Kateryn Ochoa is one of our DLCAPs fellows, a group of youth representatives on the DLCAPS Committee that brainstorms and collaborate on how to impact how LCFF (Local Control Funding Formula) funds will be spent in WCCUSD.
DLCAPs fellows come together from different communities, knowing that youth voice is often forgotten or ignored in district decisions regarding spending, and hope to spark change through breaking down barriers of ageism and addressing flaws in district money distribution. DLCAPs fellows advocate for young people in schools, empowering them to speak out and take agency over their education.
Learn more about our DLCAPs fellows' work here and learn more about Kateryn below!
What experience in your life inspired you to become a youth leader?
The needs of English learners and low-income students. It makes me want to advocate for them and their needs.
How did you first hear about RYSE and why did you choose to get involved?
I heard of RYSE from Valerie in a DLCAP meeting. It made me want to get involved with more of Richmond’s youth and hear their opinions and come together to advocate for each other.
If you had to describe RYSE in three words, what would they be and why?
United, liberty, community.
What empowers you to fight for social justice?
What empowers me to fight for social justice is seeing the community’s needs and student struggles like those of English learners and Richmond youth.
What does education justice mean to you?
It means that everyone has the same rights in education and enough support from their schools.
What impact do you hope to have through your participation in the school districts Local Control Accountability Parent and Student (LCAPS) Committee?
I hope to impact the way they make decisions and consider students' recommendations. To have youth voices be heard and be able to make decisions for ourselves.
How has participating in the LCAP fellowship benefitted you?
I was able to hear other youth points of views which helped me have an open mind to new subjects and ideas. It also helps to have support and back up from other youth.
Tell us something that happened in the RYSE community that resonated with you this month
Something that resonated with me was to be able to attend Quest for Democracy and see so many people come together from a lot of different places and fight for incarcerated people’s rights.
Tell us about your vision for the local community.
I envision a community that fights for education and advocates for social justice all over. I also envision a community that advocates for youth who have a lot of needs.
What recommendations would you give to people that want to be adult allies about fostering youth voice?
I would tell adults to have an open mind when students tell their experiences and consider that students have a right to fight for their recommendations.
To find out how you can support RYSE, click here.