Empowering youth to become transformative leaders in their communities, addressing inequity and the factors that lead to youth involvement in the criminal legal system.
Youth Impact engages young people in New York City and Newark, N.J., to become transformative leaders in their communities. Paid interns with Youth Impact facilitate peer diversion programs, helping to create pathways out of the justice system and into community-based support for other young people. They also launch community projects that aim to address inequity in their communities and prevent youth involvement in the criminal legal system.
Many members have been directly impacted by the justice system themselves, reflecting Youth Impact’s guiding philosophy that those closest to the issues are most able to lead, develop meaningful solutions, and engage their peers. The program also offers individual support, mentorship, and educational opportunities for young participants as they move towards their individual goals.