Genesis CDC โ€” Prep for Success
Genesis CDC
Grant-Funded Workshops & Programs

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.

College Readiness Career Pathways Youth Wellness Parent Support Transitional Age Youth

"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."

Prep for Success

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

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:

Resume Writing Interviews Essays FAFSA Scholarships Transfer Planning Middle College Dual Enrollment

...and more. Sessions meet students wherever they are in the process, from freshman exploration through senior applications.

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Career Pathways

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:

AI Careers Healthcare Radiology Legal Careers Law Enforcement Cybersecurity Skilled Trades Small Business

...plus emerging fields based on Bay Area labor market growth and student interest. Every session includes real salary data and clear next steps.

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Mental Wellness

Mental 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:

Anxiety & Depression Trauma Suicide Prevention School Avoidance Isolation Substance Use Generational Trauma Crisis Resources

...and more topics shaped by what communities tell us they need most. All sessions are culturally grounded and led by experienced professionals.

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Parent and Caregiver Support

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:

School Navigation Parental Stress Communication Skills Financial Literacy Social Media Impact Gaming Addiction ACEs Sandwich Generation

...and more designed for guardians, mentors, and anyone supporting a young person's success.

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Transitional Age Youth

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:

Financial Literacy Job Readiness Communication Skills Independent Living Trauma & Learning Crisis Support

...informed directly by young adults who have walked this path. Programming grows alongside community demand and changing workforce needs.

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Why Genesis Exists

The 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

01Financial barriers and lack of funding for higher education
02Limited access to college advising and career counselors
03Inadequate academic preparation in under-resourced schools
04Mental health challenges including anxiety, depression, and trauma
05Family obligations, unstable housing, and caregiver responsibilities
06Low expectations from educators and systemic inequity
07Limited access to technology and career information
Community Voices

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."

"Due to the wealth of valuable information shared, we immediately began planning a second forum with licensed therapists and mental health advocates."

"Great balance of slides and discussion. The instructor delivered critical data with ease and excellence."

"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."

Upcoming

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

On Demand

Workshop Videos & Resource Library

Learn on your schedule. Schools and community partners can request targeted sessions to support their students directly.

Coming Soon Video Library Access Coming Soon

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

Request a Workshop

Schools, districts, and community partners can request programming for students, parents, and educators. We'll confirm fit and format.

Our Reach

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.

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Collaborating with schools, community organizations, and county agencies

All Genesis programs are made possible through the generous support of our donors and community partners.

Get Involved

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.