Michael Balerite

Michael Balerite is the Modesto chapter president of Generation Up, a youth advocacy organization which leads student-run campaigns for education reform. His work has brought him to dialogue with leaders of Modesto City Schools and the Stanislaus County Office of Education. He is also the associate communications director of the national executive team of Generation Up, which has led him, along with his fellow peers, to lobbying representatives and senators in the California legislature for change. He also works with Opera Modesto and their youth program, providing a place for arts-minded students to go and sing their hearts out.

Michael is a current junior (as of writing in May 2021) at James C. Enochs High School, and participates in multiple academic competition programs. He is a semi-finalist for the position of student representative to the California State Board of Education, and a competitor at the state and national speech and debate competitions- a show of his skill in communications.

As a high schooler, Michael is open to learning and honing his expertise, all the while making sure that youth are well-represented in the Stanislaus community, bringing fresh talent and experience into the mix.

As a NextGen on Board Fellow, Michael is serving a two-year term on Carnegie Arts Center’s Board of Directors beginning July 2021.