The Call Me Maybe Challenge: A $500K Bet on Youth-Led Solutions for Phones in Schools
Young Futures Community,
When I was a teenager, I spent hours on the phone (landline!) with friends every evening, eventually leveling up to a pager (yup) in high school, and a cell phone in college. I still remember how miraculous it felt to be able to make plans and connect with friends on the go. The common theme that still rings true with today’s teens: using tech for connection. But there is one major difference—these were not smartphones. In today’s world, devices have launched us far beyond basic connection into the land of creativity, boundless possibilities…and also distraction. And there is no place where this issue is more glaring than at school.
That’s why we’re launching the Call Me Maybe Challenge—a $500,000 rapid-response funding initiative seeded by Pinterest, and supported by Pivotal Ventures and Susan Crown Exchange. We’re backing solutions that empower pre-teens, teens, families, and educators to navigate the complexities of phone use in schools—without losing sight of the voices that matter most: young people themselves.
Many states and schools have turned to bans, but enforcement is a challenge, and restrictions alone miss a golden window of time to equip teens with the skills to build a healthy relationship with technology. Without guidance, they’re left to figure it out on their own the second they get their phones back. Instead of just limiting access, we can empower them to manage their attention, strengthen in-person connections, and develop lifelong digital wellbeing habits.
At Young Futures, we’ve seen that school phone policies exist on a spectrum, generally falling into four key archetypes:
📵 Full Ban – Phones are strictly prohibited on campus.
📴 Discouragement – Phones aren’t allowed, but enforcement is inconsistent.
📱 No Policy – There are no formal rules governing phone use.
📲 Full Integration – Phones are intentionally incorporated into learning.
Regardless of approach, effectiveness hinges on two things: buy-in from students, families, and educators—and resources to enforce and sustain policies. Critically, young people want to be part of the solution, yet they’re rarely included in shaping the rules that govern their learning environments. This leads to less buy-in, and less effective policies (think…calculators in Yondr pouches).
Funding Youth-Led Solutions
The Call Me Maybe Challenge will provide funding to up to 10 nonprofits (including schools with 501(c)(3) status) designing youth-led, research-backed, and community-driven solutions that:
Balance tech’s potential with distraction-free learning
Rebuild in-person social connection
Engage students in policy co-design
Create solutions that are realistic and sustainable
The challenge opens to applicants on March 19. Read the full RFP here, and more about our POV here. If you know someone who should apply, pass it on.
We can’t wait to see the incredible ideas and solutions that will emerge from this challenge, and meet the next cohort of YF Innovators!
Warmly,
Katya Hancock
Executive Director, Young Futures
Young Futures in the News
March 14, LinkedIn Article, YF’s Executive Director, Katya Hancock, shares the details on Young Futures’ latest funding challenge! The Call Me Maybe Challenge will fund up to 10 youth-informed solutions to help schools navigate the complexities of student phone use. This $500,000 open funding call launches next Wednesday, March 19th. Don’t miss it!
March 10, YouTube Video, Masterclass Video Series, this masterclass features Kerry-Ann Hamilton, CEO of Storytelling for Good, as she explores the art of crafting effective communication plans that resonate with diverse audiences. She shares valuable strategies on how to understand your audience's needs and motivations, tailor messages for maximum impact, and map your audience to create clear, compelling communications. Watch this episode now to discover expert insights on mastering your messaging and making a lasting impact!
March 3, LinkedIn Article, YF’s Communications Associate, Brooke Messaye, dives into the rising challenge of misinformation and its impact on Gen Z’s digital habits. Despite being digital natives, studies show that Gen Z is more susceptible to misinformation than older generations, largely due to how social media algorithms reinforce biases. Brooke explores the divide within Gen Z, from older “Zillennials” who fall prey to political misinformation and conspiracy theories, to younger Gen Z who tend to trust influencers over traditional news outlets. She highlights how digital literacy and critical thinking can be key tools in combating this growing issue. With the right support, Gen Z has the potential to become the most misinformation-savvy generation yet—ensuring a future where truth prevails.
Young Futures Innovators in the News
Lonely Hearts Cohort YF Innovator Domenico “Dom” Ruggerio of We Are Family (WAF) is continuing to empower LGBTQ+ youth in South Carolina through safe, affirming spaces and leadership development, ensuring they have the resources to thrive and create change in their communities. By providing mental health support and fostering a sense of belonging, Dom’s work is helping young people feel valued and equipped to lead.
Lonely Hearts Cohort YF Innovator Lewis Bernstein of Sesame 3G is bridging generational gaps and combating loneliness through intergenerational mentorship, using Sesame Street clips to spark meaningful connections between teens, older adults, and preschoolers. His vision is to create a national movement that promotes empathy, social connection, and stronger, more connected communities.
Spotlight on Youth Voices
Ever thought about how TikTok and Reels are changing the way this generation studies? For Nora, it’s not just a trend—it’s a reflection of how our attention spans and learning habits are evolving in the digital age. In her deep dive into the intersection of social media culture and education, Nora reveals how students are adapting to shorter, more stimulating forms of content. From TikTok-inspired study tools to AI-driven study aids paired with Minecraft gameplay, it’s clear that the traditional classroom is being reshaped by our constant need for quick, engaging visuals. But does this new approach actually help us learn, or is it just another way to distract ourselves? Explore Nora’s insights in #HalftheStory’s In the Loop newsletter and see how TikTok’s influence is making its way into the classroom.
What We’re Reading (& Watching)
How to Spend Less Time on Social Media (or Leave It Altogether) (The New York Times, Mar 12)
AI Agents Reveal New Tech Possibilities in K–12 Education (Ed Tech Magazine, Mar 7)
Why School Districts Are Spending Millions to Revive High-School Shop Classes (The Wall Street Journal, Mar 6)
9 Tips to Navigate Group Chat Drama (The Social Institute, March 5)
How Augmented Reality Glasses Could Support Learning (Ed Tech Magazine, Mar 5)
When There’s No School Counselor, There’s a Bot (The Wall Street Journal, Feb 22)
What Students Are Saying About A.I. and the Future of Work (The New York Times, Feb 27)
The Teen-Disengagement Crisis (The Atlantic, Feb 26)
What Is Digital Citizenship in 2025? How Is It Taught? (Ed Tech Magazine, Feb 17)
Talking to Teens
Mx. Ash Brandin (@thegamereducator) recently shared some insightful thoughts on the findings from the 2025 Common Sense Media census. While overall screen time has stayed consistent since the 2020 report, there's been an increase in gaming time, with mobile games being the most played. Despite the growing concerns among parents about the content their children are exposed to, many still aren't using tools to manage screen time or restrict content. Mx. Ash emphasized the need for tech companies like Roblox, Nintendo, and Apple to simplify settings for easier content control. Given these findings, think about these prompts: how can parents and caregivers start more open conversations with their teens about setting boundaries around screen time and ensure the content they engage with is appropriate? How can these insights help improve family media management?
Friends of YF
The UNICEF USA National Youth Council has just opened applications for the 2024-2025 term, providing an exciting opportunity for young leaders aged 14-24 to make a tangible impact on child rights. Council members work directly with UNICEF staff to amplify youth voices, advocate for policy change, and engage in meaningful projects that shape the future of youth participation in global social justice initiatives. By joining the National Youth Council, you'll have the chance to elevate youth perspectives in national conversations, create social media content, and contribute to strategic initiatives that inspire change. The position also offers unique learning experiences, including training sessions and opportunities to network with like-minded peers and leaders. The application period is open now!
Funding Opportunities
The Adobe Employee Community Fund (ECF) is now accepting proposals for grants aimed at supporting organizations that align with Adobe’s core beliefs and address challenges in the communities where Adobe employees live and work. The ECF program offers grants of $20,000 USD for one year, providing unrestricted general support with no formal reporting requirements. In 2024, the fund awarded $6 million USD to 300 organizations across 28 offices globally. Proposals will be reviewed by a panel of Adobe employees at local offices, and applicants must demonstrate how their work aligns with Adobe's key areas, such as creativity, sustainability, and technology. U.S.-based organizations must be 501(c)(3) public charities, while international applicants must be recognized nonprofits in their local jurisdictions. Applications are open, and the guidelines and resources toolkit is available to assist applicants. For more information or technical assistance, contact grants@benevity.com or aecf@adobe.com.
Upcoming Events
Apply Now! Our YFI Maddie Freeman and her organization, NoSo, are excited to announce the opening of three contracted roles with NoSo. They're looking for passionate, experienced individuals to join our mission in the following areas: Fundraising/Financial Management, School Program Management, and Web Design. If your values align with their work and you or someone in your network have the relevant experience, we encourage you to apply! Apply by submitting your previous work and leadership experience, and feel free to include your resume, cover letter, or past work samples. For more information, read here and then apply here and send all of your materials to nosonovember@gmail.com.
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!
