At Indigenous House, we believe that the future of our communities depends on how well we prepare our youth—not only with skills for success, but with the cultural grounding, confidence, and critical thinking they need to thrive in today’s world. Our Youth & Education programs are designed to connect young people with their heritage, equip them with leadership skills, and give them the tools to become cultural ambassadors for their communities.

What It Is

The Culture Broker Academy and our school-based programs blend cultural education with leadership training, arts engagement, and wellness practices. These programs teach young people to navigate multiple cultural spaces, tell their own stories, and use creativity as a tool for change.

Key elements include

• Culture Broker Academy – A mentorship and leadership development program that trains youth to bridge cultural gaps, advocate for their communities, and create positive change.

• School Programs – Partnerships with local schools to integrate cultural history, creative expression, and wellness into the classroom through workshops, assemblies, and after-school activities.

• Arts Integration – Poetry, drumming, visual arts, and performance as both teaching tools and platforms for youth voices.

Who It Serves

We serve middle school through young adult learners across Oakland, with a focus on students from Black, Indigenous, and communities of color. Our programs are particularly impactful for youth in historically under-resourced schools and neighborhoods affected by displacement and systemic inequities.

Why It Matters

Many young people grow up without seeing their history, culture, and experiences reflected in the curriculum or the world around them. This absence can erode self-worth and limit their sense of possibility. Our Youth & Education programs work to reverse that by

• Providing representation and cultural validation in educational settings

• Teaching leadership and advocacy through real-world projects

• Building intergenerational connections with elders, artists, and community leaders

Measurable Outcomes

Since 2012, our youth programming has

• Engaged over 2,000 students through in-school and after-school programs

• Trained 150+ youth leaders in cultural advocacy and peer mentorship

• Delivered programs in 15+ schools across Oakland and the Bay Area

• Seen 92% of participants report increased confidence, cultural pride, and leadership skills

Partners & Collaborations

We work closely with schools, the African American Male Achievement program, Omnira Institute, EastSide Arts Alliance, and other youth-serving organizations. These partnerships ensure that our programs are not just one-time experiences, but part of a larger network of support for our young people.

Invest in the next generation of leaders, storytellers, and change-makers. By supporting our Youth & Education programs, you help equip Oakland’s young people with the knowledge, skills, and pride they need to shape their own futures and uplift their communities.