Creating Opportunities for Contra Costa County Youth

Contra Costa County’s Measure X Youth Centers Project, administered by the WDBCCC, connects youth ages 12–18 with programs designed to help them learn, grow, connect, and prepare for their futures. Through partnerships with community-based organizations, Measure X supports services including academic support, mentoring and leadership, youth employment and job readiness, sports and fitness, arts and culture, and mental health and wellness. Most services are offered at no cost.

One of those opportunities is the YMCA of the East Bay Youth & Government program in Pittsburg. Morriah Crose, now a high school senior, joined the program as a sophomore and discovered a passion for law. After setting a goal of becoming a Supreme Court Justice, Morriah achieved a major milestone—earning an appointment to the California Youth & Government Supreme Court in February of 2026 through a competitive application and interview process. As a student justice, she will review complex legal cases, question student attorneys, deliberate with fellow justices, and help write decisions.

Morriah’s leadership extends beyond the program. She is a Student Mental Health Ambassador with NAMI Contra Costa, serves on Pittsburg’s Youth Advisory Commission, and received the Contra Costa County Youth Hall of Fame Award for Leadership & Civic Engagement. Moriah is currently applying to colleges to pursue a major in Political Science or Justice Studies. Her story is just one example of the opportunities Measure X Youth Services are helping make available to young people across Contra Costa County.

Know a youth who could benefit? Youth interested in leadership and civic engagement can be referred to the YMCA Youth & Government program.

Many other Measure X-funded opportunities are available for youth ages 12–18. View the current Measure X Youth Services Fact Sheet to find services, locations, and provider contact information.