Spring into summer with FLC!

Project Elevate Graduates of 2026!

We can’t believe another school year has already come to an end! There aren’t words to describe how grateful we are for all of our Project Elevate ELC’s. They showed unwavering dedication to the students they mentored this year. The students’ hard work and perseverance hasn’t gone unnoticed either! At each of the Project Elevate sites we had the pleasure of celebrating the students who graduated from their programs. Shoutout all of our graduates of CAAP, Concrete Roses and Soldiers, and Future Founders! Your commitment to yourself and your future can never be taken from you, we can't wait to see you soar next school year!

Learn more about Project Elevate

Q's Corner: Youth Shoutouts

BSU Graduation: Our hearts are absolutely full after celebrating with our incredible scholars at the BSU Graduation! Seeing that joy, that pride, and all that hard work pay off is exactly why we do what we do.

To our leaders: You didn’t just finish a chapter; you’re starting a legacy.

To the families: Thank you for trusting us to be part of your village. We are so beyond proud of the Class of 2026!

Hear more from the Class of '26 at the bottom of the page!

April Highlights

CCEA Plus Conference

The energy at CCEA Plus was unmatched! Nigel, Jennifer, and India took the stage for a conversational deep dive into the issues facing our youth today. By sharing personal stories and proven strategies, they showcased how we can lift students up through our CAAP, Concrete, and Future Founders programs. Shoutout to Panayiota! One of our standout youth leaders, Panayiota, delivered a powerful presentation on replacing problematic behaviors with positive alternatives. Seeing our students step into leadership roles is what it’s all about!

April Shoutouts

Happy birthday, Nigel!

To our fearless leader, the man with the plan; your lifelong dedication to self-advocacy, personal growth, and service shines through every day. You’ve provided all of us with countless opportunities, mentorship moments, and space to grow into the Leaders you’ve always seen us as.

Through every obstacle you maintain focus, and lead with calculated care. We can’t thank you enough for all you do; happy birthday!

FLC in the Community

CAAASA Cares

In partnership with CAAASA Cares, this community resource event provided essential support and services to over 800 families at the AVHS school site. Representing Future Leaders California, Andrea and Shermya spearheaded networking efforts with fellow vendors and served as a primary point of contact for parents and incoming freshmen, distributing informational brochures and detailing our nonprofit’s various student initiatives.

CAAP Shoutouts: Quail of the Month (April 2026)

The Quails at Lancaster High School were shining stars for our students in April! Jazmyn and Jamil, your dedication to mentorship is evident every day on campus; in the lives of the students you reach and the pride they’re taking in their journeys.

Where is FLC going next?

Juneteenth 2026!

See the Future Leaders out in the community this summer at the Lancaster Juneteenth celebration on June 13, 2026; and the Palmdale Juneteenth celebration on June 19, 2026. Follow us on social media to stay up to date on all of the details! See links below.

From the Director's Desk

Jennifer Sanchez | Deputy Director

Q: Why were you drawn to youth services?

A: Mentorship and guidance played a big role in helping me become the person I am today. Having people who believed in me, pushed me, and helped guide me in the right direction showed me how important support systems are for youth. My experience made me want to give back and be the same source of encouragement and safe space for others.

Q: Can you describe your day-to-day in 5 words or less?

A: Leading, collaborating, problem solving, mentoring.

Q: Share a proud moment with FLC.

A: The way FLC showed up for our students, and creating spaces where students feel supported and connected. Seeing students become more involved, confident, and engaged has been rewarding.

Q: How do you see FLC growing in the next couple of years?

A: Building partnerships with schools and organizations while expanding our programs. I also see FLC creating more opportunities for youth to develop life skills and leadership experience outside the classroom.

Q: How does community support directly impact the youth FLC serves?

A: Whether it’s volunteers showing up to support our youth, programs, and events, donors helping fund programs, or community partners opening doors for opportunities, it all directly impacts the youth and community we serve. The opportunities we are able to provide are possible because people choose to invest their time, resources, and support into our youth. Our youth benefit from simply having people show up for them and remind them that their community cares about them and their futures. People can support Future Leaders California’s mission by volunteering, donating, attending events, building partnerships, and helping spread the word about the work that we do in the community.

Learn more about Jennifer.

From the Class of 2026...

We asked the Class of 2026 to share some parting words before they head off to change the world! Here’s what a few of them had to say:

“Dear FLC, I want to thank you all for truly transforming my life when I was not in the best state of mind. Youth4Justice, Justice Sunday, FLC brunch etc. have allowed me to meet and connect with so many unique individuals; each new friend and industry professional extended my network and allowed me to come out of my shell. To be a part of these creative, educative and youth-led initiatives is an honor. Thank you.” -Baraka, SOAR

“Let no one stop you from being passionate and from being yourself!” -Monalisa, AVHS

“Lock in yknow? FLC lowkey made it possible for me to be the GOAT so that’s kinda cool. Shoutout FLC!” -Liam, EHS

“Thank you Future Leaders for giving me the opportunity to be in the play for the past two years. Through it I made a lot of friends and met people I probably never would’ve talked to otherwise, and I'm really grateful for that. Thank you for giving me the space to be myself and making me feel comfortable being who I am. Thank you to everyone who made these past two years so fun and gave me memories I'll keep with me for life.” -Malayah, AVHS

“Never lose hope, be courageous and take risks!” -Kayley, AVHS

“Everything you do will be worth it.” -Jamal, EHS

“I can’t wait to see what my future holds for me!!” -Gael, EHS

"Thank yall real talk yall fire lowk finna miss yall. Just trust life will work out and it will." -Alanna, EHS

"FLC is such a welcoming and supportive community where I was able to grow and learn so many new things. I’m so blessed to have met all of you guys and I would love to come back and join the FLC team in the future. Thank you to everyone at FLC for making my senior year one I’ll never forget. " -Ahlaysia "Big Intern", LnHS

"I know I missed this year but I will truly miss this program I learned so so many things and met so many people thank you to all of my lil babies in JS I love yall. 229704 signing out !!" -Precious, EHS

From FLC to you; we'll be in the stands cheering you on as you step into the next chapter. Congratulations Class of 2026!

Support the Cause

Your generous support directly fuels the programs that empower young leaders across the state. Through initiatives like Just Us Arts, Project Elevate, and Teen Talk, we provide students with the tools, guidance, and opportunities they need to grow into confident voices in their communities. With your help, we can continue creating spaces where young people are supported, challenged, and inspired to lead.

Donate Here!

Post

Send

Share This Email

Future Leaders California | 44648 15th Street West | Lancaster, CA 93534 US

Unsubscribe | Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice