Submitted by: Tanya Hoffmann, Learning Strategist & Facilitator

High schools, student organizations, and youth-centered non-profits in San Diego can request LifeYou programs to offer after-school programming. LifeYou is a college and career preparedness program developed by Elusen, Inc. for transitional-aged youth (ages 16-24). It combines skills to build emotional intelligence, along with professional development, self-reflection, hands-on experiences, and field visits to local colleges and businesses to set students up for success. 

The sad reality is that Our organizations has heard from many managers that they are reluctant to hire Gen-Z workers due to their limited experience with skills related to emotional intelligence, including communication, problem solving, collaboration, teamwork, and adaptability.  

LifeYou poses a solution. In fall 2025, Montgomery High School hosted a 6-week program called Tools for Connection, where students engaged in experiential learning activities: 

• Communication that Clicks: Connect with Personality Styles 

• The Power of Listening: Solve Problems, Build Trust 

• Connect with Confidence: Networking, Social Media & Conversation Skills 

• From Awkward to Awesome: Mastering Feedback Skills 

• From Bias to Belonging 

The six-weeks concluded with a field trip to Intuit’s San Diego hub to explore Careers in Tech, including a campus tour, lunch, and a look at the company’s unique Design4Delight (D4D) problem solving approach. Nearly 75% of the students who completed the program reported increased emotional intelligence and increased clarity to make positive choices. Students summed up their LifeYou experience when surveyed:

“LifeYou has helped me develop leadership, better communication, and confidence.”

“I learned things that I would not have learned in other places.”

“LifeYou has helped me grow as a person…conversations with classmates and teachers feel more genuine instead of forced.” 

LifeYou is where education and economics meet: transitional-aged youth are increasing their emotional intelligence, gaining tools for a better future, thus bridging the gap between Gen-Z and workplace needs. If you are interested in learning how bring LifeYou programs to youth in your area, visit https://www.eluseninc.com/lifeyou