Project Youth OC - 2026 OC Marathon

Join Us for the 2026 OC Marathon and Support Project Youth OC!

Since 2004, Project Youth OC has proudly partnered with the OC Marathon as an official Charity Partner. This year, we are celebrating 22 years of impact - and reaching a major milestone.

In 2026, Project Youth OC will surpass $1 million raised through our partnership with the OC Marathon.

Our Road to a Million campaign represents more than a number.  It reflects decades of community support, thousands of runners and fundraisers, and countless young lives impacted at critical turning points.

The OC Marathon offers something for everyone:

• 5K Walk/Run: Saturday, May 2, 2026, at the OC Fairgrounds.
• Marathon & Half Marathon: Sunday, May 3, 2026, starting at Fashion Island and finishing at the OC Fairgrounds.

When you join our team, you’ll help empower youth and strengthen families across Orange County. 

Every dollar raised through peer-to-peer fundraising goes directly toward life-changing mentorship, education, and support services for over 1,500 youth and their families each year.

Together, we can run, walk, and fundraise for a brighter future!

Why Donate to Project Youth OC?

Every dollar you give to Project Youth OC creates an opportunity for a young person to thrive. As Orange County’s most established and effective youth diversion and prevention program, we are breaking cycles of crime and poverty, empowering youth, and strengthening families across our community.

Here’s how your donation makes an impact:

• Transforming Lives: Your support helps first-time offenders and at-risk youth through programs like SHORTSTOP, which provides education, counseling, and second chances to get back on track.

• Building Bright Futures: Donations fund programs like Project SELF, offering high school juniors paid internships, mentorship, and career exploration opportunities that shape their futures.

• Strengthening Families: We take a whole-family approach, equipping parents with the tools to support their children’s success and resilience.

• Creating Safer Communities: By addressing challenges early and providing resources, we’re helping youth make positive choices and thrive as productive members of society.

Your gift, no matter the size, creates life-changing opportunities for over 1,500 youth and their families each year. Together, we can empower the next generation and build a brighter future for all of Orange County.

Make your impact today. Donate to Project Youth OC — because every young person deserves a chance to succeed.

Why Fundraise for Project Youth OC?

Every young person deserves a chance to succeed, and that’s exactly what Project Youth OC provides. As the most established and effective youth diversion and prevention program in Orange County, we empower over 1,500 youth and their families every year through life-changing mentorship, education, and support services.

By fundraising for Project Youth OC, you’re helping us:

• Break Cycles of Crime and Poverty: We intervene early with first-time offenders and at-risk youth, giving them the tools to build a brighter future.
• Strengthen Families: Our whole-family approach equips parents with the resources to support and advocate for their children.
• Provide Opportunities: From our Project SELF internship program to our SHORTSTOP diversion program, we open doors and provide hope for the next generation.

Your fundraising efforts directly impact our ability to change lives and build stronger communities. Every dollar raised helps us provide critical resources and programs that give youth the chance to thrive.

When you fundraise for Project Youth OC, you’re not just supporting a cause — you’re creating lasting change.

Join us today and make a difference!