At Youth Organized & United to Help (Y.O.U.TH), we believe every young person deserves to walk into their first day of high school feeling confident, prepared, and seen.

For many of the youth we serve in the transition to high school comes with excitement—but also financial barriers. Back-to-school costs can quickly add up, leaving families to make difficult choices between essentials. Research shows this transitions is the most challenging for students where they experience the lowest GPAs, highest failure rates and decreased engagement. This period brings increased academic demands, social pressures and developmental changes significantly affecting long-term graduations prospects.

That’s where community steps in.

Through our Future Leaders Signing Day, we celebrate our 8th graders as they cross over into high school. But we don’t want the celebration to stop there—we want to make sure each student is fully equipped for their first day.

We are seeking individual donors to sponsor a student with a gift of $250-$350 to support up to 15 students entering high school in September 2026.

Your support will directly provide:

👟 A new pair of shoes
👕 A first-day-of-school outfit
🎒 Gift cards for school essentials
💼 Personal items to support a strong start

This is more than a donation.

This is confidence.
This is dignity.
This is a young person walking into a new environment knowing they belong.

When you give, you’re not just helping a student get ready for school—you’re helping them step into their future with pride.

✨ Sponsor a Future Leader today.

Sponsor a Future Leader: First Day Ready

Help our 8th graders step into high school with confidence, dignity, and pride.

Team Members