Youth of Promise

“

Youth of Promise has helped me. I really like it because we do fun activities, we cook, we draw, and we express our emotions.
– Youth Participant

“

There’s always something going on at YOP.
– Youth Participant

Youth of Promise provides youth development and diversion services to Pasadena & Altadena youth ages 11-18. The Youth of Promise program invests deeply in youth exposed to trauma and adverse childhood experiences. Youth of Promise supports youth academically, socially, and emotionally.

All youth receive one-on-one case management and participate in a curriculum of program activities that include academic support, mentorship, life skills, enrichment activities, caregiver engagement sessions and more.

Diversion

Youth of Promise is part of a Los Angeles County-wide youth diversion initiative that provides youth with care instead of punishment. In partnership with LA County Office of Diversion & Reentry, YOP provides case management services to youth who have come into contact with law enforcement in lieu of justice involvement.

We know that when we provide care instead of punishment and opportunity instead of incarceration, youth are able to realize their full potential. The results we see go beyond improved grades. At the end of the 2020 school year:

90%

of high school graduates for the past two years are currently in college or employed.

85%

of youth participating for one year or more demonstrated improvements in interpersonal communication, conflict resolution and self-management.

75%

of youth decreased or did not demonstrate high-risk behavior.

Youth Testimonial

Dion came to the Youth of Promise program as a junior at Pasadena High School. In his senior year, Dion spent over 100 hours volunteering with YOP’s Summer Success program. He got his license and a car, and was selected to participate in the Young Legislators program through California Assemblymember Chris Holden. As he says, “YOP brings opportunities that I otherwise wouldn’t know about.” After graduating high school in May 2020, he is currently enrolled at Pasadena City College studying business.