Skills. Mentorship. Brighter futures for at-risk youth.

Scenic view of a mountain range with a lake in the foreground under a cloudy sky.

Elevate Youth Initiative Foundation

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What we do

We equip at-risk youth with hands-on skills and consistent mentors through construction labs, gardening, and leadership coaching-building confidence, employability, and positive pathways.

  • Year one goal - 50 youth served

  • 400+ training hours

  • Paxton/Patterson Certified

  • 10+ years working with at-risk youth

  • We are currently building partnerships with local and regional organizations who share our mission, including schools, nonprofits, and workforce training centers,

    • United Way (in conversation)

    • Youth Options Shasta (in conversation)

    • Shasta County Office of Education (in conversation)

    • Good News Rescue Mission (Coming Soon)

    • Shasta College Outreach (Coming Soon)

Our Programs

  • Two construction workers standing inside a small wooden frame structure at a construction site on a sunny day, with a ladder nearby and trees in the background.

    Construction Labs

    Hands-On Skill Building for Real-World Readiness

    Our construction labs give youth the chance to learn the fundamentals of building in a safe, supportive environment. Participants are introduced to tool safety, carpentry basics, and project planning while working on real projects that benefit the community. From measuring and cutting lumber to assembling furniture, planter boxes, or small structures, every project is designed to teach teamwork, attention to detail, and pride in workmanship.

    • Skills Gained: measuring, cutting, assembly, finishing, site readiness

    • Projects: planter boxes for schools, repair projects, basic carpentry builds

    • Life Lesson: patience, responsibility, and seeing a project through from start to finish

  • Group of diverse children and adults planting flowers and gardening in a community garden bed.

    Gardening & Green Skills

    Cultivating Growth, Responsibility, and Connection

    The gardening program teaches youth how to prepare soil, plant, and maintain gardens while learning lessons about patience, responsibility, and the rewards of steady effort. Youth see the results of their work come alive as seeds sprout and food grows. We focus on sustainability, healthy living, and teamwork while also giving back by donating harvests to the community.

    • Skills Gained: soil preparation, planting, irrigation, composting, teamwork

    • Projects: vegetable gardens, community plots, greenhouse care

    • Life Lesson: growth takes time and care, and every small effort matters.

  • Four people taking a selfie in front of a decorated background with string lights, wearing casual clothing and sunglasses emojis covering faces for privacy.

    Life Skills & Mentoring

    Guidance, Accountability, and Leadership

    Beyond technical skills, our program focuses on life skills and mentoring that prepare youth for the future. Through structured mentoring sessions and group activities, participants practice communication, problem-solving, goal-setting, and leadership. Positive adult role models provide consistency and accountability, helping youth develop confidence and envision positive futures.

    • Skills Gained: communication, conflict resolution, goal-setting, teamwork, leadership

    • Activities: group discussions, journaling, role play, service projects

    • Life Lesson: everyone has potential, and with guidance and effort, they can achieve more than they thought possible

The Problem

California At-Risk Youth (Statewide)

  • Juvenile Justice: Approximately 25,000 juvenile arrests per year (2022–2023), with most linked to property crimes, probation violations, and behavioral incidents.

  • Justice-involved youth are at high risk of recidivism without intervention.
    Foster Care: Roughly 60,000 youth are in foster care (2023). Foster youth face higher rates of school dropout, homelessness, and justice involvement.

  • Education: California’s overall high school dropout rate is ~9%, but it climbs to ~25% among foster youth and justice-involved youth.

  • Mental Health: About 1 in 3 California adolescents report persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness (California Health Interview Survey, 2022).

Northern California / Shasta County

  • Juvenile Arrests: Shasta County reports 300–400 juvenile arrests per year (California DOJ, 2022 data). Most involve property crimes, simple assault, and probation violations.

  • Foster Youth: Approximately 1 in 100 children in Shasta County is in foster care—one of the highest rates per capita in California.

  • Education: Graduation rates in Shasta County are ~80% overall, but fall below 60% for foster and justice-involved youth.

  • Poverty: About 1 in 4 children in Shasta County lives below the federal poverty line, increasing risks for justice involvement and poor educational outcomes.

Our IMPACT

  • Construction Labs: Workforce readiness programs reduce recidivism rates by approximately 40%.

  • Gardening & Green Skills: School garden programs improve attendance, behavior, and nutrition choices.

  • Life Skills & Mentoring: Youth with mentors are 46% less likely to initiate substance use and significantly more likely to graduate (MENTOR National data).

Make a donation

Support our mission by contributing today.

3% Cover the Fee

COMING SOON

All gifts are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.

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CONTACT

Two hands planting a small green seedling in dark soil.