FUTURE LEADERS OF AMERICA
Empower to Lead…The FLA WAY
Developing youth resiliency and leadership to create
long-lasting systemic change by mobilizing youth to advocate for policies that improve their lives and their communities
Our Impact on Youth
Students Served
%
Improved Their Public Speaking
%
Learned How to Impact Policy
%
Learned More About Their Ethnic/Racial Identity
Apply Now For Our Annual Youth Leadership Conference
Session 1: July 8-13
For Santa Maria & South Oxnard Youth
Session 2: August 5-10
For Santa Barbara, Carpinteria, Oxnard Youth
Here’s Why You Should Join Us For This Years Youth Leadership Conference
About Us
Our Mission
FLA develops youth resiliency and leadership to create long-lasting systemic change by empowering and mobilizing youth leaders to advocate for policies that improve their lives and the lives of their peers and their communities.
What Our Students Say:
Julianna Ornelas
Carpinteria Chapter
Ever since I attended the Youth Leadership Conference this summer, I knew I wanted to be on the council and help create change in my community. I am happy to be a part of FLA and continue contributing to creating healthy and prosperous communities while growing as a leader.
Kimberly Castro
Santa Maria Chapter
I understand that FLA stands for the community to improve, help, support, and be proud of where we live and where we come from. It is no longer just a club it is a family filled with people who are ready to accept you for who you are, at your worst and at your best without judgment.
Jesus Ramos
Port Hueneme Chapter
Anna Lucia Munoz
Santa Barbara Chapter
Our Partners
Our Programs
Support a Youths Dream to Attend College
Donate NowYouth-Led Policy Initiatives
Housing Security
Families in our communities were at risk of being evicted during the pandemic. FLA participated in an in-car protest in front of the City Council office and were successful in acquiring the strongest eviction moratoriums in County Santa Barbara County for Santa Maria residents.
Youth Wellness Coalition
The Youth Wellness Coalition (YWC) is a group of community members who advocate for safe, healthy, and prosperous communities for all youth. YWC’s work revolves around education and prevention of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs in Santa Barbara.
A-G For All
Everyone deserves the right to pursue higher education! The “A-G for All” campaign ensures that the high school graduation curriculum aligns with the A-G requirements to increase access to higher education for BIPOC youth and eliminate the achievement gap..
Tobacco Prevention
Vaping has become the gateway for tobacco use among the current student population. Flavors smell and taste like candy making them attractive for youth and have become a real public health danger–FLA is committed to restricting the sales of flavored tobacco.
Safe Zones
FLA Youth helped pass “Safe Zones” policies in Santa Barbara and Oxnard. The “Safe Zone” policy ensured that all youth were protected from harassment from Immigration Custom Enforcement (ICE) thereby ensuring the safety and wellbeing of our community members.
Mental Health
FLA Youth advocated for the successful passage of a “Mental Health Resolution” at Oxnard Union High School District that de-stigmatized mental health, increased mental health services, promoted the services widely, integrated mental health into the 9th grade health curriculum, and eliminated penalties for those who seek services.
Reports
Download UCLA and FLA Chicano Research Report
Read the latest research from the UCLA Chicano Studies Research Center on the impact of FLA and its programming on the Central Coast!
