Since 1994, Youth 2 Leaders Education Foundation (Y2LEF) has been dedicated to developing the next generation of Kern County professionals. Our goal is to create equitable opportunities to help close the higher education gap for Central Valley youth. 

Youth 2 Leaders has worked diligently to distribute funds to qualified and motivated students. In the past 20 years, Youth 2 Leaders has awarded over $2,000,000 in scholarships. 

In 2004, the foundation established the Cash for College initiative in Kern County. Kern County Cash for College provides financial aid application assistance (i.e. FAFSA and CA Dream Act Application) to high school students wishing to pursue higher education. As students and families navigate the college admissions process, the initiative also provides college access resources and financial literacy support to ensure first-in-family students continue their pursuit of college enrollment. 

To further provide support services to first-in-family and underrepresented students, Youth 2 Leaders developed pre-college outreach programs. Pre-college programs expose students to the different systems of higher education. Such programs consist of campus tours, residential programs, weekend academies and much more! Early exposure to college is vital to student success. 

In 2015, our pre-college program expanded to the development of the Y2L Academy. The Y2L Academy is a cohort-based program that further prepares students and parents with the tools they need to support their student’s success in college. 

Y2L’s programs and initiatives are made possible through the partnerships from the community, educational institutions and business partnerships. Together, they provide opportunities to the next generation of leaders.