America's Youth Need Us. Now More Than Ever.
The American Youth Initiative is a national effort to listen to young people, stand beside them, and move ideas into action—across urban, rural, suburban, and Appalachian towns and big cities alike.
The Future of a Nation
America's future is walking the halls of our schools, playing in our neighborhood parks, dreaming big
in small towns and big cities alike. But far too often, these young people are left without the tools, support,
or encouragement they need to reach their full potential. The truth is, many of them are navigating
challenges they didn’t create, yet they still show up, keep going, and dream anyway.
Now is the time to show them they’re not alone.
Our mission is simple: it’s not about fixing young people. It’s about lifting and championing them— by listening first, investing intentionally, and building alongside them.
We’re focused on supporting youth and young people between the ages of 13 and 29. From teenagers learning to find their voice to young people pursing their dreams, stabilizing their future, or searching for their next step.
13-29 years old
A period of navigating some of life’s biggest transitions.
Every corner of the U.S.
Their experiences are wide-ranging, but their need for support and opportunity is universal.
Many Paths, One Goal
In school, on the job, taking time off, figuring it out, or forging their own path.
Rooted in Experience
Young people are shaped by their communities, cultures, and lived experiences, bringing with them a wide range of voices, values, and visions for the future.
America's young people are shaped by their communities, cultures, and lived realities—bringing with them a wide range of voices, values, and visions for the future.
As Americans, we have a choice. We can keep hoping someone else will step up or we can be the ones who do. We can listen to young people, invest in them, and stand beside them. We can help create a world where every young person feels safe, valued, and prepared for whatever comes next.
Volunteer
Show up with time, skills, and care—locally and consistently.
Mentor
Offer guidance, encouragement, and a steady presence.
Give
Fuel youth-centered programs and community-based solutions.
Share the Message
Help amplify youth voice and widen the circle of support.
Because when we show up for youth, we’re not just helping them, we’re strengthening families, communities, businesses,
and the future of our country.
We're making it known: American Youth matter. And we’re here to prove it.
The American Youth Initiative is powered by Re/val Strategies—a research, evaluation, and community engagement firm that partners with nonprofits, foundations, and public agencies to ask better questions and turn insight into action where people, place, and policy meet.
About Re/val Strategies
Re/val Strategies supports local organizations by strengthening strategy, learning, and impact through research and evaluation, program design, community-centered engagement, and thought-partnership that translates evidence into real-world change.
Why American Youth
Because youth are often asked to carry the weight of systems they didn’t create. We believe communities can only get stronger when young people are intentionally engaged in community change work consistently, not occasionally.