Our mission is to elevate teen voices to create real change. Through the power of true stories, written by youth who have been systemically marginalized, we create more supportive and successful learning communities. Since 1980, Youth Communication has worked with youth facing systemic challenges–including youth of color, LGBTQ+ youth, and youth who are recent immigrants, living in foster care, unhoused, and economically struggling– to tell stories that support their peers and help adult professionals provide more equitable and effective services. We run an award-winning writing program, in which NYC teens work one-on-one with professional editors to write true stories about their lives for the benefit of helping other young people navigate similar challenges. We leverage the stories of young people to create change through our education program, providing teachers, after- school workers, and other youth-serving adults. with culturally responsive, social and emotional learning programs. By centering youth voice, these programs engage students, inspire their confidence and feelings of self-worth, and show teachers and other adults who's in their classrooms.