Inspiring young men and women to become the leaders of the future.
We partner with parents across Los Angeles, especially in disenfranchised
communities like South LA, to enroll young people in programs that build
emotional intelligence, conflict resolution, financial literacy, meditation,
yoga, and leadership skills at community venues throughout the city.
Until we open a permanent home, we meet youth where they are, community
centers, schools, parks, and partner venues across disenfranchised
neighborhoods in Los Angeles. Parents enroll their children; we bring the
mentorship, workshops, and growth opportunities to them.
Programs for teens and families across Los Angeles. Parents can explore options
and enroll in emotional intelligence, conflict resolution, financial literacy,
meditation, yoga, and leadership development.
→
Swipe to see more courses
Get notified when digital programs launch, or contact us to learn about in person programs across Los Angeles.
The Youth Movement exists to empower, inspire, and equip young men and women
to become confident leaders, responsible citizens, and positive agents of change.
Through mentorship, leadership development, education, life skills training,
community service, and personal growth opportunities, we provide the guidance
and support youth need to reach their fullest potential.
We believe every young person deserves the opportunity to discover their purpose,
develop strong character, and build the skills necessary to lead with integrity,
compassion, and excellence. By investing in today’s youth, we are cultivating
tomorrow’s leaders who will strengthen their families, uplift their communities,
and make a lasting impact on the world.
As a teenager, I had too much freedom and not enough guidance. That unsupervised time
slowly pulled me into drugs, crime, and choices that eventually landed me in prison.
Sitting in a cell, I kept asking myself, "How did I get here?" Every time I traced it
back, the answer was the same: those teenage years, those long hours with no structure,
no mentor, and no real sense of purpose.
The Youth Movement was born from that realization. I created this program so young men
and women have what I never did: a safe space, real support, and the tools to use their
time to build their future instead of destroy it.
Today, my mission is simple: help youth turn their free time into focused time, keep
them out of prison and early graves, and show them that their story can go a very
different way than mine once did.
Full story
Michael Clarett is the founder of The Youth Movement, an organization born from lived
experience, reflection, and a deep commitment to changing the trajectory of young lives.
As a teenager, Michael Clarett faced a difficult and unstructured environment marked by
too much free time and not enough guidance. Without consistent mentorship or positive
outlets, that lack of direction led down a path of poor decisions, negative influences,
and eventually involvement in drugs and criminal activity. What began as idle time with
peers gradually escalated into choices that would have lasting consequences.
That path ultimately led to incarceration.
While in prison, Michael Clarett was forced to confront a life defining question:
"How did I get here?" Through deep reflection, the answer became clear.
The root of it all traced back to those formative teenage years, years filled with untapped
potential but lacking structure, supervision, and purpose. It became evident that without
positive guidance and productive ways to spend time, young people can easily fall into
cycles that lead to incarceration or even death.
Instead of allowing that realization to remain a regret, Michael Clarett turned it into a mission.
The Youth Movement was created to be the very thing that was missing: safe, structured
spaces where young men and women can grow, learn, and channel their energy into something
meaningful. The organization focuses on teaching youth how to use their time productively,
set goals, build discipline, and develop the emotional intelligence needed to navigate
life's challenges.
Michael Clarett's work is driven by the belief that no young person is beyond redemption
and that the right environment can change everything. Through mentorship, life skills
education, and consistent support, The Youth Movement exists to interrupt the cycles that
lead to prison and premature loss, and replace them with pathways to purpose, achievement,
and long term success.
This is more than a program. It is a promise to the next generation: that their story does
not have to end where others began.
In the community
Program videos
See our work in Los Angeles
Moments from Youth Movement workshops and community events serving families
across disenfranchised neighborhoods in Los Angeles.
Community workshops and program gatherings in Los AngelesYouth DJ and creative skills workshop in Los Angeles
Our Impact
The numbers
Placeholder statistics. Client will provide real data.
500+Youth served
12Week program
85%Completion rate
40+Mentor volunteers
Community Voices
Stories from our family
Hear from partners and community leaders who know Michael’s work firsthand.
Michael Clarett’s story is not one of perfection, it is one of transformation, resilience, and purpose. Raised in a turbulent environment where instability and adversity were constant, he faced challenges that could have easily defined the rest of his life. Instead, Michael made a decision: to rise above his circumstances and rewrite his future.
Through discipline, self-reflection, and a commitment to growth, he began to rebuild his life piece by piece. What makes his journey powerful is not just that he overcame hardship, but that he refused to let it harden him. He turned pain into perspective, setbacks into lessons, and struggle into strength.
Today, Michael stands as a mentor, a leader, and a living example of what is possible when someone chooses a different path. He is deeply committed to giving back, pouring into young men and women who may be facing the same confusion, pressure, and obstacles he once did. He doesn’t just speak to them; he understands them. His authenticity creates trust, and his story creates hope.
Through his work with youth, Michael is helping the next generation build confidence, make better decisions, and see beyond their current circumstances. He is guiding them toward purpose, accountability, and a future they can be proud of.
Michael Clarett is proof that your past does not determine your destiny, and through his leadership, countless young people are now discovering that truth for themselves.
Michael’s vision with The Youth Movement extends far beyond programs or events; he’s building character, confidence, and conviction in the next generation.
In a world that often underestimates young people based on socioeconomic status and race, Michael sees their potential before they see it themselves.
It is my pleasure to provide this letter of reference for Michael Clarett. Michael has been a wonderful and valuable support to DG4Life through his work with justice-involved youth.
Michael has a special ability to connect with young people in a way that is relatable, respectful, and encouraging. He communicates on their level while still challenging them to grow, make positive choices, and recognize their potential. His genuine concern for their well-being is evident in the way he listens, speaks, and provides guidance.
Michael brings patience, compassion, consistency, and a positive presence to every interaction. He understands that many of the youth we serve have faced difficult circumstances, and he approaches them without judgment. His encouragement helps them build confidence, take responsibility, and believe that their lives can move in a better direction.
DG4Life is grateful for Michael’s commitment and support. I confidently recommend him as someone who is dependable, caring, and effective in working with youth, particularly those who need strong and positive adult guidance.
Get Involved
Be part of something bigger
Whether you’re a parent ready to enroll your child, a donor, a volunteer, or a community partner, there is a place for you here.
