What You Need to Know About the Fuego Youth Leadership Program

The Fuego Leadership Program is an industrial and fine arts youth leadership opportunity for high school students who are excited about deepening their technical industrial arts skills, learning leadership skills, and supporting in-class learning during The Crucible’s youth summer camps. 5-6 students will be selected to develop their skills with artist teachers who instruct youth summer camps in Bicycle Mechanics, ARC welding, TIG welding, Glass Flameworking, Jewelry, Blacksmithing, Glass Fusing and Slumping, MIG Welding, Woodworking, Leatherworking, Ceramics and Glass Blowing (Please note: Available departments may vary depending on Fuego Mentor availability).

In order to apply, students must have completed at least three Crucible classes and been recommended by Crucible faculty or staff. For students who have not yet fulfilled three Crucible classes, please still feel free to apply regardless as acceptance into the Fuego Program will prepare you to take three classes prior to your Fuego Leadership Program.

Key Responsibilities

Students chosen as leaders will select one area of focus, and will commit to supporting an instructor in that area during four youth camp weeks Monday-Friday from June 24th-July 26th. Youth leaders will actively participate in the organization and implementation of the youth summer camps, as well as in leadership development and training components that will take place before and during the youth camps. *Youth leaders will develop and donate an independent art project to The Crucible and participate in a presentation and exhibition, Thursday evening, July 25 from 5:30-8pm. Please note that students will be asked to fulfill prerequisite classes between the dates of June 10-14 and/or June 17-21, and must be available for these dates if accepted into the Fuego Leadership Program.

Youth Camp Responsibilities

During youth camps on June 24th-28th, July 8th-12th, July 15th-19th, and July 22nd-26th youth leaders will arrive at 10:30am each day and may be asked to support youth staff with a variety of tasks. From 10:30am-12pm leaders will meet with their Fuego Mentor for reflection, feedback, problem-solving, and guidance or training. From 12-1pm they will take lunch; 1-4pm they will assist the instructor and students in youth classes. Fuego Leaders are expected to provide general support such as reinforcing positive communication and behavior among campers, supporting health and safety rules, and upholding studio rules and class agreements.

Leadership Development Responsibilities

To prepare and support Fuego Leaders in leadership development and communication, the program incorporates the following components:

Applicant Interview

One scheduled twenty-minute interview with youth program staff in mid to late April, 2024.

Pre-Camp Retreat

A one-day retreat on Sunday, June 2, 10am-4pm, aimed at building connections amongst the Fuego Leader group and the advisor; learning key leadership skills in the areas of personal communication and conflict resolution; and reviewing The Crucible’s policies and practices in the areas of health, safety, and behavior.

Area Orientation meeting with the Mentor

This meeting will be a review of equipment, class protocols, and planned curriculum for the youth camp and expectations by the mentor.

Prerequisite Class

Students will take classes in the concentrated area before the June 24 Fuego Youth Leadership Program start date, during the summer session. These classes can be fulfilled during the first two designated weeks of summer camp, June 10-14 and/or June 17-21.

During camp mentoring

Staff will utilize a variety of informal methods to mentor Fuego Leaders throughout the day. In addition, there will be formal sessions for dialogue, reflection, feedback and problem-solving from 10:30am-12pm each day.

Presentation and Exhibition Dinner

Thursday, July 25, from 5:30-8pm. F

uego Leaders and their families, mentors, and staff will gather to celebrate the accomplishments of the youth leaders during their summer program.

Benefits

Fuego Leaders will receive at least one free-of-charge prerequisite class at The Crucible in their area of focus. Youth who are accepted into the program will be provided a stipend for their participation (taxes applicable).

Application Criteria

Students who wish to apply for the Fuego Leadership Program must meet the following criteria:

• Be a sophomore, junior, or senior in high school, and between the ages of 15 and 18.
• Have completed at least 3 youth classes or camps at The Crucible in two years prior to the start date of the program. Two of these must be in the area of focus. (Note: If you have not met the requirement, you can use your prerequisite classes to fulfill your requirement).
• Able to make all of the required time commitments:
  • Applicant Interview in mid to late April (20 minutes)
  • Pre-Camp, Weekend Retreat on Sunday, June 2, 10am-4pm
  • Four full weeks of Summer Camp: June 24-28, July 8-12, July 15-19, and July 22-26 (from 10:30am-4pm daily, and from 5-8pm on Thursday, July 25 for the presentation and dinner).
• Submit a completed application packet by the deadline, 12pm on Sunday, March 24, 2024.
• Must submit a work permit by the scheduled interview date.

Priority

The Crucible will prioritize Fuego Youth Leaders applications from youth who are able to commit to the above criteria. When choosing our final candidates, we will also consider the following criteria:

• Live in Geographic Area (priority order):
  • West Oakland
  • Oakland
  • Greater Bay Area
• Demonstrate Economic Need
• Display Artistic Ability and/or Promise

Minority and low-income background students are encouraged to apply.

Application Process

Applications for the Fuego Youth Leadership Program are available online and in the office starting February 28th. Applications are due no later than March 24, 2024.

Selection Process

We will notify applicants chosen for interviews on April 4, 2024. Once selected for an interview you must request a job permit from your school office and have it completed and submitted by your scheduled interview date. Interviews will take place between mid to late April and we plan to complete our selection process and notify applicants of our decisions by April 19, 2024. In addition to the application criteria outlined above, we are looking for students who have demonstrated a sustained interest in our courses, solid interpersonal skills, and maturity in their ability to abide by health, safety, and behavioral expectations.

For Further Information:

Please contact:

• Youth Program Manager, Samantha Espinoza, (510) 444-0919, ext. 130, sespinoza@thecrucible.org.