GENup

GENup is a California-based startup and is recognized as the largest youth-led education policy organization in the state. It has been making significant strides in advocating for education through the power of youth voices. Established in 2017, GENup has engaged over 4,000+ student leaders from 85 K-12 public school districts, University of California, and California State University institutions. The startup has played a pivotal role in several key policy achievements, including the creation of the State Seal for Civic Engagement, championing the historic ethnic studies bill (AB101), and advocating for equitable education funding during COVID. Furthermore, GENup has successfully pushed for statewide mental health reform through legislation and authored a bill on student board member rights (AB 824), which was passed into law. Notably, it has sponsored, authored, or written 47 education bills, all of which have been signed into law by Governor Newsom. One such legislation is the requirement for a mental health curriculum in all high school health education courses. GENup has established itself as an influential youth-voice representing California’s students in crucial conversations on education policy, with more than 100+ local chapters serving as effective platforms for grassroots student-led activism. Overall, GENup is an organization that is for youth and by youth.