youth empowerment initiative

Preparing Youth to Lead, Achieve, and Thrive

The FFA Youth Empowerment Initiative is Finish First Academy’s comprehensive youth development model designed to equip young people with the skills, confidence, and support needed to build healthy, successful futures. Through structured programming, evidence-based prevention education, leadership development, and workforce readiness training, FFA empowers youth to make positive choices and reach their full potential.

Since 2022, Finish First Academy has served 966 students across Los Angeles County through prevention-focused and enrichment-based youth programming. We primarily serve youth ages 12-26 across Los Angeles County through school-based workshops, community cohorts, and prevention programming.

Our Approach

The FFA Youth Empowerment Initiative combines evidence-based curriculum with mentorship, enrichment opportunities, and real-world skill-building to create meaningful pathways for youth growth and success. Our programs are designed to support academic engagement, leadership development, social-emotional growth, and future readiness.

Evidence-Based Prevention Programming

As part of our commitment to delivering high-quality, research-supported services, FFA implements the nationally recognized Too Good for Drugs® curriculum. This evidence-based program helps youth develop critical life skills that promote healthy decision-making and reduce risk behaviors.

Participants gain:

  • Decision-making and goal-setting skills

  • Emotional regulation and stress management strategies

  • Communication and peer resistance skills

  • Healthy lifestyle habits and drug-free choices

Leadership & Personal Development

  • Leadership development workshops

  • Civic engagement and youth voice opportunities

  • Confidence-building activities

  • Mentorship and structured peer engagement

Workforce & Future Readiness

  • Resume development and interview preparation

  • Career exploration and exposure opportunities

  • Professional communication skills

  • Transition-age youth workforce preparation

Measurable Impact

The FFA Youth Empowerment Initiative focuses on achieving meaningful outcomes, including:

  • Increased school engagement

  • Improved leadership confidence

  • Stronger decision-making skills

  • Enhanced career readiness

  • Positive peer relationships and community involvement

Youth Empowerment Initiative includes:

  • Finish First Leadership & Goal Development

  • Too Good for Drugs® Prevention Program

  • AVA Civic Engagement

  • Workforce Readiness & Career Exploration

  • Mentorship & Social Emotional Development

Our Commitment

FFA provides safe, structured, and trauma-informed environments where youth feel supported, challenged, and empowered. By combining evidence-based practices with real-world mentorship, we prepare young people not only to succeed today — but to lead tomorrow.