MEMBER PROJECT

You Are What the

World Needs Program

The Hunnicutt Foundation created the You Are What the World Needs Program with Dr. Straight Talk to give young people consistent academic support, mentorship, and a place where they feel seen and uplifted.

An afterschool and weekend enrichment program that helps San Francisco youth learn, lead, and thrive.

THE NEED

Too Many Young People Face Barriers to Opportunity

Systemic barriers limit access to education, employment, and civic participation. These barriers weigh most heavily on San Francisco neighborhoods that have historically faced the greatest obstacles, including Bayview-Hunters Point.

Too many young people become disconnected from opportunity and lack spaces where they can be supported. The Hunnicutt Foundation responds with spiritually grounded, healing-centered programs that expand opportunity for youth and families.

THE PROGRAM

Learning, Leadership, and Belonging, Three Days a Week and on Saturdays

The You Are What the World Needs Program blends tutoring, leadership development, and creative expression in a supportive, healing-centered environment.

Led by Dr. Straight Talk, youth join workshops on personal leadership, communication, identity, self-advocacy, public speaking, and wellness. Additional sessions explore local history, neighborhood pride, cultural knowledge, and the strengths of diverse communities.

Youth build confidence, purpose, and a strong sense of belonging.

The program intentionally engages boys, young men, and parents while welcoming youth of all backgrounds, including White, Black, Asian, Latino/a, Pacific Islander, and other youth. It sets shared goals for every young person and tailors support for those who face greater barriers to success.

Practical Support That Strengthens Communities

Tutoring and Academic Support

Consistent help that builds skills and strengthens success in school.

Leadership Development

Workshops that grow communication, self-advocacy, and public speaking.

Cultural Learning

Lessons in local history, neighborhood pride, and the strengths of diverse communities.

Mentorship and Family Involvement

Steady guidance for youth and active engagement for parents.

Removing the Barriers to Showing Up

Fair access shapes every part of the program. It addresses the practical needs that can otherwise keep young people from taking part.

The Hunnicutt Foundation’s main goal is to expand the You Are What the World Needs Program into a year-round leadership and academic enrichment program for San Francisco youth.

This expansion will provide consistent afterschool and weekend support that strengthens learning, emotional well-being, and positive identity development. Youth will gain the skills, confidence, and guidance to succeed in school and contribute to strong, thriving communities, and they will grow into leaders who shape the future of their neighborhoods.

WHAT’S NEXT

Growing Into a Year-Round Program

MEET THE FOUNDER

Dr. Veronica Hunnicutt

The Hunnicutt Project is led by Dr. Veronica Hunnicutt, a community-focused leader dedicated to strengthening families and supporting long-term development in underserved areas.

Her work centers on education, access to resources, and community-based initiatives that help individuals build stability and opportunity over time. This project reflects a practical, on-the-ground approach to creating lasting impact where it is needed most.

ALSO AVAILABLE - BOOKS BY DR. HUNNICUTT

Words Written for the Journey

Dr. Hunnicutt brings the same message to the page that she brings to the program. Her books speak directly to young people and give them honest guidance for building a strong, purposeful life.

Learn more at our website

Help us empower Black and Brown youth, families, and communities.