Tower of Youth

Reviewed by the Sacramento Region Community Foundation

$2,545 raised by 13 donors

51% complete

$5,000 Goal

As we embark on our 27th year, Tower Of Youth (TOY) reflects on its roots as a dynamic youth media organization rooted in the Sacramento Sierra region (spanning five counties: Sacramento, Placer, Yolo, Nevada, El Dorado).  Our foundation was built on the pillars of innovation and creativity, highlighted by our signature events—the Teen Digital Reel Showcase & Awards and the North American All Youth Film & Education Day—both renowned for their competitive spirit.

Entering our third decade, we are evolving our mission to embrace a comprehensive approach, combining training and project execution with a commitment to systemic change and policy development.  We recognize that youth engagement in the evolving landscape of the digital economy is pivotal, shaping our world in new and unprecedented ways.

In the wake of the Information Technology (IT) and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) era of the 20th century, we acknowledge the seismic impact of 21st-century audio-visual and social media communications.  This transformation prompts us to advocate for the integration of media ARTS into the educational landscape, forming the "STEAM" movement.  TOY is dedicated to guiding schools in embedding digital media arts and project-based learning into teacher training and across academic disciplines, thereby creating a robust 21st Century Arts Media and Entertainment Career pathway.  Our aim is to cultivate a skilled workforce capable of thriving in businesses where internet and video are integral to entrepreneurial success.

TOY proudly showcases model sports media career projects and nurtures decade-long partnerships with regional sports franchises, including the River Cats, while also extending our outreach to the Sacramento Kings Basketball and New Republic Soccer teams.  We advance environmental and cultural visions in collaboration with esteemed partners such as the Sacramento Municipal Utility District and the CA State Fair, inspiring and catalyzing high-value, real-world media projects with enduring impact.

At TOY, we remain steadfast in our commitment to nurturing creativity, innovation, and the transformative power of media arts, empowering the youth of today to shape the future of our interconnected world.

Mission

To empower young individuals aged 16-24, fostering digital arts mastery, media literacy, self-expression, civic engagement, and the development of a 21st-century world-class workforce to drive transformative change in careers, economies, and communities.

Needs

1. Investment to Revive TOY's Youth Broadcasting and Media Associations (YBAMA):

Seeking financial support to revitalize YBAMA, an inclusive pre-professional and career guild for youth aspiring to excel in Broadcast, Media, and Journalism. This funding, totaling $25,000, will provide young individuals with access to top-tier knowledge and experiences, aiding their educational and professional journeys.

2. Sustaining a Dedicated Youth Leadership Program Coordinator:

Urgently requiring funding of $60,000 to employ a full-time Youth Leadership Program Coordinator. This role is pivotal in providing comprehensive training to our youth, including skills in planning, leadership, event organization, public relations, communications, and project management. Prioritizing this position ensures the continued growth of our young leaders.

3. Enhancing the Youth Media Studio:

Seeking $15,000 to cover one-year rental fees and necessary studio upgrades. This investment will ensure our Youth Media Studio remains an innovative and functional space for young creatives to produce high-quality media content.

4. Administrative Support for Daily Operations:

Securing $30,000 to hire a part-time Administrative Assistant. This role is crucial in supporting our programs by managing web content, data, and ensuring the smooth day-to-day operations of our organization.

5. Empowering Part-Time Project Coordinator:

Allocating $30,000 to engage a part-time Project Coordinator to bolster our Tower of Youth Theatron workshops. These workshops provide essential workforce training in film/video production, audio, digital media, communications, arts, and entertainment, enhancing the skill set of our youth participants.

Your support in meeting these funding needs will play a pivotal role in empowering the next generation of media professionals, leaders, and creatives. Together, we can provide opportunities and resources that will enable our youth to thrive and contribute positively to their communities and industries.

Equity Statement

"Engaging, Educating, and Empowering the Next Generation!"

We find ourselves at the dawn of an unprecedented digital technology and communication revolution, one that holds immense potential for transformation. Our commitment extends to supporting individuals of all backgrounds, including young people and adults from diverse social and economic communities. We provide them with our resources and distinctive platforms to champion the cause of fostering safe, equitable, and inclusive environments.

We firmly believe that it is imperative for every young person to experience a profound sense of importance, influence, and meaningful belonging. By doing so, we empower them to be catalysts for positive change within their communities and the world at large.

Organization Data

Summary

Organization name

Tower of Youth

other names

TOY/YBAMA

Year Established

1984

Tax id (EIN)

68-0023611

Mission Category

Youth Development

Operating Budget

$250,001-$500,000

Organization Need

Funding: Other, Funding: Program, Space: Office or Other

Demographics Served

Youth & Children, Native Americans/Indigenous Groups, Black/African American

BIPOC Leadership

Executive Director/CEO

Local Counties Served

Sacramento, Yolo

Equity Statement

Equity Statement

Address

1418 20th st suite#100
Sacramento, CA 95811

Service areas

Yolo County, CA, US

Sacramento County, CA, US

Phone

916-710-4089

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