About US
Discover more about our approach, methodology, team, alumni, and supporters who make our work possible
OUR Mission
Youth Communication (YC) is on a mission to elevate teen voices to create real change.
Through the power of true stories, written by youth who have been systemically marginalized, we create more supportive and successful learning communities.
OUR Vision
Youth Communication’s vision is to create a more empathic world for and with our young people so they feel represented, heard, and supported to achieve their dreams.
Youth Communication Amplifies Youth Voices for the advantage of Teens and Youth-Serving Adults
Our two-tiered approach offers teens a platform to share their personal story for the benefit of their peers. By opening up about their own journey, a sense of community can help others feel less alone in their own struggles and provide hope and encouragement. This can create support among peers, fostering a safe space for vulnerability and growth. Additionally, sharing personal stories can also help break down barriers and stigma surrounding certain topics, leading to greater understanding and empathy among youth.
Through our programs, youth work with professional editors, and their stories are published and distributed widely. Next, these unique stories emphasize the genuine experiences of young people, and are integrated into YC’s literacy-focused training framework and curricula. This aids educators, after-school staff, counselors, and other professionals serving youth to establish connections with their students and cultivate nurturing educational settings.
We believe
Young people often know exactly what they need.
Adults just need the tools to listen.
Real stories can create real change.
Youth Communication elevates youth voices to create that change.
Our young people are not being supported to succeed.
Our institutions – schools, after-school programs, child welfare and juvenile justice systems – are struggling to engage and support our kids. Our stories provide staff with the tools they need to understand and meet their young people’s needs.
The experts are already in the room.
Our education partners have the opportunity to be an influential and affirming adult in a young person’s life. We give them the youth perspective and expertise they need to do so.
THE YC RESULT
When teens are healthier and happier, they are more likely to thrive in all aspects of their lives. This includes their academic performance, relationships with peers and adults, and overall well-being. By promoting physical and mental health among teens, we can help them develop the skills and resilience needed to navigate the challenges of adolescence.
In addition, when teachers and youth-serving adults are equipped to connect with teens in a meaningful way, they can provide the support and guidance that young people need to succeed. Building strong relationships with adults who care about their well-being can have a profound impact on teens’ self-esteem, motivation, and sense of belonging.
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Our Supporters
View our full list of supporters
Youth Communication is fortunate to have the support of a variety of local and national organizations that believe in our mission and work. These organizations provide funding, resources, and partnerships that help us continue to elevate young people through our programs and publications:
Jenesis
The Pinkerton Foundation
New York Life Foundation
Child Welfare Fund
The Charles Hayden Foundation
Ira DeCamp Foundation
Redlich Horwitz Foundation
Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation
Financials
Youth Communication is committed to transparency, accountability, and honesty. See statements and forms below.