YC 2025 IMPACT REPORT
The Ripple Effect: From 50 Teen Writers to Thousands of Educators to Tens of Thousands of Teen Readers
At Youth Communication (YC), teens transform their lived experiences into powerful stories that build confidence, strengthen communication skills, and inspire change.
Those stories don’t stop with the writers. They ripple outward—reaching educators, youth-serving professionals, and young people across New York City and beyond.
Through writing programs, educator training, and publishing, YC empowers youth voices while helping adults create classrooms and programs where teens feel seen, heard, and supported.
THE RIPPLE EFFECT
Youth Communication’s model creates a powerful cycle of impact:
Teen writers gain confidence and professional skills.
Educators use their stories to connect with students.
Young readers see their experiences reflected and feel less alone.
Since 1980:
• Nearly 3,000 teen writers have participated in YC programs
• More than 10,000 stories have been published
• YC stories have reached millions of readers nationwide
Many alumni credit YC as a transformative experience that shaped their futures as educators, advocates, journalists, and leaders.
2025 IMPACT IN NUMBERS
• 50 Teen writers mentored by professional editors
• $23,000+ Stipends paid directly to young writers
• 40 Stories published on issues like mental health, immigration, gender identity, and foster care
• 50,000 Young people reached through YC programs and partnerships
• 200,000+ Educators accessed YC stories and lesson materials
• 1,739 Youth-serving adults trained to use YC stories in classrooms and programs
• 3,568 Books and curricula distributed nationwide
• 400+ Seeking Shelter eBooks distributed
CORE PROGRAMS
Youth Communication supports teens and the adults who work with them through three interconnected programs.
Writing & Youth Development
YC teen writers receive paid work experience, mentorship from professional editors, and intensive support as they transform personal experiences into published stories.
Through multiple drafts and editorial guidance, writers strengthen communication, social-emotional, and career-readiness skills while building confidence in their voices.
Professional Development
YC trains educators and youth-serving professionals to use teen-written stories to support literacy, social-emotional learning, and positive youth development.
These trainings help educators create classrooms where students feel respected, heard, and motivated to learn.
Publishing
YC publishes teen stories through digital magazines, curricula, and educational resources used by educators nationwide.
More than 21,000 subscribers receive YC’s stories and lessons, including 14,000 educators and 1,600 foster care staff.
HIGHLIGHTS FROM 2025
Supporting Teen Writers
Three instructor-editors worked closely with 50 teen writers, including 16 youth in foster care, helping them develop powerful personal stories through intensive mentorship.
Writers published more than 40 stories addressing real challenges young people face, including mental health, grief, immigration, relationships, and identity.
These stories reach thousands of readers each year and help other teens feel less alone.
Beyond the Writing
YC editors also serve as trusted mentors. In 2025, staff supported more than 20 youth with:
• college applications
• job searches
• housing support
• mental health referrals
• legal resources
This ongoing support reflects YC’s commitment to youth long after their stories are published.
YOUTH VOICES
“Learning how to write a narrative story at YC helped me write my college essay. I also made friendships that will last a long time.”
— YCteen Magazine Writer
“Writing about my experiences helped me feel less alone and gave me the courage to share my story with others.”
— YCteen Magazine Writer
“At YC, I was able to put my thoughts on the page, so other youth in foster care or anyone who needs encouragement knows they can too.” — Represent Magazine Writer
ALUMNI IMPACT
The ripple effect continues long after writers leave YC. Alumni have gone on to become teachers, journalists, advocates, and community leaders. Highlights include:
• Kat Morris has been nominated for six Emmy Awards for her work on the animated series Steven Universe.
• Mohamad Bazzi won second prize from the National Society of Newspaper Columnists for his columns in The Guardian.
• Cheyanne Deopersaud organized a forum for candidates in the New York City mayoral primary to address the needs of youth in care and is pursuing a Master of Public Administration at NYU.
• Demetria Mack earned a master’s degree in computer science from Columbia University after completing her undergraduate degree at Howard University.
• YC alumni have also published 283 books, further extending the reach of youth voices.
YOUTH VOICE IN ACTION
YC continues to bring youth voices into public conversations.
2025 Highlights
• The Next Four Years Webinar Series engaged 1,094 youth-serving adults from more than 10 states.
• YC’s 45th Annual Summer Teen Writing Workshop brought writers together with journalists, editors, and guest speakers including Amy Schumer, Rita Joseph, Jimmie Briggs, and Erickson Blakney, who spoke with teens about storytelling, journalism, advocacy, and career pathways. Learn More
• YC’s Spring Benefit raised $228,642 to support youth writing programs.
• Ongoing partnerships with NYC Public Schools helped reach 50,000 young people across the city.
SERVING TEENS FURTHEST FROM OPPORTUNITY
Youth Communication focuses on young people who face systemic barriers to opportunity.
YC primarily serves students in New York City public secondary schools, including youth in foster care, shelters, and underserved communities. Our audience reflects the diversity of NYC:
• 44.1% Hispanic
• 24.6% Black
• 16.2% Asian & Pacific Islander
• 11.8% White
• 2.2% Multiracial
• 1.1% Native American
NYCPS Secondary School Enrollment by Race
The graph shows racial demographics of secondary student enrollment in the
New York City Public School system. data.nysed.gov/enrollment
DOWNLOAD THE FULL REPORT
Want to explore the full stories, data, and achievements from 2025?
Download the complete report to learn more about how youth voices are shaping classrooms, communities, and futures.