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Student Empowerment Unit Home

Our Mission

The Student Empowerment Unit is a groundbreaking LA Unified initiative. It is recognized as one of the only programs of its kind in the nation, committed to cultivating the next generation of visionary, impactful leaders. It provides students with unparalleled opportunities for leadership development and transformative experiences that foster agency, innovation, and civic engagement.

Through student-led projects, the Unit empowers youth to lead school-based improvements and take ownership of their college and career readiness journey. It hosts leadership conferences and creates platforms for students to speak at local, national, and international events, equipping them with essential skills in collaboration, communication, and strategic leadership.
Redefining traditional education, the Student Empowerment Unit places student voice and lived experience at the center. By amplifying student perspectives and investing in their growth, it cultivates compassionate, solutions-oriented leaders committed to building a more just, inclusive, and forward-thinking future for their schools and communities. The Student Empowerment Unit ensures that student empowerment remains a driving force across LA Unified.
Student Bill of Rights

ALL STUDENTS IN THE LOS ANGELES UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT HAVE THE RIGHT TO:

Respect and Dignity
Universal Access
Access and Equity
Civic Participation
Influence Decisions
Diversity and Inclusivity		 Due Process
Confidentiality
Free Expression
Counseling and Guidance
Positive School Climate
College and Career Readiness
Download PDF
Jerry Yang

2025-2026 Student Board Member

Jerry Yang is an impact-driven advocate and public speaker from North Hollywood High School. Through lived experience, he has dedicated his time to youth development and empowerment by increasing educational equity, elevating youth voices, and creating resource and support networks for students across Los Angeles. His passion for environmental reform has driven him to uplift Angeleno youth around him, providing them with outlets to share their own experiences, contribute their stories, and influence the legislative process on multiple levels. In his free time, he enjoys acting, singing, and swimming. He will be serving as the 2025-2026 LAUSD Student Board Member, representing 500k+ student voices and uplifting the concerns of his peers.

SSAC pic

Superintendent's Student Advisory Council

The Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council (SSAC) represents the collective voice of LA Unified’s students. This council serves as a conduit for meaningful engagement between students and Superintendent, fostering a collaborative relationship that enhances educational policy, enriches school culture, and addresses systemic challenges.
 
The SSAC offers a vital space for student engagement and collaboration with the Superintendent and District staff. Through regular meetings, the council provides informed comments, constructive feedback, and actionable solutions that reflect the diverse perspectives of the student body on District initiatives and programs. Additionally, the SSAC is an advisory body to the Student Board Member, ensuring seamless communication and representation between students and district leadership.
 

Other Student Advisory Councils:

Student Conferences

For over a decade, the Student Empowerment Unit has offered student leadership conferences to empower youth by connecting them with inspiring leaders and role models from diverse fields. These influential figures share valuable insights, proven strategies, and actionable guidance to help youth navigate educational systems, professional pathways, and societal structures successfully.
Education Empowered!

Education Empowered! Podcast

The Student Empowerment Unit is proud to present the Education Empowered! podcast, created by students for students. Our goal is to amplify the voices of LA Unified students and empower youth with information, practical tips, and guidance on important topics. We will keep students informed of District updates and highlight students making significant contributions to our district community. 
Listen on Apple Podcasts Listen on Spotify Podcasts

News & Announcements

SSAC Flyer 26 27

Application Deadline Extended: 2026-27 Superintendent Student Advisory Council Application Window

The application deadline is extended to Friday, September 11, 2026.

Applicants in grades 9–12 who are interested in serving as a voice for their peers are invited to apply before 5:00 p.m. on Friday, September 11, 2026. To access the application, visit https://bit.ly/2627ssacapplication and log into the site using your LAUSD MyMail account (Do not use your personal email address). A complete application will include the following information:
Online application available at https://bit.ly/2627ssacapplication
3 Letters of recommendation (administrator, teacher or counselor, and peer)
Responding to two essay prompts
PDF copy of a transcript

Students may call 213-481-3350 if they have questions or email [email protected].
SBM 2026 voting guide

Get Informed and Vote!

The Student Board Member Election will take place on Schoology from April 17 through April 30, 2026. During this time, be sure to learn about the candidates, understand how to vote, and take part in this important election.
We Are One Thumbnail

We Are One

Watch this PSA from LAUSD: "We Are One"
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Contact Info

Mr. Antonio Plascencia
Senior Director of Engagement
 
Dr. Lorena Franco
Director of Student Involvement, Empowerment, and Development