The Power of Young People

In this captivating episode, join us as we delve into the inspiring stories of Nathan, Rafi, and Rishabh, winners of the 2023 Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes. These remarkable individuals are at the forefront of driving positive change in their communities and beyond. Nathan shares his journey with Invasive AI, a groundbreaking app tackling the spread of invasive species. Rafi opens up about Operation Verde, a climate justice initiative addressing urban America's environmental challenges. Meanwhile, Rishabh discusses his pioneering work in neuroscience and its potential impact on society. Get ready to be inspired by the passion and dedication of these young leaders as they discuss their innovative solutions and their vision for a better world.

In this thought-provoking episode of The Power of Young People, Amy and Kaleb dive deep into the significance of Civic Learning Week and the broader landscape of civic engagement. Hear about Kaleb's compelling personal journey into politics and civic participation, underscoring the necessity of unwavering dedication. Together, they illuminate the pivotal role of education in nurturing active citizenship and the profound impact of an informed electorate on our collective decision-making. Delving into pressing issues, they confront the looming threats to democracy, including disinformation and voter suppression, while advocating for robust civic education as a bulwark against misinformation. With a stirring call to action, Amy and Kaleb inspire listeners to take an active stance in their communities and exercise their fundamental right to vote. Tune in to ignite your passion for civic involvement and drive positive change in society.

Join us today, where we unravel the inspiring journey of Giuliana, a 13-year-old dynamo creating waves of positivity. We dive deep into the heartwarming tale of G's Giving Gowns, Giuliana's nonprofit revolutionizing pediatric care. From bright hospital gowns to colorful pillows, discover how this young Girl Scout cadette is spreading smiles across 35 states. Be ready to be inspired and learn how even the smallest acts can weave a tapestry of joy in the lives of those fighting pediatric cancer. Tune in and witness the power of young people making a difference!

Join us as we dive into the powerful intersection of youth, mental health, and the therapeutic world of fishing. In this episode, we chat with Vic Tan, the 15-year-old president and co-founder of Fish Hut, a nonprofit dedicated to promoting positive mental health among youth through fishing. Discover how Vic's passion for fishing has turned into a mission to make a difference. Learn about Fish Hut's innovative approach, including fish huts, events, and contests, and explore the profound impact of connecting young people with the outdoors. Get inspired to cast away stress and reel in the benefits of embracing nature. Don't miss this episode full of insights, stories, and the simple joy of fishing!

Join us as we dive into the inspiring journeys of young individuals who are making a significant impact on the world. From cultivating mushroom farms to combating food insecurity, leading music therapy initiatives to solving homelessness, these young minds share their stories, challenges, and valuable lessons. Get ready to be motivated, as these remarkable individuals prove that age is just a number when it comes to creating positive change. Tune in to explore the stories of Te’Lario, Grace, and Armando as they unleash their passion and make a difference, one initiative at a time.

In this episode, we sit down with Purvi Shenoy, the founder and CEO of Global Girls Convergence. At just sixteen years old, Purvi is crafting a TED talk on the paradox of progress, leading initiatives on nature education for low-income children, and addressing the refugee crisis in Asia. Discover how Global Girls Convergence is igniting change, one girl at a time, and tackling the widespread issue of period poverty. Get ready for a conversation filled with passion, empathy, and the unstoppable power of young changemakers.

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Sydnie Collins, a dynamic teenage leader, and the force behind the Perfect Timing podcast. Aspiring motivational speaker, community advocate, and founder of the nonprofit Live Your Future Educated, Sydnie shares her story of transforming challenges into opportunities. Tune in to discover her insights on youth leadership, the power of empathy, and the importance of creating positive change in communities. Don't miss this empowering episode with a remarkable young voice shaping the future.

Join Abby Wolfe, Director of School Programs, and youth leaders Josh and David in a compelling episode shedding light on their journeys battling the global water crisis through the Thirst Project. Abby shares her transformation from high school awareness to full-time commitment. Josh unveils how a biology project led him to spearhead a campaign in Pennsylvania, while David discusses their unique approaches in water-challenged Arizona.

Explore the Thirst Project's mission to end the global water crisis by cultivating a socially conscious generation. Learn about students worldwide actively participating, organizing events, and fundraising for clean water. Discover the skills and personal growth fostered through Thirst Project involvement.

The team shares impactful stories, emphasizing empathy and selflessness, and reveals how simple actions, like starting clubs or creating TikToks, make a tangible difference. In the episode's close, listeners are invited to join the cause, underlining that anyone can contribute, regardless of age or background. Don't miss this empowering episode urging us all to be part of the solution!

Join us as we delve into the power of young leaders with special guest Rachel Labi. Rachel, the co-founder of BFF Building Financial Freedom, is not your average finance student at Purdue University. At the age of 17, she founded a global financial literacy organization, aiming to make a significant impact. Tune in to learn about Rachel's passion for financial literacy and anti-trafficking advocacy, the challenges she faced as a young entrepreneur, and the invaluable lessons she's learned along the way. Discover how Rachel is using her skills to empower others and why she believes that everyone has something to offer for the betterment of our world. Get ready for a conversation that will inspire and motivate you to take action!

In this episode , we are joined by an incredible guest, Jordyn Wright. At just 15 years old, Jordan is the CEO of Passion to Purpose, an initiative fostering financial literacy and entrepreneurship among middle and high school students. Award-winning founder of J Brielle Handmade Goods, an author, and a youth mentor, Jordyn shares her journey from battling eczema to creating a thriving business. Tune in as she discusses the mission of Passion to Purpose, the importance of financial literacy, and the barriers she overcame as a youth entrepreneur. Jordyn's story is not just inspiring; it's a testament to the power of youth voices and their ability to create meaningful change in their communities. Don't miss out on this insightful conversation!

Join us as we delve into the dynamic journey of Nysa Khanna, the awe-inspiring founder of Pink Portfolio and a UNESCO fellow. With a mission to drive change in the fields of STEM, gender equality, and health, Nysa shares her incredible story of transformation and her relentless pursuit of a better world. From her remarkable projects like combating the pink tax to advocating for gender equality in STEM, her experiences are an inspiring testament to the power of youth leadership and unwavering determination. Tune in for an insightful conversation on resilience, empathy, and the impact of nurturing inclusive communities.

Join us as we dive into the remarkable journey of Lillian Hertel, a 2023 Prudential Emerging Visionary and the Executive Director at Student Stand Up. Discover how Lillian's passion for activism and youth empowerment led her to create a streamlined pathway for young people to engage in their communities. From her experiences in organizing the March for Our Lives to shaping the future through her nonprofit, Lillian shares valuable insights into the challenges and triumphs of youth activism. Learn about the crucial skills young leaders need, the importance of genuine youth representation in organizations, and the ways in which we can foster a culture of youth empowerment. Hear firsthand the incredible impact of Student Stand Up and how it's nurturing a generation of change-makers worldwide.

In this episode of "The Power of Young People," we have the privilege of speaking with Ratna Singh, a remarkable young author and environmentalist from Delhi, India. She is the founder of Earth Safety Valve, an international youth-led organization that has educated 50,000 people worldwide and mobilized young minds from 15 countries and five continents. Ratna's journey, from being recognized as the youngest research paper author to receiving prestigious awards, such as The Kalam Ratna Award and the Indian Inspiration Award, is truly inspirational. Join us as we dive into her mission of bridging the climate conversation gap and empowering the next generation to take action for a sustainable future. Ratna's passion, dedication, and commitment to environmental causes serve as a beacon of hope for us all.

Stay tuned for a thought-provoking discussion on climate change, her unique approach using a climate comic book, and the important message that all of us, as Earthlings, have a role to play in saving our planet.

In this inspiring episode we meet with Cash Daniels, also known as the Conservation Kid. Cash co-founded the Clean Up Kids nonprofit, dedicated to engaging youth in environmental action campaigns, speeches, and film screenings to protect our environment and natural resources. Discover how Cash's passion for conservation started, his mission to clean up rivers, and his remarkable achievements, including removing over 25,000 pounds of trash from the Tennessee River. Join us as Cash shares his journey, the strangest things he's found during cleanups, and how he's inspiring young people worldwide to take action and become stewards of the planet. Don't miss this empowering conversation with a young environmental hero who reminds us that kids are 100% of the future.

Join us in this episode as we dive into the inspiring work of the non-profit organization, the Opportunity League. We welcome the passionate team from the Opportunity League, including Shenee, Eric, and Amina. Discover how they're harnessing the power of service learning to combat food insecurity in their community and beyond. From innovative initiatives like the Villages Community Marketplace to insightful discussions on food justice, this episode highlights the incredible journey of young change makers working together to create a healthier, more equitable world. Don't miss this enlightening conversation packed with insights and actionable ideas that empower every listener to become a force for positive change.

Join us as we engage in an enlightening conversation with Allie, Nema, Aiden, and Itzel – the trailblazing minds behind Youth in Action. Discover what started this initiative, navigate the hurdles they've overcome, and witness the profound impact they've left in their wake. Uncover firsthand narratives detailing their journey to amplify youth voices, cultivate leadership, and ignite action on critical matters. This episode is a beacon of guidance for empowering the next generation of catalysts for change. If you're a young individual seeking to make your mark or an adult yearning to bolster and resonate with youthful voices, this discussion is a wellspring of insights and counsel for co-creating a brighter tomorrow.

Join us as we dive into the world of empowered youth voices with Zeke Jackson, the Executive Director of People for PSEO. Discover the incredible journey of this passionate advocate as he shares his experience leading a youth-led nonprofit that promotes access and opportunities for high school students through the PSEO program. Get inspired by Zeke's insights on amplifying vs. empowering student voices, understanding the challenges of change, and unleashing the potential of young minds to shape a brighter future. Tune in to learn how to turn your ideas into impactful change and embark on a journey of innovation and empowerment.

Join us in this inspiring episode as we introduce you to Sunook , the co-founder of Environmental Droners, an organization using technology to save the environment and raise awareness about plastic pollution. From South Korea, where he just delivered a drone, Sunook shares how they use drones to film highly polluted areas, post it on social media, and collaborate globally to make a difference. Learn about their incredible app, the Litter Locator, and how it's empowering citizens worldwide to document litter and take action. Discover the challenges they've faced, the successes they've achieved, and how Sunook passion for helping the environment has transformed his life. Get ready to be inspired to make a positive impact in your community and the world!

Join us as we dive into the inspiring story of Stephanie Akinfolarin, a 16-year-old Nigerian American student from Long Beach. Stephanie created a video on environmental racism and won second place in a contest thus sparking her journey to create change. We explore her experiences, her nonprofit Young Ocean Advocates, and the importance of youth voices in addressing environmental issues. Discover how Stephanie's passion and determination are making a significant impact on her community and inspiring others to take action.

In this episode, we introduce Kean Dao, a remarkable youth leader and co-founder of the Environmental Drones and Litter Locator application. Kean shares his journey with Love a Sea Turtle (LAST), a nonprofit organization focused on youth leadership and environmental education. Discover how Kean's passion for cleaning up his community led to the creation of innovative projects using technology and collaboration. Through his experiences, Kean highlights the importance of youth engagement and the power of small actions to make a big difference.

Join Amy Meuer as she interviews Grace Liu, an extraordinary young leader and advocate for gender equality and sustainable development. As a freshman in High School, Grace utilizes STEAM and innovative solutions to address real-world challenges. She shares her journey as a UN and TEDx speaker, founder of Sharing to Empower, and member of NYLC's Youth Advisory Council. Discover how young people like Grace are making a profound impact and transforming society for the better. Don't miss this inspiring conversation that will empower you to take action and change the world alongside remarkable youth leaders.

Join us on this inspiring podcast episode as we meet Anthony and Caitlin, members of NYLC's education in action team. Through the Youth as Solutions program, these leaders are taking action on sustainability within their school. They share their journey of reducing waste and providing equitable access to resources like food. Discover how service learning transformed their perspectives, developed essential skills, and built strong community connections. Get inspired by their passion and learn how teamwork and collaboration can make a profound impact on the world. Tune in and be ready to be motivated to make a difference.

In this episode, we speak with Shanzeh Haider and discuss the importance of education, collaboration, and teamwork in leadership, and the power of youth advocacy on a global scale. We also highlight the success of initiatives like Say no to GBV, which has inspired other schools in Ghana and aims to raise awareness of gender-based violence in schools worldwide.

Join us as we delve into the incredible stories of individuals who have created a lasting legacy through their practice of service learning. In each episode, we'll introduce you to remarkable individuals like Dan Sokolovic, a retired food service executive, husband, and father. Discover how Dan has impacted the lives of young people and empowered them to make a difference. Through Love a Sea Turtle, we'll explore the power of service, leadership, and the true meaning of leaving a lasting legacy.

In this episode, we speak with Narisa, the Head of School, and two students, Ash and MJ, from the Singapore International School of Bangkok. They are members of the Youth, Service, and Leadership Council and discuss the significance of service learning, their ongoing projects, and their individual motivations for assisting others. Ash and MJ also share their personal experiences of facing difficult situations while growing up and how those experiences have influenced them to make a positive impact in the world.

In this episode, we dive into the world of Sage Prosthetics and their incredible service learning program. Tanya, the founder of the program, shares her experience working with the Enable Organization and how it led to the creation of a chapter at Sage hill. The program has now evolved into a full-blown course where students learn to use 3D printers and design software to create customized prosthetics for people in need - all for free! We hear from the students who joined the Prosthetics team with no prior experience in 3D printing and learn about the projects they've worked on. Join us as we explore the impact of this service learning project on the students and the community.

It’s easy to lose steam mid-year. Reflective practice can get lost in the shuffle of programming. Join in as we learn from  quickly revisit how important reflecting is, then dive into a couple of new tools to spice up the mid-season slump.

Join us as we explore the intersection of finance and technology and how programming can advance financial literacy. Our guest today is Nikita Agrawal, the founder of FinPro World, a student-run organization supported by volunteers who not only teach financial concepts but also demonstrate how to program these concepts and visualize their impact in real life.

What would you do to save the lives of your friends and family? The students at Urbana High School have taken on this challenge through Project Ignition. Project Ignition engages teens across the country to create change. The impact is profound. The experiences are emotional. The lessons are unforgettable. Car crashes remain the number one cause of death for adolescents. Join us this week to hear how high school students Elena and Isaiah are saving lives across their community. Visit Urbanahighschoolprojectignition.weebly.com to learn more!

While many educators were embarking on online teaching for the first time this past year, three high school girls in rural Minnesota were already running a virtual platform to strengthen girls intellectually as well as emotionally. Working with “sisters” in the U.S., Afghanistan, India, and Togo. Join this week's show and meet the “Dynamic Champions of Sisterhood” (DCS). A youth-led nonprofit tackling an issue that is both local and global — the emotional empowerment of young women.

Chanting "End Jim Crow" and "Education is a right, not just for the rich and white," roughly 300 students walked out of one of New York City's most prestigious public schools to protest its admissions policies and demand desegregation. Join us for an in-depth interview with one of the youth leaders who is tackling the public school system policies, Beacon High School student Carmen Lopez Villamil.

What does it take to help students succeed academically, empower them to become engaged leaders, and responsible citizens, and foster healthy living? On this week's show, we will learn how Youth Service America is supporting expanded opportunities for students in afterschool programs like those at Kid Power Inc. We will meet 4th grader Keith who will share how he is leading change in his own community in D.C.

What happens when you equip students to take action on issues that impact their education? This week's show will explore the power of youth voice and its impact on creating meaningful change in schools and communities. Guest Merrit Jones, Senior Advisor at Student Voice will share their recommendation to the newly appointed Secretary of Education, Miguel Cardona on how student voice can change the face of education.

What happens when a group of informed and engaged youth comes together to tackle state government? Tune in Thursday, March 18 at 5 pm CST /6 pm EST to hear how Bridgemakers, a youth-led grassroots organization, in partnership with the Minnesota-based nonprofit Youthprise, took on the state of Minnesota. Meet change-maker, founder, and Executive Director Walter Cortina as he shares how he is amplifying the voices of youth and reimagining and revitalizing Minnesota communities. Walter will be joined by fellow Bridgemaker and change-maker Cole Stevens who is a relentless entrepreneur with a focus on enriching the lives and communities of those most underserved and underprivileged, and providing opportunities for fulfillment and prosperity to his peers through his work.

While service-learning has long been recognized for its strengths as an experiential inquiry-based process, it can also be a vehicle for social change. When students integrate diverse community perspectives into their identification of local assets and needs and involve a range of community partners in their actions, service-learning becomes a powerful strategy for anti-racist and culturally responsive teaching. Join host Amy Meuers as she sits down with college student Zahra Ali and educational leaders Sarah Miller and Malik Peer who are tackling issues of equity through Caring and Committed Conversations that drive changes in school culture and practices.

On this week's show, we will be joined by service-learning expert Julie Rogers Bascom, the Director of Learning and Leadership for the National Youth Leadership Council, and Bella Wren, college student, and youth change-maker. Join us for a lively discussion on the power of youth voice, opportunities for building shared leadership, and more!

On this week's show meet Harry Hurst Middle School teacher Barry "the Alligator Man" Guillot and 8th-grade students Laila Gurley and Holly Avocato. The trio is part of The LaBranche Wetland Watchers, a service-learning project which was started many years ago as a way to utilize the beautiful Louisiana wetlands as an outdoor classroom where students could be fully immersed in science while learning about the many values of the wetlands and the many challenges that they face. Hear their inspiring stories of how young people are tackling everything from hurricane destruction to cultural preservation.

This April students across the globe will join forces to tackle literacy and numeracy loss through a Global Call to Action service-learning project. The project is a partnership between the students and teachers at Study Alternative Center and Missouri State University in Springfield, MO, and St. Paul, MN-based National Youth Leadership Council. Join us this week to meet Study school teacher Elizabeth Nickle and student Jacob Carcione as we discuss the important topic of early childhood education and how students at Study are taking action through service-learning. Tune in and learn how you can get involved in your own community!

"In a world where you can be anything, be kind." We have all heard this saying many times but how do we support the development of kindness, caring, respect in today's young people? Join social-emotional learning expert and Senior Director of Practice with CASEL (the Collaborative for Academic, Social and Emotional Learning) Karen VanAusday along with the students from the Edina 212 Leadership group as we discuss how SEL and service-learning can grow kindness and caring in young people.

What do sustainable fashion and taking action on gender-based violence have in common? Tune in to this week's show to meet two students from the American International School of Johannesburg, and their teacher, Beatty Sekizenge. We will explore how they are addressing challenges facing their community through the power of service-learning and discuss what ice hockey looks like in South Africa.

What would you do to save the lives of your friends and family? The students at Urbana High School have taken on this challenge through Project Ignition. Project Ignition engages teens across the country to create change. The impact is profound. The experiences are emotional. The lessons are unforgettable. Car crashes remain the number one cause of death for adolescents. Join us this week to hear how high school students Francky and Park along with their advisory Judy Weber Jones are saving lives across their community. Visit Urbanahighschoolprojectignition.weebly.com to learn more!

Would you use something for 15 seconds if you knew it would take it more than 500 years to fully decompose? This is just one of the questions that today's guest will ask you in her quest to combat climate change. Listen in this week to meet Chloe Johnson, a high school environmental activist who is passionate about progress and solving problems for world betterment.

How are young people empowering communities to lead their own way to permanently rise out of poverty? Join us on this week's show to learn how educators and students are taking action through Global Brigades – an international nonprofit that is working systematically in communities across the world to empower volunteers and under-resources communities to resolve global health and economic disparities and inspire all involved to work together towards an equal world.

“Mental Illness Needs to be Destigmatized.” This was the founding idea of M.I.N.D., a service-learning project started by five high school students to address the urgent lack of conversations around mental health in their community. Recently, their impact was duly recognized by a national Youth Leadership in Service-Learning Excellency Award. Join us this week to hear from Tracy, Nomy, Nina, Fabienne, and Joscelynn, as well as their leader, Colleen DiDonato, about their passion for this important topic and their award-winning work on the M.I.N.D. project.

The large political divides in America might feel like an unsolvable problem to some. Not Rachna Shah, our guest this week on “The Power of Young People to Change the World.” Rachna is the founder of Youthquake, a civic engagement program that exposes young people to differing political views and guides them toward creating change. Join us this week to hear how Rachna has turned passion into action and how she empowers other youth in her community.

How do you recognize youth as partners in decision-making? How do you actively build shared leadership that creates space for each person to take ownership and affect change? Join us this week to hear from Youth Advisory Council mentor Isabella Sullivan, as she shares her knowledge and expertise on youth voice and youth/adult partnerships that is the stepping stone to changing the world.

We have all heard the saying “teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.” But how can we apply this lesson to empower youth for a lifetime? EarthForce is an organization engaging young people as active citizens who improve the environment and their communities now and in the future. Join us this week with EarthForce President, Vince Meldrum, and youth leaders Bridget, Ben, and Veronica to hear how they are mobilizing the power of young people to address one of the most pressing issues that our world is facing.

The recent pandemic has only amplified the existing academic challenges faced by marginalized groups in America. This week’s guest, Daxton Gutekunst, believes there is no one better to help young people in need than other young people. Listen now to hear how Daxton’s organization, KidByKid, is addressing educational disparities and bridging divides between youth in his community through free tutoring services.

What can college students do to address homelessness in their communities? The Backpack Project aims to answer this question by not only distributing backpacks in their hometown of Athens, Georgia but by spreading their successful model to other college towns around the country. Join us this week to hear how something as simple as a backpack, filled with essential toiletries, food, clothing, and more, can help those in need and make a lasting difference.