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Students, nonprofits and district present leadership and arts programs highlighting youth voice and international service
Summary
SFUSD heard multiple youth-focused presentations: a YouSpeak spoken-word dedication by Brian Santiago, Build On students who traveled on service treks, and a CORO Exploring Leadership presentation with a student testimonial about gains in confidence and leadership. The board discussed expanding these opportunities and support mechanisms.
Speakers at the meeting highlighted student leadership, arts-based learning and international service trips as examples of programs that create engagement and deepen learning.
Early in the meeting, the board dedicated the session to National Youth Courts Month and heard a spoken-word poem from Brian Santiago with YouSpeak, who described structural barriers in schools and criticized a system that funnels young people toward incarceration. "I was kicked out of my first high school before the first day of class," Santiago opened, using personal narrative to draw attention to equity issues.
The board then recognized two district elementary schools for a Federal Blue Ribbon award and received a presentation from Build On partners. Students who traveled to Nicaragua and Mali described two-week treks where they helped lay school foundations and returned with stronger appreciation for education and civic responsibility. "It was not only just providing education for kids who really needed it, it was also...learning about this culture," said Yasmin Bhati about her trip.
Later, Amy Chan of CORO presented an 11-month Exploring Leadership program for eleventh graders that combines workshops, internships and a spring 'teach-back' component. Student Christina Hernandez, who interned in the district human-resources office organizing new-teacher orientation, told commissioners: "CORO has made me more confident. I'm not afraid to join clubs, and I'm getting more comfortable speaking in front of groups..." The board invited staff and student delegates to share program contact information and explore partnerships across more high schools.
Commissioners praised the programs and asked staff for information about scaling international experience opportunities and coordinating PAC-SAC outreach. Several board members urged the district to document community partners and make sure that parent and student advisory councils receive program materials to help broaden participation.
