As EYP wrapped up its 2022 school year cohorts, youth began embarking on their pathways, including pursuing workforce opportunities and ongoing education. For one youth, his journey continued with EYP, not as a continuing Visionary, but as a staff member.
Nestor “Paul” Zapata joined the San José Visionaries cohort after being referred by partner Opportunity Youth Academy, an alternative education school that provides flexible academic environments for youth to complete their high school diploma. While in EYP, Paul naturally stepped up as a leader. As one program staff member put it, Paul is someone who gives his all to every opportunity and that was apparent during every session.
After taking time off from school to work due to COVID, Paul enrolled at OYA, participated in EYP, and graduated with his high school diploma in June 2022. He was invited to join EYP’s Youth Board and in the summer of 2022, Paul was hired to be an EYP program coordinator. In his role, he supports with program implementation and co-facilitates workshops.
Paul is an integral part of EYP’s team and his insights, lived experience, and passion for this work has undoubtedly made EYP better.
