<<See original publication from Pepperdine University>>

A group of 13 Southeast Los Angeles high school students have turned their last few lazy days of summer into the educational opportunity of a lifetime as they participate in the 2008 Youth Empowerment and Research Seminar (YEARS), a two-week course designed to encourage students to become civic participants and critical researchers. YEARS is organized by the Pepperdine University Graduate School of Education and Psychology (GSEP) in partnership with the Los Angeles Unified School District's Local District 6.

"YEARS is grounded in ten years of research and based on the principle that when urban youth are provided the opportunity, space, and tools necessary to critically examine the education system and democracy, they engage in a transformative experience that encourages them to become critically-minded leaders in their school and community," said Dr. Anthony Collatos, YEARS Director and Assistant Professor of Education at GSEP. "Ultimately, we hope the experience will translate into students taking on enhanced leadership roles and higher rates of acceptance into college."

Mentored by a team of university professors and graduate students, the students from Bell High School, Huntington Park High School, South East High School, and South Gate High School are investigating critical issues influencing democratic participation and the educational achievement of youth. The first segment of the seminar took place from August 19th-22nd, with students attending a series of workshops led by experts, advocates, and community leaders on research design and current issues such as civic engagement, healthcare, and higher education, immigration, and technology. Currently, the students are attending the 2008 Democratic National Convention (DNC) until August 29th in Denver, Colorado. The DNC is serving as a data collection site for the students' research, a backdrop to gather information, conduct surveys, and analyze the political process. At the end of the program, students will present their findings to political and educational leaders, academia, and community activists in Los Angeles. In addition, students will receive guidance on the college application process throughout the year.

South Gate High School student Carina Chacon appreciates the opportunity, explaining that, "People think that kids these days just want to sit around listen to rap music, play video games, and party. But what we really care about is our education. We want to learn what is happening on top issues like the presidential election and want a chance to go to college. "

Hugo Herrera from Bell High School agrees. He was motivated to apply for YEARS because he thought that "One day I will be able to make a difference in my community by acquiring knowledge to elect candidates that support my philosophies, as well as inform people in my community of what is going on in the world...and maybe even one day become mayor of the city."

Despite the program's presence at the DNC, Dr. Collatos emphasized the program's efforts to present multiple viewpoints: "It is important to note that YEARS is not about the Democratic Party, but about the democratic process. This year the dates of the DNC better accommodated the students' school schedule, but the Republican National Convention would have made an equally fertile data collection site and we hope that we can bring students there in the future."

Students were admitted to YEARS based on an application including personal essays and letters of recommendation. Students are attending YEARS at no cost to themselves or their families thanks to a special partnership with Arsalyn: A program of Ludwick Family Foundation, and the generous sponsorships provided by the City of Bell; City of Huntington Park; South Gate Police Management Association; South Gate Rotary; Llovio Ford; Synergies in Sync, LLC; Members of the GSEP Board of Visitors; and Pepperdine University Office of Research. More information can be found on the YEARS website at www.yearsproject.org.