YOUTH LEADERSHIP
ROOTED is OCAPICA’s Youth Leadership and Development Fellowship that empowers high school students across the Anaheim Union High School District (AUHSD) to become active leaders in their communities and future careers. Our mission is to unlock the potential of socially aware young leaders who are ROOTED in justice and who cultivate change for themselves and their communities. This program focuses on leadership through social justice, civic engagement, career development, and wellness (as known as the “4 Pillars of ROOTED”).
ROOTED provides various opportunities, such as:
ROOTED provides various opportunities, such as:
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By completing this Fellowship, ROOTED participants, known as ROOTED Fellows, can earn certificates signed by national and state public officials and qualify for future leadership and internship opportunities through OCAPICA as ROOTED Alumni/graduates. For more information on ROOTED, visit @ocapicayouth on Instagram.
ROOTED Contact Information:
Monica Tran, Lead Youth Program Coordinator - ROOTED
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (714) 794-5079 (texts only)
Instagram: @ocapicayouth
Interested in interning with the OCAPICA Youth team? Email [email protected]! Click this link for more info.
ROOTED Contact Information:
Monica Tran, Lead Youth Program Coordinator - ROOTED
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (714) 794-5079 (texts only)
Instagram: @ocapicayouth
Interested in interning with the OCAPICA Youth team? Email [email protected]! Click this link for more info.
OUR MAIN PILLARS
SOCIAL JUSTICE EDUCATION
As a result of gaining new language and skill sets, Fellows' confidence grew as they saw and developed their roles in their community as leaders and change-makers.
“Being part of ROOTED helped me better understand the importance of equity, advocacy, and using my voice to stand up for what’s right. It pushed me to reflect on my own privilege, listen more deeply to others' experiences, and take action with empathy and purpose. Social justice isn’t just a topic we talked about in ROOTED, it became a mindset and a responsibility I now carry with me every day.” - Julia C., Oxford, 10th |
CIVIC ENGAGEMENT
By participating in community civic engagement efforts, Fellows were empowered to continue using their voice to cultivate change for themselves and their communities.
“Before ROOTED, I thought the most I could do to help my community was to educate myself and others. Although this is still something that can make a big impact, I realized that there was more that I could do for my community and that I [have] more power than I originally thought.” - Sophia M., Cypress, 11th |
CAREER DEVELOPMENT
Fellows gained more confidence and hope in their career paths by learning and practicing interview skills, gaining tips on how to build a resume, and receiving guidance on how to navigate college.
“Before ROOTED, career development and exploration seemed intimidating, but through ROOTED's opportunities and discussions, I have built my confidence in this area. [It] gave me practical tools that have helped me develop my skills in aspects of resume building, public speaking, and interviewing. These experiences equipped me with the confidence and optimism I need in order to pursue my goals and passions.” - Angelica A., Kennedy, 11th |
WELLNESS
ROOTED curriculum promotes all 8 dimensions of wellness. Along with wellness check-ins from program staff/mentors, referrals to AUHSD and OCAPICA mental health services for therapy and other community resources were provided as needed. Through ROOTED, there was an increase in self-care and awareness of Emotional Intelligence among the Fellows.
“Being in [ROOTED] helped me realize how important it is to take care of [my health]. I learned that staying grounded and balanced is key to being able to handle everything else in life—whether it’s school, family, or personal goals. ROOTED helped me focus on making wellness a priority, so I could perform at my best in all areas of life.” - Adrian A., Savanna, 12th |
ROOTED features working professionals from various industries and welcomes new opportunities that can further enhance the students' career development. Please contact Monica Tran at [email protected] to get involved, as we would love to have you.
“ROOTED made me feel connected, supported me in my decisions, and gave me a sense of belonging. I found self-worth and love and learned resilience and patience. Wellness truly helped me look into myself and how I react to situations" - Michelle G., Gilbert, 12th
“ROOTED is an amazing, supportive community that allows students to learn about important topics related to their community and themselves, as well as grow as leaders and cultivate change. It is a program that helps youth develop their potential and spark new found interests and goals. Having a place like ROOTED where students can be themselves and learn new topics is important for growth and development. This space has allowed me to grow as a person and feel safe to be who I am without the fear of judgement.” - Halimah A., Savanna, 12th
“ROOTED made me feel connected, supported me in my decisions, and gave me a sense of belonging. I found self-worth and love and learned resilience and patience. Wellness truly helped me look into myself and how I react to situations" - Michelle G., Gilbert, 12th
“ROOTED is an amazing, supportive community that allows students to learn about important topics related to their community and themselves, as well as grow as leaders and cultivate change. It is a program that helps youth develop their potential and spark new found interests and goals. Having a place like ROOTED where students can be themselves and learn new topics is important for growth and development. This space has allowed me to grow as a person and feel safe to be who I am without the fear of judgement.” - Halimah A., Savanna, 12th