SPECIAL EDITION: Young Futures 2024 Impact Report is Here!
Young Futures Community,
We’re so excited to share our inaugural Young Futures Impact Report with you, highlighting the progress we’ve made in our first year and our bold plans to scale our work.
Growing up in the digital world is complicated, and as a mother of two young children, I often think about the world I want them—and all young people—to inherit. A world where they have the tools, agency, and optimism to thrive in an increasingly tech-driven reality. This vision is at the heart of Young Futures, guiding everything we do.
2024 was a remarkable year as we built Young Futures from the ground up. We started just one year ago and are now driving momentum toward change in the digital wellbeing space for teens. In our first year, we developed our brand, established a transparent grantmaking process, launched the Young Futures Academy, and created a community of visionary Young Futures Innovators. We’ve already seen the positive impact of our efforts, reaching over 200,000 youth in year one—and now we’re ready to scale.
As we look ahead, we’re excited to launch the #YF500—an initiative to support 500 YF Innovators and organizations in the next five years as part of our efforts to ensure that the 40 million young people across America can build balanced, connected, and healthy lives.
None of this would be possible without the support and unwavering belief in us from our Founding Partners—Pivotal Ventures, Susan Crown Exchange, and The Goodness Web.
And to you all, our YF Community, thank you for believing in Young Futures. We’re excited to continue shaping a brighter future for all young people.
Read more and download the inaugural Young Futures Impact Report here!
Warmly,
Katya Hancock
Executive Director, Young Futures
Young Futures in the News
January 31, LinkedIn Article, Dr. Kristine Gloria, Young Futures’ Director of Strategic Partnerships and Innovation, dives into the power of mentorship and the lasting impact of mentor-mentee relationships. Reflecting on insights from the first YF Academy cycle, she shares how these connections fuel growth—not just for YF Innovators, but for mentors as well. Inspired to make a difference? Apply to be a mentor for our next cohort by February 13, 2025! Reach out to kristine@youngfutures.org to get involved.
February 4, LinkedIn Article, YF’s Executive Director, Katya Hancock, explores the power of social capital in youth wellbeing, drawing from Robert Putnam’s research. She highlights how Young Futures’ Innovators bring this to life, proving that strong bonding and bridging connections build trust, boost mental health, and strengthen communities. From youth-led initiatives to grassroots programs, these changemakers show that empowering young people to connect drives a healthier, thriving society. Don’t miss this take on why helping teens foster social connection matters more than ever!
February 3, YouTube Video, Generations Video Series, Episode 2 features mother and daughter duo Damali and Kendyll as they open up about their experiences navigating the digital world, sharing how they set boundaries to protect their mental health and manage digital overwhelm. They reflect on the challenges and opportunities of growing up in the digital age, offering valuable insights into how adults can better support today’s youth. Check it out with your teen and spark a conversation about digital well-being in your own family!
Young Futures Innovators in the News
YF Innovator Larissa May of #HalfTheStory partnered with Girls Inc. of Greater Santa Barbara for a powerful workshop, where Meghan Markle discussed her personal journey with online bullying. This collaboration, made possible by the Archewell Foundation, is part of the Social Media U initiative, aimed at promoting digital wellness among young people across the nation.
YF Innovator Tony Weaver Jr. of Weird Enough was featured in a recent Herald-Tribune article, showcasing his work in media literacy and advocacy for diversity in storytelling. His efforts are dedicated to changing how young people consume media and empowering them to tell their own stories through an inclusive lens.
YF Innovators Alex Owens and Diana Turner of Be Loud Studios continue to amplify youth voices through innovative education programs. By creating platforms for students to express their experiences and perspectives, they are fostering an environment of empowerment and creativity in classrooms across New Orleans.
YF Innovator Luke Wall of Only7Seconds received a prestigious Murdock Trust grant to further his mission of addressing youth loneliness in the Pacific Northwest. With this funding, Only7Seconds will expand its impactful work, connecting young people and building community through meaningful digital experiences.
Spotlight on Youth Voices
In honor of Safer Internet Day, our YFI, Trisha Prabhu of ReThink Citizens, shines a spotlight on the power of youth in creating a safer digital world. She reminds us that young people are the ones driving trends and spreading positive change online. By practicing kindness, critical thinking, and digital literacy, youth can help reclaim the humanity and respect that the internet needs. Read her blog post and watch the video here!
What We’re Reading (& Watching)
This Is No Time to Go Wobbly on Screen Use (The Wall Street Journal, Feb. 9)
Don’t Try to Rescue Your Kid From the ‘Learning Pit’ (The Wall Street Journal, Feb. 9)
Do Yondr Pouches Really Work? School districts love the “phone prisons.” Students have already figured out how to get around them. (New York Magazine, Feb. 5)
A Professor Put Her Class on TikTok. Thousands Enrolled in a Digital H.B.C.U. (The New York Times, Feb. 5)
Teaching teens to navigate 2025’s trends and challenges (Wral News, Feb. 4)
Stop Panicking Over Teens and Social Media (The Wall Street Journal, Jan. 31)
Bill Gates Traumatized His Parents—and Other Stories of a Wild, Wonky Youth (Wired, Jan. 31)
Now in College, Luddite Teens Still Don’t Want Your Likes (The New York Times, Jan. 30)
The Twitch Streamer Using Face Recognition to Make Video Games More Accessible (Wired, Jan. 30)
How DeepSeek Changed the A.I. Game (The New York Times, Jan. 28)
Are You Lonely? Adopt a New Family on Facebook Today (Wired, Jan. 28)
Talking to Teens
In a recent podcast, renowned clinical psychologist Dr. Lisa Damour and her co-host, former journalist and mom of two Reena Ninan, dive into the challenges parents face when navigating their children's technology use. They explore how hard it is to pull back once tech has become ingrained in family life and discuss the delicate balance parents must strike while managing their own screen time and setting limits for their kids. The conversation stresses the importance of understanding the reasons behind technology use, like connection and entertainment, while emphasizing the need for open communication and mutual guidelines between parents and children. To hear more about fostering healthy tech habits in families, be sure to watch the full podcast!
Friends of YF
A huge congratulations to the 2025 cohort of the Responsible Technology Youth Power Fund (RTYPF), which includes 18 youth and intergenerationally-led organizations dedicated to creating a safer, more equitable digital future. This year’s grantees are tackling vital issues like AI safety, digital wellbeing, and tech-driven climate solutions, with innovative leaders making a significant impact on youth mental health, social justice, and online safety. We’re especially excited to see YF Innovators ReThink Citizens and #HalfTheStory among this powerful group, shaping the future for teens in technology!
All Tech Is Human brought together an incredible community of people dedicated to making tech more responsible and aligned with the public interest for 2025 Responsible Tech Community Report. They dive deep into the future of tech built for the public good, featuring 25 in-depth profiles of changemakers and highlighting over 100 organizations committed to creating a more ethical and inclusive tech ecosystem, including our Executive Director, Katya Hancock. If you want to read more, download the report here!
Funding Opportunities
The AARP Community Challenge is now accepting applications for its 2025 quick-action grant program. Applications are due by 5:00 p.m. ET / 2:00 p.m. PT on March 5, 2025, with funding opportunities across multiple categories aimed at benefiting residents. Projects can focus on enhancing public spaces, transportation, housing, digital connections, or community resilience. Grants for Flagship, Demonstration, and Capacity-Building Microgrants will be awarded to organizations that meet eligibility requirements.
Upcoming Events
Apply Now! Our YFI Trisha Prabhu and ReThink Citizens are excited to announce the opening of their applications for the ReThink Citizens Youth Coalition (RCYC) Innovator Academy! This incredible, 100% free six-week virtual program is designed to empower youth (ages 13-17) with the tools, mentorship, and skills they need to become leaders and innovators in the digital space. Participants will have the opportunity to develop tech solutions for digital challenges, enhance their leadership and advocacy skills, and network with mentors and industry leaders. Applications due March 14, 2025, and preference is given to Chicagoland applicants, though youth from across Illinois are encouraged to apply! If you know any passionate, tech-savvy youth who are eager to make an impact in their communities, share this opportunity with them. Click here for more details and to apply!
Our YFI Larissa May from #HalfTheStory, along with Ok to Delay and PTAC, invites families to join the Screen Freedom Family Night on Sunday, March 2nd, from 4-6 PM at the Arch Street Teen Center in Greenwich, Connecticut. This event is a unique opportunity for families with tweens (ages 9-13) to connect, explore, grow together and engage in a meaningful family discussion on how to maintain a healthy relationship with technology in a fun and supportive environment. The event will feature a Q&A session, interactive family circle conversations, and a candy & popcorn bar for everyone to enjoy. Tickets and more information can be found here!
