Program Overview >> Program Graduates <<

Meet Program Graduates

OYCL program graduates have worked to hold their elected officials accountable for their decisions and ensure that their priorities are heard. After all, who is better positioned to advocate for what we need than they are? They are the experts on their own lives, communities, and the solutions our nation needs to build opportunities for all.

Now alumni, graduates continue to support one another and the subsequent cohorts of OYCLs and advise the Forum team on how to improve the design of the OYCL program.

Spring-Summer 2022

Ahjanae Bulger
Newark, NJ

I hear people's stories and am inspired by their lived experiences; I hope to do the same.

Amber Morrison
Newark, NJ

"My ultimate dream is to be an actress but I love working with and talking with people."

Angel Jackson
Houston, TX

"Excited to grow and learn more about organizing our community to make lasting change."

Benji Chaplin
Richmond, TX

"I'm thrilled to [meet] with elected officials and find ways to hold them accountable."

ChristinaTorrez
Bakersfield, CA

"Making a change for current and former foster youth."

Deshawn Childress
Brooklyn, NY

"Using my background as a motivational tool for youth and young adults to not give up."

Idelia Robinson
Greensburg, PA

"I believe providing children, youth & young adults with supports & resources is crucial."

Mauline Gragau
Huntsville, TX

Be bold. "Advocacy is never easy, especially if your voice has always been a silent one."

My Nquyen
Orange County, California

"Excited to share a learning space with peers [and] make an impact within my community."

Samuel Turner
Tucson Arizona

Excited by the opportunity to connect with one another and the community we all live in.

Sky Drayton
Brooklyn, NY

"I can’t wait to learn what we as young people can do to change injustices in communities"

Sommer Rose
Port Orchard, WA

"I'm excited to educate through my lived experience and ... break down systemic barriers."

Starr Angel
Sacramento, CA

"It's about identifying problems, creating changes, and highlighting moments of joy."

Tashia Gaspard
New Orleans, LA

"I am excited to be apart of change. I visualize that this will be the year of change."

Yasmin Abduraham
Apple Valley, MN

I'm excited to learn more about others ... and the best ways to advocate.

Pilot OYCL Cohort (2021-22)

Benjamin Grube
California

Ben Grube, OYCL inaugural cohort

Dash Togi
Alaska

Dash Togi, OYCL inaugural cohort

Gysell Perez
California

Gysell Perez, OYCL inaugural cohort

Jordi Romero
Colorado

Jordi Romero, OYCL inaugural cohort

Kiyah Braunskill
New Jersey

Kiyah Braunskill, OYCL inaugural cohort

Marquise Wright
New Jersey

Marquise Wright, OYCL inaugural cohort

Roan Head
Kentucky

Roan Head, OYCL inaugural cohort

Our Vision

All young people reach their fullest potential - in education, work, and life.

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