KSP Mentorship

The Karat School Project (KSP) supports local children and youth who live in residential vehicles (RVs) in East Palo Alto, Palo Alto, and Redwood City because their families are unable to find affordable housing.

In addition to difficult living conditions, young people living in RVs can feel stigmatized, embarrassed about their living situation and doubtful about their potential. With mentorship month coming to a close, now is the perfect time to highlight Vamos Afuera and YESS, two (KSP) programs that enable today’s Bay Area mentors to create the mentors of tomorrow.

Vamos Afuera

Millions of people from all over the world travel to the Bay Area for its natural beauty, yet lack of opportunity and transportation leaves many of the unhoused children and youth without access to local parks and nature preserves. That’s why KSP created Vamos Afuera, a program that takes unhoused children and youth to state parks and nature preserves around the Bay Area. Together they explore and learn about the local ecosystem from volunteer docents, and the older youth lead the younger children in hands-on activities and games. 

YESS

The Youth Empowerment Story Summitt (YESS) is an annual, day-long program that brings unhoused youth together with local community leaders who have overcome similar struggles. The community leaders share their life stories, connect with the students based on their common experiences, and offer advice and insights on how to find success amid adversity. 

As Mentorship Month comes to a close, the KSP would like to thank all of the mentors who have participated in Vamos Afuera and YESS. We believe that educating and nurturing the next generation is the key to creating a healthier future for all of us and we’re grateful to all who help us work toward that future.

You can support KSP’s work with unhoused children and youth.