Youth Together was formed in 1996 by youth, community members, parents and school officials in Oakland, Berkeley, and Richmond, California concerned about inter-racial violence and inadequate school conditions.
Youth Together consists of four main components:
1. Student-led teams on school campuses that promote social tolerance and develop leadership skills. Student teams examine stereotypes and prejudices through group discussions and cooperative learning activities.
2. School-based youth centers operated by Youth Together to address school conditions and influence hate crime policies within the school districts.
3. Community-based youth centers consult with Youth Together for the design and implementation of social programs.
4. Regional programs such as the annual youth conference that presents workshops on various ethnic, gender, and sexual orientation topics .

The mission of Youth Together is to develop the potential of youth to be critical thinkers, engaged community members, and social change agents in their schools and communities.

Student-led teams have been developed in six school districts.
Youth centers have been created at three school sites.
Youth Together's annual conference draws at least 500 high school students.