Fuego Youth Leadership Program
Fuego is a youth leadership opportunity for high school excited about deepening their technical skills, learning leadership skills, and supporting The Crucible’s youth classes. Fuego leaders progress from immersive creative classwork to the exploration of possible career opportunities. Since 2010, 51 students have participated in the Fuego leadership program, and 34 are still engaged and/or employed with us!
“The Crucible has broadened my horizons. There are so many different people and when you meet people your working with them or learning from them it’s a good way to get your self out there and find new opportunities.”
– Rocky, Second Year Fuego Leader, 2018
“My art is a way of finding a happy place, but also to see the reality of the world and what people go through. I want my art to show things that words can’t explain.”
– Bri, First Year Fuego Leader, 2018
“At school I am rather limited in the media I can use, but at The Crucible I can expand my skills and my work. The facilities here give me an opportunity to make art I would not be able to otherwise, and that opportunity is incredibly valuable to me.”
-Rowen, First Year Fuego Leader, 2018
“Many things inspire me to make art but the most prominent is the zone I get into when I am making art. The zone is where nothing else truly matters besides creating the vision I see in my mind. I really enjoyed the process of creating new art and I’m so proud of it.”
– C’Zarriah, First Year Fuego Leader, 2018
“Thanks to Fuego, I really developed my leadership skills. If I ever need to take control of a situation, I can.”
– Alex, Second Year Fuego Leader, 2018
“I am very quite person. Teaching the classes has really helped with public speaking skills and not getting really anxious when I have speak in front of a group.”
-Sabrina, Second Year Fuego Leader, 2018
Fuego Leader Graduates
Up to ten new Fuego students are selected each year and 2nd year students are encouraged to return for a second year. In order to apply, students must have completed at least three Crucible classes and be recommended by Crucible faculty or staff. Each Fuego student is paired with an experienced faculty instructor for two summers, with the goal of developing career skills, establishing rewarding relationships with mentors, and becoming leaders. Fuego leaders support teachers in the classroom, provide industrial arts demonstrations onsite and at Oakland festivals and cultural events, and mentor younger students.
2018 First Year Fuego Leaders
2018 Second Year Fuego Leaders
2017 First Year Fuego Leaders
2017 Second Year Fuego Leaders
Commission Crucible Youth To Create Your Artwork
Crucible youth design, create, and fabricate community and public art in our studios. From a welded bike bridge to a community chicken coop, our youth have completed a variety of commissions using skills they learn at The Crucible.
