Summer’s Here. The Kids Are Home. The Screens Are Calling.
🚨Don’t Miss the #UnderPressureCohort Showcase! 🚨
On June 25, meet 10 groundbreaking innovators redefining digital wellbeing for teens. They’re doing amazing work, including:
Tools to help teens relieve pressures (achievement, appearance, etc.)
Programs that nurture self-worth, social connection, and belonging
Empowering young people to have agency over their tech use
And so much more…
📅 Date: June 25, 2025
⏰ Time: 9:00am PT / 12:00pm ET
Young Futures Community,
Summer is here—the season of sunshine, freedom… and, let’s be honest, a mix of realities. For young people, it’s a stretch of open-ended time they’ve been craving all year. No bells, no assignments, just the wide horizon of summer stretching ahead. But here’s the irony: in a world where kids are longing for time, unstructured days often slip away into screens instead of the deep, immersive experiences, like getting lost in a book, that they thought they wanted.
For some families, summer is a welcome stretch of fun and relaxation. For others, especially working parents and caregivers, it can bring a fair amount of stress: juggling camps, scrambling for childcare, and navigating screen time battles. The "lazy days" of summer? Not always.
If this resonates, you’re not alone. Research shows that kids’ screen time jumps by nearly 2 hours a day in summer, with children ages 8–12 logging over 5 hours daily compared to 3–4 during the school year (Common Sense Media, 2021). And while not all screen time is equal, the shift from structured school days to open-ended weeks can leave everyone feeling unmoored.
The good news? Balance is possible, and it doesn’t require a perfect schedule or banning devices altogether. Small shifts, like setting clear expectations with kids, carving out tech-free zones (hello, family dinners outside!), and embracing boredom as a catalyst for creativity, can make a big difference. (Spoiler: In #HalfTheStory’s In The Loop newsletter, Nora Brue has a great piece on how reading flourishes when we create the right conditions, like time and mental stillness. Sound familiar?)
We see you navigating this messy, beautiful season. And we’re here to help. Check out this podcast from our friends, the Digital Wellness Lab and Harvard Graduate School of Education, on navigating screen time and finding balance for kids in the summer.
Warmly,
Katya Hancock
CEO, Young Futures
Young Futures Innovators in the News
Under Pressure Cohort YF Innovator Carolyn Gan of Cal Partners Project is tackling the digital dilemmas facing today’s families with bold, community-driven solutions. As Executive Director, she merges research and real-world insights to help parents and kids reclaim balance in a screen-saturated world. From advocating for tech accountability to creating offline spaces for connection, Gan’s work ensures childhood thrives—both online and off. Read her full spotlight here.
Spotlight on Youth Voices
Nora Brue, a book-loving teenager drowning in the digital age, tackles this cultural shift in #HalfTheStory’s In The Loop Substack, We’re Not Reading Less Because We’re Lazy. With sharp insight and refreshing honesty, Chen dissects how modern life has turned reading into a luxury—something we should do, but rarely can. She rejects the lazy Gen Z stereotype, arguing that the real culprit isn’t a lack of effort, but a world that rewards skimming over sinking in. From confessing her own COVID-era reading binge to calling out schools for reducing books to bullet points, Chen’s voice cracks open the quiet crisis of attention. Her conclusion? Teens aren’t abandoning books—they’re starving for the time, space, and permission to actually enjoy them. And until we stop treating reading like a productivity hack, deep thought might remain just another notification we swipe away.
What We’re Reading (& Watching)
Google DeepMind’s CEO Thinks AI Will Make Humans Less Selfish (Wired, Jun 4)
Three for Thriving | No. 6 | Last week's news on youth, tech & well-being (Center for Digital Thriving, Jun 2)
For Some Recent Graduates, the A.I. Job Apocalypse May Already Be Here (The New York Times, May 30)
Texas Requires Apple and Google to Verify Ages for App Downloads (The New York Times, May 27)
Let’s Talk About ChatGPT and Cheating in the Classroom (Wired, May 23)
Almost half of young people would prefer a world without internet, UK study finds (The Guardian, May 19)
How a social network is bringing people together in increasingly divisive times (PBS News, May 7)
High Schools Training Students for Manual Labor as AI Looms Over College and Jobs (Futurism, Mar 3)
Talking to Teens
Rebecca Winthrop grapples with a pressing question in her recent discussion on The Ezra Klein Show: How should schools prepare children for a future increasingly shaped by A.I.? Drawing on her expertise as an education policy analyst, Winthrop argues that traditional metrics like grades may fall short in a rapidly evolving world—and highlights the skills that will truly matter. Among them? Cultivating agency in learning (so kids can adapt to uncertainty), prioritizing human connection (as interpersonal skills grow more valuable), and elevating speaking and listening as critical literacy tools. Her takeaway? The classrooms of tomorrow must nurture curiosity, collaboration, and oracy to equip students for the unknowns ahead. Listen now for a fresh perspective on reimagining education in the A.I. age.
Friends of YF
For LGBTQ+ youth, the internet can be a lifeline—a space to explore identity, find affirmation, and connect with peers who share their experiences. Yet these same online environments can also expose them to bullying, harassment, and anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric. To better understand this duality, our friends at Hopelab and Born This Way Foundation conducted a groundbreaking study surveying over 1,200 LGBTQ+ young people across the U.S., capturing their digital experiences and highlighting the critical role of supportive online communities. The findings reveal how trusted adult partnerships and youth-driven insights can foster safer, kinder spaces that boost mental well-being and reduce depression. The report delves into how LGBTQ+ youth navigate online platforms—from exploring gender and sexuality to forming lasting friendships—while also managing risks like harassment and unsafe content. At a time when platform policies and legislation increasingly impact LGBTQ+ safety, this research offers actionable strategies for creating inclusive digital and real-world spaces. Centering youth voices, the study engaged LGBTQ+ young people directly in interpreting the data, reinforcing a commitment to equity-centered, youth-led research. Explore the key findings here and read the full report here.
The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation recently spotlighted one of our founding funding partners, The Goodness Web (TGW), and its CEO, Celine Coggins, in a conversation about transforming youth mental health through strategic philanthropy. TGW is a national collaborative of nearly 200 family philanthropies investing in evidence-based solutions to reshape mental health and wellbeing for young people. Since 2022, TGW has granted over $10 million to organizations driving systemic change—from on-campus prevention programs to policy advocacy—while also providing grantees with critical non-financial support like coaching and strategic planning. With a focus on early intervention, equitable access, and workforce development, TGW empowers donors to fund high-impact initiatives, including those addressing mental health deserts and digital well-being. As Coggins shared, collaborative funding models like TGW’s (and ours!) are essential to destigmatizing mental health and directing resources where they’re needed most. To learn more about their work, read the article or visit thegoodnessweb.org.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) is inviting teens to help shape a healthier social media landscape through their Youth Advisory Panel (YAP)! This incredible opportunity for youth ages 14–17 lets them share their firsthand experiences, collaborate with pediatric experts, and influence resources designed to support young people’s mental health in the digital world. Over the course of a year (October 2025–September 2026), YAP members will attend monthly virtual meetings, contribute to projects, and help create tools for families, educators, and doctors—all while earning a $1,800 stipend for their insights. No special expertise is needed—just a passion for making social media safer and more supportive for teens. With applications due by June 13, 2025, this is a meaningful way for young voices to drive change. The AAP welcomes all interested teens (living in the U.S.) to apply, whether they’re seasoned advocates or just beginning to explore their role in shaping online spaces. Apply now or reach out to Marija Hegel at youth@aap.org if you have any questions.
The Morgan Stanley Alliance for Children’s Mental Health Innovation Awards offer grants ranging from $25,000 to $100,000, with applications due by July 7, 2025. This $550,000 initiative supports transformative mental healthcare solutions for children and young adults in the U.S., targeting nonprofits with annual revenues under $5 million. Funding is divided into Innovation Awards ($100,000 each) for all eligible organizations and Next Gen Innovation Awards ($25,000–$50,000 each) for nonprofits founded or led by leaders under 32 with at least two years of operation. Selected grantees receive seed funding, recognition, networking opportunities, and access to the Leadership Learning Series for expert-led training. Eligible applicants include U.S.-based 501(c)(3) public charities, with priority given to innovative, scalable approaches to youth mental health. For more details, review the FAQs or apply here!
UpTide Accelerator by 92NY is offering $5,000 unrestricted grants plus the opportunity to win up to $25,000 in additional funding, with applications due by June 8, 2025. This transformative hybrid program runs from September 2025 through January 2026, combining virtual sessions with an immersive week in New York City where nonprofit leaders can refine their pitches, connect with experts, and compete for extra funding. Designed for U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations tackling the "Crisis of Community," selected participants receive a customized strategic plan, board engagement support, and mentorship to help scale their impact. Ideal for Executive Directors of nonprofits with proven, scalable models, UpTine provides the tools and network to amplify their reach. For more information contact uptide@92ny.org or apply now here!
Born This Way Foundation’s Kindness in Community Fund is providing grants of up to $150,000, with nominations due by June 30, 2025, at 12 PM PST. Supported by Sephora, which will donate $1 from every Haus Labs product sold during Pride Month, this fund focuses on youth-led organizations offering free and accessible mental health support, particularly for LGBTQ+ youth. Open to nonprofits, NGOs, and tax-exempt groups in over 20 countries, the initiative prioritizes inclusive, equitable programs driven by young people. Nominations are reviewed by Born This Way’s Youth Advisory Board, and young people ages 15–24 are especially encouraged to nominate local mental health organizations. Visit bornthisway.foundation/kic-faq for details or email KiC@bornthiswayfoundation.org with questions. Submit your nomination here!
Decolonizing Wealth Project’s Youth Mental Health Fund offers grants ranging from $30,000 to $250,000, with applications due by July 10, 2025, at 5 PM Pacific. This $15 million initiative supports culturally responsive mental health care for BIPOC and LGBTQ+ youth (ages 12–24) in the U.S., with funding divided into Anchor Grants ($100,000–$250,000) for established organizations and Opportunity Grants ($30,000–$100,000) for smaller or emerging groups. Priority is given to youth-led programs, cultural healing practices, and mental health advocacy. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, Federally Recognized Tribes, and fiscally sponsored projects, with grantees receiving flexible funding and capacity-building support. An informational webinar will be held on June 24—register online for details or check out the application page. For technical assistance, email info@justfund.us and for proposal questions, contact rich@decolonizingwealth.com.
Upcoming Events
Register now! The Foundation for Social Connection and Healthy Places by Design is bringing together groundbreaking leaders, researchers, and changemakers for three transformative days of collaboration and innovation. Join them October 28–30 in Atlanta for the 2025 Social Connection Conference – Seeds of Connection! Dive into inspiring keynotes, thought-provoking panels, and immersive site visits—all designed to spark meaningful connections and fuel systemic change. With this year’s focus on nurturing relationships to strengthen communities, your participation will help grow a movement that bridges sectors and redefines social well-being. Don’t miss your chance to connect with visionaries from nonprofits, government, business, and grassroots organizations—early bird pricing ends June 15th (use code 'EarlyBird' at checkout)! Register now and be part of the change!
