Teens Are Under Pressure—The 10 (newest!) YF Innovators Are Taking Action 🔥
Young Futures Community,
The day is finally here! We’re proud to introduce ten visionary leaders—grant recipients of the Under Pressure Challenge—who are stepping up to tackle one of the greatest challenges to youth wellbeing today.
Why focus on pressure? Young people today are navigating relentless expectations—achievement, appearance, social life—many of which may be amplified (and sometimes eased) by technology. This challenge was shaped by research from our collaborators at the Harvard School of Graduate Education’s Center for Digital Thriving (CDT), and by what we heard directly from young people in the Young Futures Youth Listening Tour. CDT’s findings highlight how digital tension can intensify the pressures—or "grinds"—that young people face. In fact, 81% of American teens report feeling pressure that makes them feel bad in at least one of six key areas. Through our Youth Listening Tour, teens reinforced this reality, sharing how social media and technology can be both a support system and a source of overwhelming stress.
This work has never been more critical—our nation’s future depends on the mental and emotional wellbeing of our young people. If we don’t address these mounting pressures, we risk a generation overwhelmed by stress—held back from their potential to lead, create, innovate and thrive. That’s why we launched this open funding call: to find and support solutions that alleviate these pressures, spark hope, and empower teens with the agency to navigate life in a digitally saturated world.
Now, it’s time to rally behind these YF Innovators. They are building the future young people need—and we all have a stake in their success.
Meet the newest YF Innovators:
Anahita Dalmia – Agents of Influence: Created during her senior year of college and the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Agents of Influence offers a gamified solution to help the next generation make informed and responsible decisions in a world where misinformation and disinformation distort our reality.
Carolyn Gan – California Partners Project: Passionate about driving lasting change, Carolyn helps caregivers support the teens in their lives with research-backed and culturally sensitive resources.
Arielle Geismar – Design It For Us: At just 16, Arielle gained national recognition for organizing 10,000 students to protest gun violence and has since led impactful campaigns and shaped policies in technology, mental health, and youth rights. At Design It For Us, she co-leads work advocating for safer social media and online platforms for kids, teens, and young adults.
Juliana Lozano – Despierta: Drawing from her own experiences with therapy and as a first-generation college graduate, Juliana founded Despierta to provide culturally responsive care for Latinas, particularly for immigrant and first-generation communities.
Michael “Mike” Fauteux – GiveThx: With over two decades of experience as an educator dedicated to advancing equity, Mike applies gratitude science in this digital program to bolster student and educator wellbeing and social-emotional skills.
Valerie Grison-Alsop – Give Us The Floor: Inspired by the cultural and identity struggles she faced growing up, Valerie combines her career expertise in media and advertising, background in science, and empathy as a mother to create research-based solutions that provide safe and accessible online peer support for 2SLGBTQIA+ youth nationwide.
Samin Bhan – Lookupp: Nationally recognized for his work reshaping the future of social connection at the intersection of technology and research, Samin co-founded Lookupp in high school with his brother, Atiksh, offering a solution that encourages communities to “look up” from their phones and be rewarded for engaging face-to-face with those around them.
Madeline “Maddie” Freeman – NoSo: At just 24, Maddie was named to the 2025 Forbes 30 Under 30 list, recognized for her work as founder and CEO of NoSo, a digital wellness nonprofit helping teens around the world find a healthy tech/life balance.
Regisha “Reggie” Rijkaard – Pause 4 Peace Foundation: From giving her weekly allowance to homeless individuals as a child to establishing a reading center for underserved children in the Philippines as a teen, Reggie has committed her life to uplifting marginalized communities through education and mindfulness. As the leader of Pause 4 Peace, a global movement, she is influencing the next generation of influencers to navigate the digital world mindfully.
Michelle Culver – Rithm Project: Having been at the forefront of human flourishing for over two decades, and with experience as an educator and leader building Teach for America’s first national program, Michelle launched the Rithm Project to empower young people to rebuild and evolve human connection in the age of AI.
This cohort of Young Futures Innovators is leading the charge in addressing digital stress, empowering youth to engage with technology in a way that supports their mental health and wellbeing.
Stay tuned for more updates on these amazing changemakers and the impact they’re already having. We can’t wait to see them in Northern California for our YF Retreat in less than a month!
Warmly,
Katya Hancock
Executive Director, Young Futures
Young Futures in the News
February 18, YouTube Video, Generations Video Series, Episode 3 features father-daughter duo Apuroopa and Madhu as they share their personal experiences growing up in different eras and navigating the digital world together. In this episode, they discuss the importance of teaching independence, setting boundaries, and instilling confidence while balancing family values with the pressures of social media. They offer valuable insights into how families can support each other through the challenges of the digital age. Watch the episode with your teen and explore how you can empower your family to grow and thrive in today’s connected world!
February 12, Impact Report, Young Futures’ 2024 Impact Report highlights our commitment to empowering young people to thrive in a digital world. In 2024, we awarded ~$2 million to help nonprofits scale their innovative solutions and reach nearly 200,000 youth. Our work continues to drive systemic change, equipping youth leaders with the tools and resources they need to navigate the complexities of today’s evolving digital landscape. In 2025 we are expanding our reach introducing our YF 500 initiative and 3 upcoming funding challenges. If you haven’t already, check out the full report!
Young Futures Innovators in the News
Lonely Hearts Cohort YF Innovator NyRee Clayton-Taylor of Hip Hop Into Learning (HHN2L) is continuing to empower youth through creative expression, using hip hop as a tool to build confidence, literacy, and leadership skills. By blending education with music, NyRee is creating a transformative space for students to explore their potential and shape their futures.
Under Pressure Cohort YF Innovator Maddie Freeman of NoSo released their 2024 Impact Report showcasing their significant strides in promoting digital wellness among youth, highlighting the success of their "No Social Media November" initiative, and giving a sneak peek into their expansion plans.
Under Pressure Cohort YF Innovator Juliana Lozano of Despierta was featured in a recent article by La Noticia, spotlighting their efforts to support Latina youth by providing access to graduation and quinceañera dresses, working to empower young women to feel confident and celebrated during these important milestones— strengthening their sense of identity and belonging in the process.
Spotlight on Youth Voices
Ever wondered why teens are ditching traditional news and turning to TikTok for their daily updates? For 15-year-old Iman Pabani, this shift isn’t just about a trend—it’s a whole new way of processing information. As she interviews her peers about why they trust TikTok more than experts, she uncovers a surprising truth: for Gen Z, influencers are the new authority figures, and experts are increasingly seen as outdated or irrelevant. It’s a world where catchy videos trump traditional news or “complicated facts”, and what feels familiar is more trusted than what’s actually proven. Curious about how social media has rewired an entire generation’s view of credibility? Dive into Iman’s eye-opening Fortune article here!
What We’re Reading (& Watching)
How 12 Americans See Life After Watching a Lot of TikTok (The New York Times, Feb. 24)
Media Literacy in Schools Is on the Rise as Teachers Grapple With Misinformation and Conspiracy Theories (Teen Vouge, Feb. 20)
Common Sense Media Sponsors Groundbreaking California Bill to Protect Children in the Age of AI (Common Sense Media, Feb. 20)
Playboi Farti and his AI Homework Machine (Search Engine, Feb. 14)
There is No "Right" Age for Digital Consent (LinkedIn, Feb. 10)
A Professor Put Her Class on TikTok. Thousands Enrolled in a Digital H.B.C.U. (The New York Times, Feb. 6)
How a podcast is helping teens around the world feel connected (Today, Jan. 29)
Why social health is key to happiness and longevity (TED, Oct. 2024)
Talking to Teens
In a recent video series, The Jed Foundation (JED) teams up with YouTube and Room1041 to launch "Mind Matters: Creators Open Up About Mental Health" This series is aimed at providing teens with valuable tips and tools to support their emotional wellbeing as they navigate the challenges of learning, creating, and growing. Throughout the series, popular creators share their personal experiences, offering relatable insights on how to maintain mental health in today’s fast-paced digital world and emphasizing the importance of self-care and mental resilience. Be sure to check out the full series for a deeper look into how teens can foster emotional wellbeing in their everyday lives!
Friends of YF
Our collaborators, The Center for Digital Thriving at Harvard’s Graduate School of Education, are now accepting applications for their 2025-2026 Digital Thriving Fellowship Program. This fellowship is designed for individuals who are passionate about digital equity and education, and are eager to drive innovation in the digital learning space. If you’re ready to make an impact and gain hands-on experience through collaborative projects, mentorship, and professional development, this fellowship could be the perfect fit for you. Applications are open to all backgrounds and experiences, and the program offers stipends and funding opportunities. Click here to see the application timeline and learn more about the fellowship!
The Patrick J. McGovern Foundation (PJMF) has just launched its Learning Hub, designed to guide organizations through their data and AI transformation journey. Whether you’re just starting to explore AI or are looking for ways to deepen your understanding, this platform offers accessible, clear resources to support your work. Begin with the "AI 101 for Nonprofit Organizations" module to get a solid foundation in how AI can enhance your impact. The Hub is continuously expanding, with new tools and learning opportunities being added regularly. Visit the Learning Hub and share your feedback on what additional resources would be helpful as you embark on your AI journey!
Funding Opportunities
The Cigna Group Foundation is now accepting applications for its 2025 Improving Youth Mental Health grant program, with a total commitment of $9 million over three years. This initiative aims to support the mental wellbeing of youth aged 5-18, addressing post-pandemic stress and distress. Nonprofits with evidence-informed programs that focus on social-emotional learning, trauma-informed services, and increasing pathways to mental health care are encouraged to apply. The grant will help organizations enhance their services for underserved youth and their families. Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. ET on March 13, 2025. Learn more and apply here!
The Mental Health Action Network is now accepting applications for grants to support innovative community activations around A.S.K. (Acknowledge, Support, Keep-In-Touch) on Mental Health Action Day (5/15/25). As part of MTV's ongoing Mental Health is Health campaign, these grants are designed to help organizations engage with their local communities, especially those serving young people in areas with limited mental health resources. A total of at least 10 grants, up to $10,000 each, will be awarded to 501(c)(3) nonpartisan nonprofit organizations. These grants will be awarded in partnership with local CBS stations to amplify the reach of the selected organizations. Applications are due by 11:59 PM EST on March 9, 2025, and selected recipients will be notified by March 20, 2025. Apply here and for any questions, contact tulsi.patel@paramount.com.
Upcoming Events
Illinois youth (ages 13-17), are you passionate about technology, advocacy, or community organizing? Do you want to bring your ideas for a better internet to life? Then the ReThink Citizens Youth Coalition Innovator Academy is the program for you! Join our YFI Trisha Prabhu and ReThink Citizens on March 5, 2025, at 6:30 PM EST for a live info session where you can learn all about this incredible, 100% free six-week virtual program. Designed to empower young leaders, the Innovator Academy will provide 20 youth innovators from Illinois with the skills, mentorship, and resources to develop technology, policy, and advocacy solutions to digital challenges. This is your chance to make a real impact on the internet and your community! Don’t miss out—register for the info session now and learn how to apply before the March 14th deadline!
