Queer Youth Training Collaborative
Queer
Youth Training
Collaborative© (QYTC©) was established in 1993. On the outset,
our work is simple: we provide jobs, money, and training. Taking a
closer at the transformations that occur however, our work is revolutionary.
Youth
are often disregarded and disrespected. Transgender, bisexual, lesbian,
gay, and questioning youth are shunned and shoved to the fringes of
society. QYTC has been using the work model to reestablish safety
and dignity for more than 800 queer and questioning youth. If that's
surprising, consider this: 70% of them are youth of color, 70% are
women, and 100% were under the age of 18.
Training
begins with classes which delve into job retention, resume
writing, interviewing, outreach, and office skills. Later, the in-depth
and paid work experience in addressing community needs helps youth
gain confidence and pride in their abilities and contributions.
Collaborative
efforts are hard work, but the only way to form firm networks of knowledge
and resources for queer youth. QYTC is the only employment and training
program in the country specifically for queer youth. We stand strong
with CUAV as lead agency, along with Bay Area Young Positives, Center
for Young Women's Development, Lavender Youth Recreation & Information
Center, and New Village.
