Future Culture creators
FUTURE CULTURE CREATORS (FCC)
What is FCC?
Future Culture Creators is a holistic workforce development program designed to empower youth by enhancing their employment skills, self-image, and professionalism while improving community program delivery. This program equips participants with the skills needed to develop and implement teen-led programming that enriches the lives of other youth in the community. Led by the Network Connect team through culturally competent facilitation, this program emphasizes community engagement and mental health; the program aims to help young individuals connect with their potential and pave the way for a brighter future.
Targeting disengaged youth in school, employment, and community, Future Culture Creators fosters confident leaders who positively impact their lives and those around them. The training focuses on four key components: professional development and brand building, civic engagement and design thinking, and practical work experience through job placement. Participants engage in a culturally relevant curriculum that includes discussions, cognitive behavior techniques, and group activities to ensure full engagement. Emphasizing restorative practices, the program promotes healthy relationships and accountability within the community.
Learn about FCC Programming
The program is structured over six months, with the first three months dedicated to learning brand building, professional development, design thinking, and civic engagement. Our Design Thinking component is delivered through Dual School, a 12-week initiative that empowers youth to become changemakers through social impact projects, design thinking workshops, and mentorship opportunities. The subsequent three months involve job placement with community-based partner organizations, preparing participants for long-term job placement facilitated by Network Connect. Throughout the year, individualized support is provided to help participants overcome barriers and achieve their best selves.
Dual School’s curriculum is based on Design Thinking, a creative problem-solving process popularized by Stanford University’s Design School. Design Thinking involves 5-key phases:
Emphathize
Ideate
Test
Define
Prototype
All Dual School students will gain access to and experience in:
Leadership and teamwork skills
Support raising funds and grants for projects
Design thinking
Mentorship
Design, implementation, & management of Social Impact projects
Lifelong access to the Dual School community
Access to a cohort of other like-minded young people
Access to weekly webinars
