Youth Empowerment Programs
The Crucible loves working with youth ages 8-18! Every year, we connect with more than 5,000 young people through a range of programs. Our engaging and inspiring workshops, summer camps, collaborations with local public schools, and pre-professional training and leadership programs give our wonderful Youth Program participants in-depth knowledge of the creative process, the ability to bring their ideas to life, confidence in their artistic risk-taking, and new skills that open doors for creative and vocational exploration.
Making art is an amazing way to build confidence, STEAM and STEM skills, competencies in industrial arts, leadership, and creative problem-solving.
Our Signature Programs
The Crucible’s Youth Program provides our most engaged students with meaningful pre-professional training, mentoring, and career counseling. Through a graduated learning structure, youth progress through different programs, projects, and classes, culminating—for our most motivated students—in paid positions in the Fuego Youth Leadership Program and/or Pre-Apprentice Program.
Impact You Can Measure
See a full breakdown in our Impact Report.
Provided inspiring educational experiences to over 5,500 young people
Served 60% of all youth free of charge in classes, camps, and field trips
Where The Student Becomes The Teacher
A West Oakland staple for over fifteen years, we have watched young people grow up in our Youth Programs, explore their creativity and begin to master their artistic disciplines. Some discovered a true passion and now—as adults—have joined The Crucible’s regular faculty. Read more of their stories on our blog.
“Five or six years ago, I wasn’t even able to make eye contact or speak with people. Now I am constantly explaining things, because fortunately I was put in an environment where I could grow.”
– Robert Collins,
Welding instructor
“Because of all of the support I have been given, I am in a place to give that support back to many other students. I want to be a role model to some of the high school girls. It will make me feel better to know I inspired some girls to do what I do.”
– Katia Navidad Rallon,
Woodworking instructor
“It taught me to push forward, even when I might feel uncomfortable. I was the only girl in the Pre-Apprentice Program, but I had female teachers who were so badass and strong, that I was inspired to get my hands dirty.”
– Jazzy Schwinges-Williams,
Welding Instructor
“I’m an artist at heart, but I also love teaching. It’s awesome to see somebody I’ve taught become inspired to do more art. It’s great to have that sense that somebody is looking up to you.”
– Adrian Rodriguez,
Blacksmithing Instructor