United4Youth is United Way of Santa Cruz County’s countywide initiative that brings together our youth-focused programs under a shared vision: to uplift youth voice, expand access to resources, and champion youth well-being.
Highlights
- Check out Jóvenes Sanos’ Cultivating HOPE 2025 Event: Watch on YouTube
- Youth Community Calendar: Explore partner events happening across Santa Cruz County
- 2025 Community Impact Report: View the report
Jóvenes Sanos (JS)
Location: Watsonville / Soquel
Jóvenes Sanos is a youth leadership program that helps young people reduce mental health stigma and promote wellness. Youth participate in peer education, outreach, and advocacy, gaining skills to support themselves and their communities. Youth lead efforts to improve opportunities and outcomes for themselves and their peers, addressing issues ranging from mental health to substance use and overall well-being.
Annual Events:
- Cultivating Community, Youth & Family Resource Fair – October 10, 2025 - An annual community event uplifting youth voice, connecting families with resources, and bringing the community together for wellness and healing.
- Cultivating HOPE, Youth Mental Health Conference – May 2, 2026 – JS’s signature annual event focused on promoting mental wellness, resiliency, and hope through workshops, storytelling, and community building.
Youth Action Network (YAN)
Location: Countywide
A collaborative of youth and adults strengthening partnerships, expanding youth leadership, and promoting civic engagement. Initiatives include Youth City Liaisons in Santa Cruz and Capitola, connecting youth to resources and amplifying their voices in community decision-making.
Annual Initiatives:
- Youth and Adult Partnership (YAP) Survey & Summit – Coming Soon – In collaboration with UC Santa Cruz, collects data on how youth and adults work together in decision-making.
- Leaders Unite, Youth Civic Engagement Summit – Coming Soon – Connects youth leaders and representatives to collaborate on policy solutions. Youth Liaisons will co-create the workshop with the YAN Coordinator and countywide representatives.
Youth Research
Location: Countywide
Youth Participatory Action Research (Y-PAR) empowers youth to investigate community issues and develop solutions through research that centers their experiences and perspectives. This work is conducted in collaboration with UC Santa Cruz, supporting youth-led research and advocacy that drives meaningful change in the community.
Pathways to Possibilities (P2P)
Location: Scotts Valley
A youth-led initiative addressing Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) through policy advocacy, expanded access to afterschool programs, and supportive resources. Youth lead efforts to improve opportunities and outcomes for themselves and their peers.