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 a certificate and qualify for future leadership and internship opportunities through OCAPICA as ROOTED Alumni/graduates. For more information on ROOTED, visit @ocapicayouth on Instagram.
Since 2020, ROOTED has empowered students to grow as leaders and cultivate meaningful change in their communities. After celebrating its 5th anniversary last Fall 2025, the program remains committed to inspiring and supporting new young leaders as it heads to its 6th year.
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 ROOTED? Email [email protected] with your resume!
Since 2020, ROOTED has empowered students to grow as leaders and cultivate meaningful change in their communities. After celebrating its 5th anniversary last Fall 2025, the program remains committed to inspiring and supporting new young leaders as it heads to its 6th year.
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 ROOTED? Email [email protected] with your resume!
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.
“I feel more ROOTED in justice than before because I now understand how important it is to speak up when something is unfair. ROOTED helped me see that justice isn’t just a big idea but it starts with small actions, like respecting others, supporting my community, and paying attention to issues that affect people around me. I also feel more confident recognizing unfairness and thinking about how I can be part of positive change. Because of ROOTED, I feel more aware, more informed, and more motivated to make choices that help create fairness for everyone.” - Alisa, S., Anaheim HS, 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.
“The pillar that impacted me the most was civic engagement because it helped me understand the importance of using my voice to advocate for taking action in my community. It showed me that even small contributions like presenting [at] a showcase about a certain [topic], participating in discussions, or staying informed can create real change. Through civic engagement, I learned to be more aware of the issues around me and to step up as a more responsible, active member in my community.” - Sherlyn W., Kennedy HS, 10th |
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.
“Through [ROOTED’s] activities, I learned how to communicate better, lead a team, and take responsibility for my work. These skills helped me see what kind of leader I can become in the future and what I want to improve before college. ROOTED made me understand how important it is to build confidence, stay organized, and take initiative, which are all things that will support my future career.” - Ellla T., Magnolia HS, 12th |
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 HS, 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 [is] a youth leadership program that helps students grow, learn, and become more aware of the world around them. It is a space where high school students are encouraged to develop their voices and step into leadership roles. #stayingROOTED represents staying grounded in your values while also growing and learning from new experiences.” - Anintika B., Western HS, 10th
“ROOTED has had a positive impact on my high school experience by helping me grow both academically and personally. It has taught me important skills like communication, leadership, and time management. ROOTED also gave me opportunities to reflect on my goals and think about my future. It helped me become more confident and aware of my strengths. Overall, it made my high school experience more meaningful and helped prepare me for what comes next.” - Evangelina A., Savanna HS, 12th
“ROOTED [is] a youth leadership program that helps students grow, learn, and become more aware of the world around them. It is a space where high school students are encouraged to develop their voices and step into leadership roles. #stayingROOTED represents staying grounded in your values while also growing and learning from new experiences.” - Anintika B., Western HS, 10th
“ROOTED has had a positive impact on my high school experience by helping me grow both academically and personally. It has taught me important skills like communication, leadership, and time management. ROOTED also gave me opportunities to reflect on my goals and think about my future. It helped me become more confident and aware of my strengths. Overall, it made my high school experience more meaningful and helped prepare me for what comes next.” - Evangelina A., Savanna HS, 12th