The Power of Young People

Join host Amy Meuers in this episode of The Power of Young People, where she sits down with Spencer, a remarkable sophomore from the Dalton School and the founder of Eloquence Academy. This nonprofit is on a mission to democratize access to academic debate for rural and underserved students, having already made a profound impact on over 1,300 lives. Hear about Spencer's incredible journey, from navigating the challenges of starting a nonprofit to celebrating the successes of his organization. Together, they delve into the transformative power of debate—how it sharpens public speaking and research skills, nurtures confidence, and fosters critical thinking. Listen in as they discuss valuable partnerships, the importance of community support, and Spencer's ambitious vision to expand Eloquence Academy’s reach to all 50 states. Whether you're a young leader seeking to ignite change or simply curious about the world of debate, this episode will inspire you to take action for the causes you care about. Tune in and discover how dialogue can drive progress! Explore more at nylc.org! Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn!

In the latest episode of The Power of Young People, we chat with Shreya Prabhu, a high school senior and the visionary founder of the Female Factor podcast. Dive into Shreya's incredible journey as she creates a platform aimed at empowering young women through the art of storytelling. In this conversation, Shreya opens up about her passion for female empowerment, the vital role of mentorship, and her belief in the transformative power of confidence. With over 20 extraordinary interviews under her belt, she shares insights from her guests, highlights the common theme of overcoming failure, and discusses the challenges that have not only shaped her podcasting journey but have also fueled her personal growth. Whether you’re a young woman seeking inspiration, someone curious about the podcasting landscape, or simply interested in uplifting voices of change, this episode emphasizes the importance of community support and the impact of sharing our stories. Tune in for a discussion that champions resilience, connection, and the determination to lift each other up! Explore more at nylc.org! Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn!

In this inspiring episode of the Power of Young People podcast, we meet with three more winners of the 2024 Gloria Baron Prize for Young Heroes: Varin, Elizabeth, and Cash. These passionate young activists are on a mission to combat climate change, champion sustainability, and inspire their peers through community service and innovative solutions. Listen in as they share their extraordinary journeys—from Cash's astounding achievement of removing 45,000 pounds of trash from rivers, to Elizabeth's groundbreaking use of environmental DNA for conservation, and Varin's creation of AirCat to efficiently capture carbon dioxide. This conversation explores the challenges they’ve faced, the leadership skills they've developed, and the vital importance of youth engagement in driving impactful environmental initiatives. This episode emphasizes that no matter how small, every action counts, and that everyone has a unique passion that can spark change. Tune in to discover how collaboration, persistence, and youthful creativity are paving the way for a sustainable future. Get ready to be inspired and empowered to make a difference in your community! Learn more about all of the 2024 Gloria Barron Prize winners at barronprize.org. Explore more at nylc.org! Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn!

Join us in this inspiring episode of The Power of Young People as we sit down with Milan Varma, the president of Food4Philly—a student-led nonprofit combating food insecurity in Philadelphia and around the country. Milan shares his empowering journey into activism, detailing how Food4Philly encourages young people to make a difference in their communities through organized food distribution events and increased awareness of food waste. Discover the challenges faced by student-led organizations, from rallying volunteers to securing essential funding, and learn about the invaluable skills Milan has gained through leadership and logistics in the nonprofit world. He also sheds light on the importance of how schools can foster a culture of service among students. With dreams of continuing his fight against food insecurity, Milan emphasizes the need to support young changemakers in their quest for social impact. Tune in for an uplifting conversation filled with insights, motivation, and a call to action for all aspiring changemakers. Follow along with Food4Philly's journey on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn! Explore more at nylc.org! Follow us on ⁠Instagram⁠, ⁠Facebook⁠, and ⁠LinkedIn⁠!

Join host Amy Meuers in this episode of the Power of Young People podcast as she sits down with four remarkable young leaders who have been honored with the 2024 Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes. These inspiring individuals are on the frontlines of innovation and change, tackling issues that range from cancer research and environmental sustainability to food security and youth empowerment. Hear from Ekansh, who is transforming cancer treatment outcomes; Genshu, combining recycling with education through Bottles for College; Esther, championing biodiversity with her initiative Nurture Natives; and Clelia, fighting food insecurity with Hands Together to Feed Chicago. Together, their stories illuminate the power of mentorship, community involvement, and the indomitable spirit of young people to effect real change. Discover how persistence, creativity, and small actionable steps can lead to significant community transformations. Get inspired to take action and join a new wave of changemakers who are proving that anyone can make a difference—no matter their age! Explore more at nylc.org! Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn!

In this episode, we dive into the transformative work of the DASH program in Duluth, Minnesota, where youth are celebrating 9/11 Day with NYLC's Youth as Solutions program by stepping into leadership roles and creating a sense of community within their schools. Join us as we engage with passionate guests from the program, who share their personal journeys navigating the challenges of high school and the vital role mentorship plays in their growth. Discover how DASH cultivates a supportive environment that emphasizes community service, peace building, and the importance of strong partnerships.

Join us in this insightful episode of “Power of Young People” as we sit down with Sam Giles, a high school junior and the founder of the Maggie Walker Project. Diving into the pressing need for financial literacy in vulnerable communities, with a spotlight on the African-American experience, Sam shares his personal journey, the motivation behind his nonprofit, and the transformative impact of financial education.In this episode, discover why financial literacy is not just a skill, but a crucial stepping stone for success and empowerment. From overcoming self-doubt to taking initiative, learn how young leaders like Sam are redefining representation in the financial world and driving meaningful change. This conversation underscores the importance of accessible financial education for all and emphasizes that community engagement can lead to personal and collective growth.Whether you're a student, educator, or simply curious about financial literacy, this episode will motivate you to empower yourself and others!

Join us on this inspiring episode of The Power of Young People podcast as we dive into the world of sustainability with Yalini Gopalswamy, the visionary founder of EnVi Crochet. Discover how Yalini is weaving art and environmental action together by selling crochet flowers and pet hats to fund tree planting in deforested regions. She shares her personal journey, influenced by her mother and nurtured by her passion for sustainability, to highlight the critical role young people play in tackling climate change.

Join us for an enlightening episode with Jahnavi Rao, the president and founder of New Voters, a youth-led organization dedicated to comprehensive civic engagement for young people across America. Jahnavi shares her personal story of how the 2016 election sparked her passion for political engagement and led her to create an organization that inspires and equips high school students to register and vote. Listeners will gain insights into the barriers young people face in the voting process and discover the vital role research and grassroots organization play in dismantling these challenges.

In this inspiring episode of "The Power of Young People," we welcome Maren, a passionate student from Roosevelt High School and a member of the Minnesota Civics Crew, a group funded by NYLC's Youth as Solutions program. With the upcoming elections generating buzz, Maren shares her journey into civic engagement, sparked by a simple classroom poster encouraging students to become election judges. From organizing voting registration events with the League of Women Voters to fostering conversations around diverse electoral participation, Maren highlights the importance of education and accessibility in the voting process. Tune in as she discusses the challenges and triumphs she has faced while working to engage young voters, emphasizing the significance of community connections and collaborative efforts in driving change.

In this episode of The Power of Young People, we chat with Zara, the inspiring young founder of Lemons Learn, a youth-led multinational nonprofit dedicated to empowering adolescent girls through education. Discover how Lemons Learn is breaking barriers, fostering leadership, and making a global impact, one girl at a time. Listen in as Zara discusses the importance of educating girls, the challenges she faced as a young founder, and her vision for a world where every girl has the opportunity to lead. This episode is a powerful testament to the impact of youth leadership and the transformative power of education.

In this episode, we sit down with Anusha Upadhyayula, a rising senior from San Jose, California, who turned her passion for South Asian dance into a platform for cultural celebration and education. Anusha shares how she founded BollyBE, an organization dedicated to bringing the vibrancy of South Asian culture to her community through dance. Learn how she tackled the lack of representation, honed essential life skills, and inspired others to embrace their cultural heritage. Tune in to hear Anusha's advice for young changemakers on pursuing their passions and staying resilient in the face of challenges!

The NOMOS Project is a student-led nonprofit organization that aims to provide financial literacy education to young students. The inspirational co-founders, Sindhuja, Aarya, and Aarav, started the project to explore and gain experience in the world of business and finance. Hear about their work with different elementary and after-school education programs, helping young people understand basic money management skills through interactive activities!

Join us for an inspiring episode with Mary, a remarkable young person who is making waves in environmental activism. At just 16 years old, Mary was honored as the youngest Ohio Certified Volunteer Naturalist, and her dedication to the planet is nothing short of extraordinary. From tackling harmful algae blooms in the Great Lakes to championing reforestation with Tree Plenish, Mary's innovative spirit shines through every project she undertakes. Discover how Mary leverages creativity to address pressing environmental issues, including her role in the Teen Eco Summit and the creation of a vibrant pollinator garden at her school. Whether she’s beekeeping, planting trees, or fighting algae, Mary’s multifaceted approach to environmental advocacy offers valuable insights for young changemakers and educators alike.

Learn about AmeriCorps VISTA program - a program that encourages national service by connecting service-minded individuals with nonprofit organizations around the country! Hear from NYLC’s own AmeriCorps VISTA volunteers, Nadia Kruzel and Becky Cole, on what drove them to this work, the impact they’ve had on NYLC in their time with us, and why they believe in the work of service, volunteering, and the power of young people!

Join us in this inspiring episode as we dive into the world of service learning with Gemfest, a youth-led initiative empowering young leaders. Hear from Riley, Anne, and Lauren as they share their experiences, challenges, and advice for young people and educators looking to make a difference through service learning. Learn how listening, community involvement, and modeling empowerment can create lasting impact and change the world.

Join us as we delve into the challenges and pressures faced by young athletes when it comes to mental health. Our guest, Anya, founder of Mental Health Awareness in Young Athletes (Maya), shares her personal journey and sheds light on red flags and signs to watch out for. Don't miss this important conversation on the power of supporting young athletes in their mental health journey.

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!