The Southwest Organizing Project (SWOP) launched the CONECT program (Community, Organizing, Networking, Engagement, Collaboration, and Transformation) initiative at Gage Park High School. The brainchild of youth organizers Dantay Williams and Joel Rodriguez, the program was born out of a simple yet profound observation: they lacked a direct connection with young people in schools. Determined to meet students where they are, the duo approached the principal of Gage Park High School to explore how they can support the school’s needs. The result was a collaborative vision for an after-school program aimed at nurturing young leaders. The first session took place on November 7, 2024, marking the beginning of a journey centered on empowering youth to lead and grow on their own terms.

CONECT is unique in its approach—forgoing a rigid curriculum, the program is co-created with the students. Youth participants have already engaged in activities like the River of Life exercise and explored dynamics of problems versus issues, meeting on Tuesdays and Thursdays to share their ideas and aspirations. By offering a space for students to breathe life into their ideas, the organizers hope to inspire participation driven by passion, not monetary incentives. The overarching goal is to foster genuine connections, empowering young people to step into leadership roles while strengthening the relationship between SWOP and the Gage Park High School community. Assistant Youth Lead, Tamara Braxton, who has been working closely with Dantay to make these sessions possible, shared this about the experience so far. “I feel like this program is one of those defining moments you have as a memory in your life. Knowing there are people right there with you to see what you want to do and bring to life your ideas of how you think your future and your community should be going. That’s what we want to create. As they grow and move into new areas of their lives they reflect on what they were a part of and how it shaped them into doing more.”

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