AACI YTI promotes healthy living, substance use education prevention, mental health awareness, suicide prevention, social emotional learning, and self-advocacy by providing youth FREE arts and multi-media education. Programs are designed for Santa Clara county youth and young adults ages 8-24 unless stated otherwise.
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Digital Comic Making @ SJPL Libraries
June 6 - July 22, 2025
4:00 - 5:00 PM
We're thrilled to support San Jose Public Library's Graphic Novel Making Contest by providing our Digital Comic Making workshop at NINE SJPL Libraries! The workshops will be taught by the talented @cloudwalkerscreations.
In this workshop, youth will learn how to use their iPads to make amazing pieces of digital art. Students will become familiar with navigation through the Procreate app and learn how to sketch a design, ink/outline it, and digitally color the piece.
The Graphic Novel Making Contest (GNMC) was developed in 2008 as a teen program at a single branch library in recognition of growing interest in graphic novels and graphic arts. Inspired by participants’ enthusiasm and the quality of art, the contest grew into a system-wide annual tradition, open to participants of all ages and all California residents.
The contest concludes with an awards ceremony to celebrate the creative efforts of all participants, announce the contest winners, and offer inspirational messages from guest speakers in the comics industry.
Open to Santa Clara County youth ages 10-18.
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Paint Party
Sunday, July 13, 2025
1:00 - 3:00 PM
Roll up your sleeves and get immersed in this fun painting session for all levels of painters. Paint along with a professional artist from AACI YTI in a comfortable and inviting atmosphere. We will explore acrylic painting techniques, and at the end of the workshop you'll be able to take home your own work of art!
Open to Santa Clara County youth ages 8-17.
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Paint Party
Sunday, August 10, 2025
1:00 - 3:00 PM
Roll up your sleeves and get immersed in this fun painting session for all levels of painters. Paint along with a professional artist from AACI YTI in a comfortable and inviting atmosphere. We will explore acrylic painting techniques, and at the end of the workshop you'll be able to take home your own work of art!
Open to Santa Clara County youth ages 8-17.
YTI offers free trainings in the topics of social emotional learning, life skills, mental health, and suicide prevention to teens & adults.
Botvin Life Skills Training
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Transitions Training for ages 16+
6 sessions long, 1 hour each session
Designed to provide skills to those facing new roles & responsibilities that come with the transition from high school into the workforce and further education. Students will learn:
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Goal-Setting
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Effective Communication
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Managing Stress
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Decision-Making & Risk
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Managing Time & Money
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Building Relationships
Be Sensitive, Be Brave
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Mental Health Training for teens and adults
1 hour and 30 minutes long
"Be Sensitive, Be Brave for Mental Health" infuses culture and diversity throughout a foundational workshop on mental health. This free workshop prepares community members to help friends and loved ones during times of distress. Learn how to recognize mental health conditions, what to do when someone needs support, and tools for maintaining good mental health.
Community members will learn how to:
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Identify if someone is in mental distress
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Practice being sensitive and brave in helping others
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Increase awareness of mental health resources
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Build resilience using a recipe for mental health
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Build cultural sensitivity around mental health
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Respond to community needs and decrease stigma
Suicide Prevention Training for teens and adults
1 hour and 30 minutes long
“Be Sensitive, Be Brave for Suicide Prevention” infuses culture and diversity throughout a foundational workshop on suicide prevention. This free workshop teaches community members to act as eyes and ears for suicidal distress and to connect individuals to help.
Community members will learn how to:
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Identify signs of suicide
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Ask if someone is considering suicide sensitively and confidently
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Connect individuals with the appropriate support
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Approach suicide prevention in a culturally sensitive manner
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Respond to community needs and decrease stigma