill, 2901 17th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98144
- Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM