As I reflect on my life growing up in South Central Los Angeles I stop and think about how unconsciously and unintentionally I used Third Space Competencies to navigate and survive life on a daily basis. Third Space Competencies are not only designed to enhance and propel your education and career forward but rather also can be viewed as a central component inner city youth exhibit on a daily basis. During the 2015-2016 academic year the USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism hosted a series of programming which brought youth from South Los Angeles, Watts, and Boyle Heights to be exposed and learn about Third Space Competencies.

Over 100 youth attending 8 different high schools in the surrounding USC Annenberg community participated in programming designed to challenge their minds but most importantly make them aware how Third Space Competencies are active in their daily lives. In groups the youth designed a communication marketing campaign plan using Third Space Competencies that would make their peers in their high schools and communities aware of the California water drought crisis. In addition, the youth in groups designed television commercials and presented their deliverables to Third Space Executive Manager and USC Annenberg faculty member Gary Wexler. Finally, Dean Wilson hosted a conversation with youth during Annenberg’s High School Journalism Day where the youth shared how Third Space Competencies are present in their lives in and out of the classroom.

It is our duty to educate the next generation of leaders on Third Space Competencies. More importantly it is vital for our inner city youth to comprehend how they already demonstrate and practice Third Space Competencies on a daily basis. We look forward to continuing to develop programming centered around Third Space Competencies for inner city youth. We are committed to increasing the number of youth who in 2016-2017 have an opportunity to experience The Third Space.