Genesis CDC
College. Career.
Life Readiness.
Genesis CDC walks alongside students, parents, Transitional Age Youth, former foster youth, and justice-involved families with practical workshops, career tools, and wellness resources. Too many young people are navigating the future without the support they deserve.
"When students see successful people who look like them share their journey, it ignites a spark โ and they begin to believe they can do it too."
Five focus areas. Always growing.
Genesis builds programming around what youth and families actually face. The workshops below represent what we are currently offering, and we are always looking for new opportunities to serve. All programs are provided at no cost to participants.
College Readiness
Getting to college is not just about grades. For many students, especially those from underserved communities, it's navigating a system designed for people with resources and insider knowledge. Genesis breaks it down through real conversations with experienced professionals covering:
...and more. Sessions meet students wherever they are in the process, from freshman exploration through senior applications.
Learn more
Career Pathways
Most young people from underserved communities have never sat in a room with someone who works in AI, healthcare, law, or law enforcement. Genesis changes that by bringing industry professionals into direct conversation about what the work actually is, what it pays, and how to get there. We explore:
...plus emerging fields based on Bay Area labor market growth and student interest. Every session includes real salary data and clear next steps.
Learn moreMental Wellness
Youth mental health challenges are real, often invisible, and rarely addressed in school. Genesis brings licensed clinicians into the room to have honest conversations about what young people are actually facing. We address:
...and more topics shaped by what communities tell us they need most. All sessions are culturally grounded and led by experienced professionals.
Learn more
Parent & Caregiver Support
Parents and guardians often carry the weight alone. Genesis creates space for adults to get support, learn practical tools, and connect with others navigating similar challenges. Sessions include:
...and more designed for guardians, mentors, and anyone supporting a young person's success.
Learn more
Transitional Age Youth
Ages 18 to 24 are critical. Young people are stepping into independence, navigating job markets, and often dealing with isolation or unprocessed trauma. Genesis meets this moment with programming that covers:
...informed directly by young adults who have walked this path. Programming grows alongside community demand and changing workforce needs.
Learn moreThe gap is real. The need is now.
Underrepresented youth face a stacked set of challenges before they ever reach a career or college campus. Genesis addresses these barriers directly through accessible, expert-led programming.
Young people are graduating into a workforce that no longer guarantees a return on a degree alone. Entry level opportunities are shrinking, automation is reshaping industries, and school systems are losing counselors and mental health staff at the same time youth needs are increasing. For BIPOC youth already navigating financial stress, family instability, or mental health challenges, these forces compound. Genesis exists because the gap between where young people are and where they need to be keeps widening, and someone has to help close it.
Top barriers facing underserved youth
What participants are saying
"The presentation was incredibly impactful, providing critical insights and fostering an open dialogue on mental health challenges and solutions within our community."
Workshop Participant
"Due to the wealth of valuable information shared, we immediately began planning a second forum with licensed therapists and mental health advocates."
Community Partner
"Great balance of slides and discussion. The instructor delivered critical data with ease and excellence."
Workshop Participant
"The information needs to be presented regularly and to multigenerational groups. Older people who aren't going through this can understand what young people are going through."
Community Member
"The presentation was incredibly impactful, providing critical insights and fostering an open dialogue on mental health challenges and solutions within our community."
Workshop Participant
"Due to the wealth of valuable information shared, we immediately began planning a second forum with licensed therapists and mental health advocates."
Community Partner
"Great balance of slides and discussion. The instructor delivered critical data with ease and excellence."
Workshop Participant
"The information needs to be presented regularly and to multigenerational groups. Older people who aren't going through this can understand what young people are going through."
Community Member
Events & Workshops
New sessions are in development across all five program areas. Workshops are available live and virtually. Click Get Updates below to be notified when dates are confirmed.
College Readiness Series
FAFSA, College Apps & Scholarships
Step-by-step guidance on completing the FAFSA, writing successful essays, finding scholarships and grants, and navigating California CC transfer programs.
Virtual ยท No Cost ยท Students & Families Welcome
Career Opportunities Series
Cybersecurity, AI, Healthcare & More
Expert-led sessions on high-growth careers: Nursing, Artificial Intelligence, Radiology, Cybersecurity, Post-Production Accounting, and Owning a Small Business. Real speakers. Real pathways.
Virtual ยท No Cost ยท All Skill Levels
Mental Health & Life Skills
Suicide Prevention in Black Youth: What Families Must Know
A community-focused session on youth suicide, depression, school anxiety, social media's impact, and coping with isolation, for youth, parents, and school staff. Crisis resource: 988.
Virtual ยท No Cost ยท Crisis Resource: 988
New Workshops Coming Soon
We're scheduling new sessions across college readiness, career planning, and youth wellness. Sign up to be first to know.
Get UpdatesWorkshop Videos & Resource Library
Learn on your schedule. Schools and community partners can request targeted sessions to support their students directly.
Video Library Access
The video library is currently being prepared. Recorded sessions and added resources will be available here soon.
Coming Soon
Request a Workshop
Schools, districts, and community partners can request programming for students, parents, and educators. We'll confirm fit and format.
Built for measurable outcomes
Equipping. Enriching. Empowering. Genesis tracks participation, programming, and partnerships so funders, districts, and families can see the work and the results.
Collaborating with schools, community organizations, and county agencies
All Genesis programs are made possible through the generous support of our donors and community partners.
Transforming lives by breaking barriers to success
Genesis CDC provides educational, vocational, and cultural enrichment programs for children, youth, and adults resulting in personal growth and life transformation. We work alongside schools, faith-based organizations, and community partners to make sure underserved youth have the tools they need to move forward.
