Young people looking across Morro Bay in the warm evening light.

Find Your People. Build Something Better.

The Youth Collective Fall 2026

An eight-week after-school learning community for North SLO County students in grades 5–8.

Fridays, 4:00–5:30 PM Templeton Six founding spots
Join the Youth Collective Explore the program

Who the Youth Collective Is For

A place for young people in grades 5–8 who…

Two young people observing a small natural object together outdoors.

Curiosity

Are curious about the world and love asking “why.”

Young people working together on a wildlife habitat project outdoors.

Care

Care about people, animals, and the Earth.

A young person holding a handmade sign about standing up for what matters.

Meaningful Action

Want to take action to help in meaningful ways.

The Youth Collective brings six young people together to build friendships, explore questions connected to real places and people, and create community-connected projects that help people, animals, and the Earth.

Two young people interviewing a local ecology expert outdoors.

Real questions.
Local knowledge.
Meaningful possibilities.

How Learning Moves

One question can open a whole world.

Students move from curiosity to understanding and contribution through the Solutionary Framework™ created by the Institute for Humane Education.

FRAMEWORK THAT GUIDES OUR LEARNING Institute for Humane Education Explore the Institute for Humane Education’s Solutionary Framework
  1. 1
    Identify

    Choose a question, concern, or possibility that matters.

  2. 2
    Investigate

    Gather evidence, seek perspectives, and map connections.

  3. 3
    Innovate

    Imagine thoughtful responses that support people, animals, and Earth.

  4. 4
    Implement

    Put an idea into action, gather feedback, and share the learning.

See what students will do

Three Connected Dimensions

Learning that reaches inward, outward, and forward.

Self

Know yourself.

Recognize your strengths, interests, values, and growing voice.

Relationships

Care deeply.

Practice empathy, collaboration, perspective-taking, and courage.

Contribution

Build the future.

Use learning as a tool for creative, compassionate participation.

Choose Your Next Path

Start with the part that matters most to you.

For Young People

Explore the Program

See the eight-week journey, student roles, project process, and examples of what the group could create.

For Students & Families

Join the Youth Collective

Find the schedule, application steps, program details, and practical information for families.

For Families & Partners

Our Story & Vision

Meet Bridget and explore the educational beliefs, values, and research behind the work.

Fall 2026 Founding Cohort

Bring your curiosity. Your ideas belong here.

Six North SLO County students will begin this first chapter together at Santa Lucia School in Templeton.

Apply for the Youth Collective Read the joining details
Who Grades 5–8
When Fridays
4:00–5:30 PM
Dates September 18–
November 6
Apply by August 21 Decisions August 28