Youth 360's City Speaks Program Delivers Strong Early
Impact in Q1 2026
Youth 360’s City Speaks program launched with strong momentum in its first quarter, providing
ninth-grade students at Baltimore City College with a powerful combination of social-emotional
learning (SEL) and career-readiness support.
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Running from February through April 2026, the program serves students identified as needing
additional academic support—particularly those on the cusp of improvement. Through weekly
sessions, City Speaks creates a structured, supportive environment where students build
confidence, strengthen decision-making skills, and begin planning for their futures.
Consistent Engagement and Early Results
The program has maintained consistent participation, with 20 students attending regularly across all sessions. Three sessions have been completed, and with four remaining, Youth 360 is projected to reach approximately 140 students by the end of the quarter—achieving about 35% of its three-year goal to serve 400 students. This early progress reflects both strong student commitment and the program’s relevance to their needs.
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A Culturally Responsive Approach
City Speaks is grounded in a culturally relevant model that connects social-emotional learning to elements of hip-hop culture. This approach helps students engage more deeply with core competencies such as self-awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making.
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By meeting students where they are, the program fosters a sense of belonging and encourages authentic self-expression—key factors in both academic and personal growth.
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Building Skills for the Future
In addition to SEL, the program integrates career readiness workshops that introduce students to practical, real-world skills. Participants explore career pathways, identify personal strengths, and learn how to present themselves effectively in interviews and other professional settings.
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This dual focus ensures that students are not only supported emotionally, but also equipped with tools that prepare them for life beyond high school.
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Positive Student Feedback
Student response has been overwhelmingly positive. Participants consistently describe the sessions as engaging and meaningful, and many have expressed a desire for more opportunities to participate.
Students report feeling heard, supported, and motivated—outcomes critical to sustained academic engagement.
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Strengthening Support Through Partnerships
Community partnerships continue to enhance the program’s impact. A recent in-kind donation of 50 backpacks, valued at $7,000, will be distributed to students during the program’s closing celebration.
These contributions play an important role in reinforcing student participation and recognizing their commitment.
Measurable Impact​
​City Speaks is already demonstrating meaningful outcomes in its first quarter:
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20 students consistently engaged in weekly sessions
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140 students projected to be reached by April 2026
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~35% progress toward a 3-year goal of 400 students served
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High session retention, with minimal attrition despite scheduling challenges
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Strong qualitative feedback, with students reporting increased confidence, engagement, and a sense of belonging
These indicators point to a program that is both effective and scalable.
Funding Opportunity & Next Steps
To sustain and expand this impact, Youth 360 is seeking continued investment to support the next phase of City Speaks. Priority funding areas include:
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Program Expansion: Reaching an additional 260 students to meet the 3-year service goal
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Student Support Resources: Providing snacks during sessions to improve focus and participation
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Technology Access: Implementing alternative tools (tablets/paper surveys) to strengthen data collection and evaluation
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Guest Speaker Series: Bringing in diverse professionals and community leaders to deepen career exposure
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Curriculum Enhancement: Expanding social justice and workforce development modules
Investment in City Speaks directly contributes to improving student outcomes, increasing engagement, and preparing young people for college, careers, and community leadership.
A Promising Path Forward
Q1 2026 marks more than a successful launch—it signals strong demand, meaningful student impact, and clear growth potential. Students are engaged. They are asking for more. And with the right support, Youth 360 is positioned to deliver lasting, scalable impact.