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High school students from across California learned the skills required to succeed at the Center for Third Space Thinking’s transformative summer programs. The Third Space Youth Institute (TSYI) completed its fifth year empowering underserved high school students with comprehensive training in soft skills development for problem solving that will distinguish them in any career path. This summer, the Third Space Youth Institute hosted over 100 participants from school districts in California, including the Riverside County Office of Education, Los Angeles County Office of Education and LAUSD.

TSYI offers an interactive learning experience aimed at giving students the skills they need to ACE-IT in life. The ACE-IT toolkit consists of five critical skills needed for success in college and the workplace. Using this toolkit, students learn how to solve problems, seize opportunities and become better leaders for the future.

Adaptability in Action

From day one, students dove into dorm life at USC and immersed themselves in activities that challenged them to adapt and collaborate with their peers. Whether it's tackling team-building exercises like the marshmallow challenge—where students construct the tallest structure using spaghetti—or engaging in real-world problem-solving in their final presentations, the students learned to navigate change and uncertainty. By encouraging students to step outside their comfort zone, they were able to build strong connections with other participants and mentors, creating a supportive network that enhanced their experience throughout the program.

Sara Erazo Esteban, a student from Los Angeles County who immigrated back to the United States in 2021, embodies this adaptability. Initially planning to present her final project in Spanish, Sara surprised everyone by challenging herself and delivering it in English. Reflecting on her achievement, she said, “The program helped me overcome my shy nature. It was my first time presenting in front of an audience and doing it in English. It lifted a weight off my shoulders because I’m very timid talking in English. It was an accomplishment that gave me the courage to present in English.”

Sara attributes her success to the program's safe space for practice and the support of her team. “What most motivated me was determination to keep learning and if I messed up, I knew I was going to take the experience with me. My team also helped me and gave me the confidence to present in English. They cheered me on every step of the way,” she explained. With this newfound confidence, Sara looks forward to her senior year, ready to improve her communication skills, present more effectively in her classes, and pursue her dream of becoming a lawyer.

Cultural Competency Workshops

Understanding and appreciating diverse perspectives is an essential skill for Third Space Thinking.
Through an engaging workshop with Dr. Ernest Wilson, students explored cultural differences and learned to communicate effectively across various backgrounds. This year, students went on an interactive trip to the Natural History Museum, deepening their understanding of cultural competency. Students explored everything from dinosaur fossils to the museum’s “Becoming Los Angeles” exhibition, which highlights the rich cultural tapestry of LA.

Los Angeles is a cultural epicenter that undergoes constant changes, due to the influx of people and the gentrification that comes with it. A City of Angels student, Carly Munoz, chose to address gentrification in her presentation, as she is personally affected by the issue. She shared her emotional experience by recounting a story about a beloved Italian café, where her parents went on dates in their youth. The gentrification of the area forced the café, which was once a cherished spot for family bonding to shut down. “I knew that it was going to be important to talk about, no matter what the subject, no matter how it affected me, I knew it was going to be important, although it may be a little unprofessional to cry during the presentation. I knew that it was going to make an impact, and I knew that my little towns in Los Angeles were going to be heard, that there was going to be somebody to speak up for them. And so that's what kind of kept me going,” said Munoz. Her presentation covered various aspects of the issue, including the unjust displacement of long-term residents, cultural divisions, lack of cultural competency, the loss of minority-owned businesses, and the increasing cost of living.

The students in her team proposed several solutions, including implementing regulations on large investment companies, promoting affordable housing policies to local leaders, being vigilant about purchasing power, offering government incentives for small business owners, and creating programs to support low-income communities with housing and small business needs.

Munoz emphasized the importance of using your voice when you see issues that are affecting your community. She said, “…No issue is too small to talk about. We don’t recognize issues until they become popularized. If there’s anything that’s an issue within your community, go ahead and talk about it, because there will be somebody who’s going to listen.”

Empathy and Building Connections

At Third Space, empathy isn't just a buzzword—it's a core practice. Students engage in activities designed to build empathetic connections with their peers, helping them develop essential skills for effective leadership and collaboration.

During Monica Guardian’s empathy workshop, students participated in a silent interview activity, where they learned the importance of looking beyond appearances and first impressions. This exercise challenged them to connect on a deeper level without relying on words, emphasizing that true understanding comes from listening.

Fernanda Carrera, one of the participants from LACOE, shared how the program empowered her to embrace her personality and recognize the value of empathy and unity in group work. She used her Spanish skills during the program to make Spanish speakers feel included, emphasizing the importance of ensuring that everyone felt a part of the group. Reflecting on her experience, she said, “This experience taught me that others are here to better themselves for college. I’d rather have a positive community around me than be left out, and I wouldn’t want that for anyone. I made sure everyone felt included in the group. I didn’t think I would get this opportunity when I was younger, but now that I’ve gone through it, I know what to expect in college and how to create a community that’s positive and inspirational. That’s something I want to carry into my senior year and as I go through college.”

Alani Smith, a rising senior studying Cinema at USC was an RA for the program, and reflected on the summer’s impact. She explained how inspired she was by the companionship TSYI cultivates, saying, “It was so amazing seeing that, throughout my two years working with TSYI, the kids would become so close with one another—some forming long-lasting friendships after just five days. It gave me a true sense of community that I’ll cherish forever.”

She further highlighted the students' desire to thrive, noting, “These kids are so passionate about succeeding. When given a task and the resources to solve it, the students are so eager and focused. It’s refreshing to see younger generations stepping up onto the platform set by older leaders.”

Intellectual Curiosity: The Drive to Learn and Asking Questions

Dr. Lisa Pecot-Herbert, Director of the Graduate Program at USC Annenberg, has consistently observed that the students most likely to succeed in her class share one crucial trait: their ability to ask questions. At Third Space, we are deeply committed to igniting a passion for continuous learning by exposing students to new ideas and environments. This exposure not only broadens their horizons, but also fosters a profound intellectual curiosity, encouraging them to actively seek out knowledge and explore new interests.

Through mentorship provided by the Third Space staff, students gain invaluable opportunities to inquire about college life, potential career paths, and receive advice for transitioning to the next stage of their lives. These interactions serve as a catalyst for developing a questioning mindset that is essential for both personal and academic growth.

A Harvard article titled “Is It Better to Ask Questions or Listen Carefully?” highlights the findings of Associate Professor Elizabeth Bonawitz’s study, which concluded that asking questions can be more beneficial than simply listening carefully. The study explains, “Questions can also build interest, curiosity, and even support learning directly. For example, questions can empower the student to take ownership over their own learning, which might result in further interest outside the classroom.”

Nurturing this intellectual curiosity is at the heart of the Third Space experience. By empowering students to ask questions and seek knowledge, we inspire them to continue this pursuit long after the program concludes. This mindset becomes a key takeaway that will serve them well throughout their lives, driving their success in college and beyond.

360 Degree Thinking: A Holistic Approach

Mastering the art of approaching problems from multiple perspectives is a challenging yet essential skill that Third Space strives to develop in its students. Shellee Smith, the executive director of the center encourages students to consider different pieces of data and diverse points of view when developing innovative solutions. This holistic mindset came to life in the final presentations of the Youth Institute, where students addressed pressing issues like fast fashion and gun control. At Third Space, we take pride in witnessing the remarkable progress our students make from the beginning to the end of the week.

A Legacy of Empowerment: The Journey Beyond Third Space

The impact of the Third Space Youth Institute extends far beyond the week-long program. As students return to their communities, they carry with them not just memories, but a renewed sense of purpose and a set of skills that will guide them through life’s challenges. The ACE-IT toolkit transforms into a lifelong mindset, shaping how these young leaders approach everything from academics to personal relationships and career goals.

For many, TSYI marks a pivotal moment in their lives—a transition from uncertainty to confidence, from followers to leaders. The bonds formed, lessons learned, and courage discovered become the foundation for their future success.

As they step into their senior year, apply to colleges, and enter the workforce, these students embody the spirit of Third Space: adaptable, empathetic, intellectually curious, culturally competent 360-degree thinkers. They are the change-makers who approach problems with creativity, resilience, and empathy, ready to make a lasting impact on the world.

The Third Space Youth Institute is not just a learning experience; it’s a transformative journey that equips tomorrow’s leaders with the tools needed to thrive and shape a brighter future for themselves and our communities.