general faq

Got questions? Check out our FAQ section for quick answers about our programs, mission, and ways to get involved. It's a great place to learn more about us!

  • KinCultivate welcomes individuals of diverse backgrounds to participate in our programs and initiatives, recognizing the importance of creating spaces where everyone's perspectives are valued and contribute to empowering Black youth. We believe that by fostering understanding of our history, culture, and experiences, non-Black participants can play a crucial role in supporting and affirming our Black youth. However, it's important to note that we also provide essential affinity spaces exclusively for Black youth, fostering cultural pride and a sense of belonging in the Willamette Valley region of Oregon. Rooted in the belief of the "it takes a village" notion, we strive to ensure that all members of our community, regardless of background, can contribute to the empowerment of our Black youth while acknowledging the specific needs of our Black community. If you have any questions about eligibility or inclusivity, please don't hesitate to reach out to us for clarification.

  • At this time, KinCultivate is in the process of developing a volunteer program to provide opportunities for community members to get involved. While we do not currently have a policy in place to accept volunteers, we are actively working on creating a program that will include an interest form and background checks. We encourage you to join our mailing list to stay informed about volunteer opportunities as they become available. By subscribing to our newsletter, you'll receive announcements about upcoming programs, events, and ways to get involved with KinCultivate's mission of empowering Black youth in the Willamette Valley region of Oregon. Thank you for your interest in supporting our work!

  • KinCultivate relies on a combination of funding sources to support our programs and initiatives, including grants, donations, sponsorships, and fundraising efforts. We are grateful for the generous support of individuals, organizations, and community partners who share our commitment to empowering Black youth and strengthening our community.

  • To stay updated on KinCultivate's upcoming events and activities, please subscribe to our newsletter, follow us on social media, or check our website regularly for updates. We also encourage you to join our mailing list to receive notifications about new programs, volunteer opportunities, and other news.

  • At KinCultivate, we recognize and affirm the diverse experiences and identities within the Black community. "Youth of African descent" refers to individuals who identify as Black, African, African American, mixed-race, biracial, or otherwise connected to the African diaspora. This includes individuals with partial or total ancestry from any of the Black racial groups of Africa. We welcome youth from various cultural backgrounds and nationalities, embracing the richness of their heritage and identity.

    It's important to note that our definition of "youth of African descent" extends beyond nationality, physical appearance, or other identities. While we often use the term "Black" interchangeably with "of African descent," our commitment remains unwavering: to create an inclusive space where all youth who identify with our community feel a sense of belonging. We are dedicated to serving and supporting every individual who considers themselves part of our community, regardless of their individual experiences or backgrounds. If you have any questions about eligibility or inclusivity, please don't hesitate to reach out to us for clarification.

  • Absolutely! KinCultivate highly values collaboration with organizations and community groups that share our dedication to empowering and supporting Black youth. We are proud to have collaborated with and maintain ongoing partnerships with groups such as the Linn-Benton NAACP branch, Greater Albany Public Schools, Albany Pride, the Alliance of Black Nurses Association of Oregon, Linn-Benton Community College, and more.

    We aim to collaborate with organizations and businesses led by individuals from marginalized backgrounds whenever feasible. We also place a strong emphasis on building genuine, enduring relationships rather than purely transactional ones. Despite occasional capacity limitations within our small team, we are still eager to explore potential partnerships with organizations that share our mission and values. We firmly believe in the power of collective action and working together to create positive change. If your organization is interested in partnering with us to make a difference in the lives of Black youth, we encourage you to reach out to us. Together, we can create a meaningful and lasting impact. Please don't hesitate to contact us to discuss potential collaboration opportunities.

  • We underwent a rebranding process to better align our name with our mission and vision for the future. While our organization's name has changed, our commitment to serving and empowering Black youth and their families remains as strong as ever. We're excited about this new chapter and the opportunities it brings to further our impact in the community.

  • Affinity spaces and programs for marginalized groups are not discriminatory. These spaces provide critical support and empowerment to people who face systemic barriers and discrimination. Specifically, Black affinity spaces provide a safe space for Black people to share their experiences, form communities, and develop resilience in the face of racism and oppression. These spaces encourage healing, affirmation, and positive racial identity development, all of which contribute to greater social inclusivity and equity.

the brilliant
cousins faq

  • Brilliant Cousins is designed for youth of African descent (including Black, African, African American, Afro-Caribbean, Afro-Latinx, and mixed-heritage youth with African ancestry), typically ages 11–16, a critical stage when cultural identity, social belonging, and self-confidence deeply influence future outcomes. While the program is tailored to this developmental age group, exceptions can be made for youth slightly outside the range based on fit and comfort. If your child is younger or older but may feel aligned with the group’s content and community, feel free to reach out.

  • No. Participants do not need to attend a specific middle school or even be enrolled in a traditional school to join. Youth from any district, as well as homeschooled students, are welcome. Families can select the program site most convenient for them.

  • Not exactly. Brilliant Cousins is built around the middle school experience—balancing identity exploration, peer connection, and leadership development—but participation is based on age (11–16) rather than grade level alone.

  • No. Thanks to support from state grants, local foundations, and community donors, Brilliant Cousins is offered free of charge to all families, much like other KinCultivate programs.

  • Yes! Each session includes a light meal or hearty snacks so participants can stay fueled and focused. Parents and guardians should let us know any allergies or dietary needs in the registration form.

  • Brilliant Cousins meets once a month after school, from 2:50–5:15 PM (pickup by 5:30). Because each session builds on the last, we encourage participants to attend consistently to get the most out of the program and help strengthen the group’s sense of community.

    That said, we understand that life happens. If your child needs to miss a session, that’s okay! We do ask families to let us know ahead of time whenever possible, especially for students using transportation home or for meal planning.

  • Absolutely. This space was made for them. We understand that not every youth comes in with the same relationship to Black identity or culture. The group is designed to be supportive, nonjudgmental, and inclusive. Youth will never be pressured to talk or share before they are ready, and are encouraged to participate at their own pace and comfort level.

  • For 2025–2026, Brilliant Cousins operates in two cohorts:

    • Corvallis cohort: Every 2nd Friday, alternating between Linus Pauling and Cheldelin Middle Schools. This site is run with support from the Corvallis School District.

    • Albany cohort: Planned for every 3rd Friday at North Albany Middle School. This site is organized independently by KinCultivate and is not a GAPS partnership. At this time, Albany registrations are placed on a waitlist while facilities are finalized.

  • Corvallis School District has agreed to provide limited transportation home for middle school students within its schools (for example, between Linus Pauling and Cheldelin). Families who need this support must give at least two days’ notice so routes can be coordinated. KinCultivate staff may also check in before sessions to confirm attendance.

    For all other sites, families are responsible for arranging drop-off and pickup. If your family faces barriers, let us know and we’ll do our best to help problem-solve, though options may be limited.

  • Yes. In addition to monthly gatherings, Brilliant Cousins will include at least one family gathering and one shared field trip for both cohorts together.

  • Brilliant Cousins is launching as a pilot program in the 2025–2026 school year. We’re starting small so we can learn alongside students and families, refine the model, and make sure the program truly supports youth in the ways it’s designed to. Sites were chosen where interest and readiness aligned, and we’re working to reduce transportation barriers so students from outside those districts can also participate.

    As the program grows and we better understand student needs, we hope to expand to reach more families. If you’d like to see Brilliant Cousins offered in your area, please let us know! Hearing from families helps shape our future planning.

  • Participation in Brilliant Cousins always includes basic program evaluation (attendance, surveys, and feedback) to help us improve and share impact. Families may also choose to opt in to an optional research study led by a Black-identifying PhD candidate at Oregon State University, initiated in partnership with KinCultivate. This research focuses on Black youth identity development and uses a “for us, by us” approach to ensure it is culturally grounded. Consent for research participation is entirely voluntary and separate from program enrollment. We take student privacy and safety seriously. No full names or identifying information will ever be shared. Families may revoke media or research consent at any time by contacting KinCultivate.