Youth Leadership at Fresno BHC

Empowering the next generation of community champions for #OneHealthyFresno

Why Youth Leadership Matters in Fresno

Youth in Fresno and the Central Valley inherit some of the most pressing public health, environmental, and economic challenges in California. Yet young people, especially youth of color, low-income youth, and children of immigrants, are frequently excluded from the public decision-making tables that shape their schools, neighborhoods, and futures. True community transformation requires investing directly in the power, voice, and vision of our emerging leaders. We provide tools, mentorship, and platforms youth need to lead systemic change today.

Youth Leadership

We invest in young people by providing paid leadership pathways, hands-on advocacy training, and community organizing experience so youth can actively shape policies that impact their lives and neighborhoods.

Our Approach

Paid Learning & Workforce Pathways

Youth Internship Program that ensures youth are fairly compensated for their community work, breaking down economic barriers to civic engagement through paid internships and skill-building cohorts.

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Hands-On Civic & Policy Advocacy

Training young people in grassroots organizing, public speaking, legislative tracking, and community-based participatory research to influence local policy.

Mentorship & Intergenerational Power

Pairing emerging youth organizers with veteran community health workers, organizers, and coalition partners to foster intergenerational leadership.

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Ways We Build Youth Leadership

Public Health & Community Advocacy Internships

Providing intensive, year-round leadership cohorts where high school and college-aged youth lead peer education, support grassroots health outreach, and drive neighborhood surveys.

Youth-Led Environmental Stewardship & Outdoor Trips

Engaging young advocates in hands-on environmental justice campaigns, park activation projects, and outdoor stewardship experiences that build deep connections to natural spaces and regional conservation.

Youth Action at Municipal Budget & Policy Hearings

Mobilizing youth leaders to testify before city councils, school boards, and county supervisors, demanding dedicated public investments in youth centers, mental health, and safe recreational spaces.

News & Events

Fresno Building Healthy Communities welcomes media inquiries and opportunities. If you’re a member of the media developing a story about Fresno Building Healthy Communities or a campaign, please contact us using our Contact Us form.

Three young women smile while holding up blue recognition certificates from the California Legislature in front of a balloon decoration. Three young people in blue A close-up portrait of a young woman with long dark hair smiling broadly in a crowded setting. A young man in a blue button-down shirt speaks and gestures with his arm while standing at a podium in front of a #OneHealthyFresno backdrop. A young man smiles while speaking at a podium in front of a large screen displaying the Five young people in blue Two young people in blue A large group of young adults poses indoors for a group photo in front of a blue and white balloon arch and a sign that reads Three young people in blue Two young men wearing blue Three young women smile while holding up blue recognition certificates from the California Legislature in front of a balloon decoration. Three young people in blue A close-up portrait of a young woman with long dark hair smiling broadly in a crowded setting. A young man in a blue button-down shirt speaks and gestures with his arm while standing at a podium in front of a #OneHealthyFresno backdrop. A young man smiles while speaking at a podium in front of a large screen displaying the Five young people in blue Two young people in blue A large group of young adults poses indoors for a group photo in front of a blue and white balloon arch and a sign that reads Three young people in blue Two young men wearing blue />

Support Fresno BHC

Get Involved

Partner With Us

Collaborate with our youth cohorts to support student research, community listening sessions, and school-based initiatives.

Donate

Directly sponsor a youth leadership stipend, leadership summit, or outdoor education trip.

Subscribe & Follow Us

Stay informed on youth-led campaigns, student showcases, and upcoming internship applications.

Issue Areas

Health

Housing

Economic Development

Land Use

Outdoor Access

Transportation

Community Safety

Newsletter Registration

Contact Us

Get In Touch

  • PO Box 7694
    Fresno CA 93747

  • (559) 256-8722

  • marketing@fresnobhc.org

Visit Us

  • 367 N First St
    Fresno CA 93702

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