Empowering Young Voices Through Storytelling and Leadership
On May 5, 2025, the Dorothy Ingham Learning Center in San Bernardino was transformed into a stage of celebration and empowerment. Over 100 students from eight community day schools were honored—not for test scores or perfect attendance, but as published authors. The event, titled “Beyond the Books,” was co-hosted by Roy Juarez, Jr., founder of IMPACTtruth, in partnership with the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools. The celebration was the culmination of months of hard work, reflection, and personal growth by students who dared to believe their stories mattered.
How It All Started: Roy’s Vision
The roots of this project trace back to Roy Juarez, Jr., an award-winning author, speaker, and former homeless youth turned national advocate. During a visit to a continuation school several years ago, Roy asked a classroom full of students how many of them had read a children’s book by someone who looked like them or came from their neighborhood. No hands went up.
That moment sparked something powerful.
Determined to change the narrative, Roy partnered with Jesse Armitu of Montclair School District to pilot a children’s book writing initiative with 30 students, centered on themes like respect. The success of that pilot led to the expansion of the program across multiple schools in San Bernardino County.
“I wanted young people—especially those who’ve been pushed to the margins—to know that their voice holds value, their story holds power,” Roy shared. “We’re not just publishing books; we’re restoring self-worth.”
The Program: Writing With Purpose
Through the IMPACT Youth Leadership Program, students go through a 12-module journey focused on self-love, social-emotional learning, leadership, and healing. But the real magic happens when they take pen to paper—crafting, illustrating, and ultimately publishing their own children’s books that reflect their lived experiences. From stories about hope and forgiveness to lessons on gratitude and resilience, each book becomes a mirror—and a microphone—for youth voice.
Roy’s presence throughout the program is more than symbolic. He personally mentors students, often speaking to them one-on-one during tough moments. In one heartfelt exchange, a student texted Roy late at night saying, “I feel like giving up.” Roy responded, “You are a published author. That’s something no one can take from you.” The next day, the student showed up to school with pride and renewed strength.
A Day to Remember: May 5 at Dorothy Ingham
At the Beyond the Books celebration, students walked into a room filled with applause, balloons, books—and belief. Families, teachers, community leaders, and fellow peers came together to uplift and honor what these young authors had accomplished. Roy stood front and center, beaming with pride as each student took the stage to be recognized not just for what they’d written, but for who they had become.
“This event isn’t the end of their story,” Roy said in his closing remarks. “It’s just the beginning.”
What’s Next?
Roy and the IMPACTtruth team are already planning the next phase—expanding the program to additional districts, launching an online course to train educators, and creating a digital library to house student works for global audiences.
If your school or district is interested in joining this life-changing initiative, visit impacttruth.com or call 702‑445‑3754. You can also invite Roy Juarez, Jr. to speak or lead a student author workshop in your community.
Quick Recap
100+ new youth authors celebrated at Dorothy Ingham Learning Center
Led by Roy Juarez, Jr. and IMPACTtruth, in partnership with the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools
Students complete a 12-module leadership and SEL journey, then write and publish children’s books
100% ownership of book rights stays with the students
Books are used as tools for peer mentorship and public speaking in their communities