2026 Black Youth Empowerment Program Application

Black Youth Empowerment Program

By Central Valley Scholars
About The Program

The Black Youth Empowerment Program creates a network of Black leadership across the Central Valley, and advances Black wellness, education, creativity, and empowerment of the Diaspora. Participants will receive a $500 award for completion of the program and a welcome package. To learn more about the program, please click here.

Requirements
- Must be a current high school, continuation school, charter school, G.E.D school student in the San Joaquin Valley or recently graduated from one of these institutions as of 2026.
Apply Today

Complete the following online application by Friday, May 15th, 2026 at 11:59 pm. You can save your information and make edits later, however you cannot edit after submission. If you have any questions please email us at julianna@centralvalleyscholars.org.

Eligibility

Let's ensure you meet the program requirements.
Are you a current student in a high school, continuation school, charter school, or G.E.D school in the San Joaquin Valley (OR) recently graduated from one of these institutions as of 2026?
The Black Youth Empowerment Program will take place on the following dates & times:

WEEK 1
- Monday, July 6th | 4PM - 6PM
- Wednesday, July 8th | 4PM - 6PM
- Friday, July 10th | 4PM - 6PM
WEEK 2
- Monday, July 13th | 4PM - 6PM
- Wednesday, July 15th | 4PM - 6PM
- Friday, July 17th | 4PM - 6PM
WEEK 3
- Monday, July 20nd | 4PM - 6PM
- Wednesday, July 22th | 4PM - 6PM
- Friday, July 24th | 4PM - 6PM
- Saturday, July 25th | Time TBD (In-Person Banquest | Travel expenses will be provided)
Will you be available to attend ALL virtual sessions and an in-person banquet on Saturday, July 25th?

Other
Which San Joaquin Valley county do you currently reside in? Please use the photo above as a reference.

Do you have access to reliable wifi or internet?
Do you have access to a reliable computer with zoom capabilities?
Are there any accommodations or accessibility needs you need in order to be successful in this program? For example, a rental laptop or closed captioning. (optional)
Short Answer Questions

Please answer each of the following questions in 250 words or less.
One of the goals of this program is to hold space for Black Central Valley youth to learn about their identities, histories, creativity, and wellness. Why are you interested in this program? Why are you interested in learning about your Black identity specifically? In what ways do you think this program could make an impact in your life?

0/250
Another goal of the program is to use arts and culture as a way of self-reflection and self-expression. How has art or culture impacted your life? Describe an experience where art or culture allowed you to reflect on yourself or feel something deeply.

For this question, the term 'art' is broad and open to interpretation. We encourage you to define it for yourself and, if needed, think beyond traditional forms of art.0/250
What specific skills/knowledge are you hoping to gain from this program? What is something you've always wanted to learn about your various identities or histories?

0/250
Do you have any additional comments?

0/150

Thanks For Your Consideration
Thank you for your considersation in the Black Youth Empowerment Program. Unfortunantely, you do not meet the requirements to participate in this program. To learn more about other Central Valley Scholars programs, or for any questions, please visit https://www.centralvalleyscholars.org/.

Student & Legal Guardian Confirmations

This is the final step!
Are you 18 years of age or older?
FOR STUDENTS:

All students applying to the Black Youth Empowerment Program must read and sign the following information.

By Signing Bellow You Agree To The Following:
- I hereby confirm and certify that all the information in this application is accurate and truthful to the best of my knowledge and has been written and submitted by me (with exception to any accomodations I require).
- I certify that I meet all eligibility requirements as specified on this applicaiton.
- I release this information to Central Valley Scholars and its staff for purposes of evaluating my application.
- I understand that the information given may be investigated and that any false represenation and/or evidence of plagirism is sufficient to casue the rejection of this application or forefeiture of all awarded funds.
- I have read and agree to all the terms and conditions listed on centralvalleyscholars.org/blackyouth-terms.
Student Name

First NameLast Name
Student Signature
Date

MonthDayYear
Date
FOR LEGAL GUARDIANS:

Students under the age of 18 years old must have a parent or legal gurdian complete the following. If you are 18 years old or older please skip this section.

Please note that students under the age of 18 years old who do not have a legal guardian fill the following will not be considered for the Black Youth Empowerment Porgram until the required information is completed.
Parent or Guardian Name

First NameLast Name
Parent or Guardian Phone Number
Please enter a valid phone number.Format: (000) 000-0000.
Parent or Guardian Email
If your parent or guardian does not have an email, please input N/A.
Date

MonthDayYear
Date
Parent or Guardian Signature
Should be Empty:

Black Youth Empowerment Program

Eligibility

Your Information

Short Answer Questions

Thanks For Your Consideration

Student & Legal Guardian Confirmations