The Make Your ImpACT Initiative challenges San Diego youth to creatively address a chosen societal issue to foster more inclusive communities and further social justice. You can think of our program as a cross between “Shark Tank” and “The Voice” — but with everyone coming out a winner! During a three-phase application process, interested youth will share with us their ideas to address our “ImpACTion Item” — a particular social issue we’ve identified as our focus for the year — within their communities. The only requirements are that their proposed interventions incorporate art in some way, and that they engage others in their service. 

Rather than evaluating GPAs or test scores, we want to see that students have ideas for how to make change, and the determination to turn those ideas into reality. During the application phases, our team will be evaluating their ideas, providing feedback, and pairing applicants with mentors to provide one-on-one guidance. Ultimately, the final cohort of applicants will pitch our Board of Directors on their projects, after which our Board will vote on which projects to fund. Selected winners will receive up to $1,500 to complete their creative project. Finally, the individuals who successfully implement those projects will receive a stipend of $2,500 which they can keep for themselves to help them pursue further educational or service opportunities.

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Our 2022 ImpACTion Item: Out of the Darkness

The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated mental health challenges facing youth in America, an issue that was already pervasive in our society even before this once-in-a-generation public health crisis. As U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy recently wrote, "The future wellbeing of our country depends on how we support and invest in the next generation." 

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The Make Your ImpACT Initiative is calling for proposals for youth-led projects which utilize art to raise awareness and/or provide support to youth who are struggling. We seek to empower youth change-makers to make an impact in their communities. You bring the ideas and initiative, we'll provide funding, mentorship and support. Together, we will work to come out of the darkness of the pandemic and build a brighter future.