An excerpt of Rosa’s testimony on May 11th:

“Finally, I’d like to leave you with a story about Xavier, a recent graduate of CYLC-De Anza College. As a young person impacted by the criminal legal system, Xavier worried about his future. Having been formerly incarcerated, Xavier was anxious about his employment and career opportunities. However, due to the guidance, support, and educational and employment opportunities he received from CYLC-De Anza College and community partner Silicon Valley De-Bug, Xavier is now a community organizer, a college student, and young leader. He recently graduated with a certificate in Leadership and Social Change from De Anza College. As a result of his participation in CYLC, Xavier was able to get off parole, secure full-time employment, and now has a new vision for his life and community. Xavier is grateful to the program for offering these educational and work-based learning opportunities that have completely changed the trajectory of his life for the better.

In sum, CYLC is expanding community change career pathways that transform lives and strengthen workforce pathways in critical areas that address unmet needs in immigrant communities across the state. These pathways are promoting equity, educational opportunity, civic engagement, economic security, career advancement, and social-emotional wellbeing among marginalized youth.

Madam chair, in closing, I thank you, the committee, and your colleagues for supporting this necessary one-time investment of $110 million to help young people with low incomes and young people of color thrive and become civically engaged members of their communities. This investment will allow CYLC to sustain this transformative work and expand these impactful opportunities to greater numbers of marginalized youth across California. Thank you!”