Our Story
​​What began as an urgent response to a global crisis strengthened our long-standing focus—preparing young people with the knowledge, tools, and platforms to influence conversations, contribute to solutions, and promote healthier communities.
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The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted young people’s lives with uncertainty, isolation, and a surge of misinformation—and they were eager to connect, participate, and lead. We responded to this need by offering training, resources, and support that helped youth turn ideas into meaningful action. With a background in STEAM, our team brought deep experience in translational research, group facilitation, curriculum development, and instructional design—making us well-suited to guide young people through efforts to address COVID-19 misinformation.
Through our hybrid, hands-on training programs, youth ambassadors gained real-world experience—learning to lead, think creatively, and turn complex information into accurate, accessible messaging tailored for their communities. The multimedia campaigns produced by youth showcase the power of young leaders to contribute to science-informed health education efforts.
Today, this work continues through initiatives like NextGen Architects for Health, Public Health Innovators, Researchers, and Educators (PHIRE), and DARE to Lead—each intentionally designed to equip youth with practical skills and experiences that help them make a difference where it matters most.
Our Work
Our hybrid training models offer a combination of synchronous and asynchronous material, allowing youth to engage with content at their own pace while also participating in-person and virtually. This digital-first approach is critical, as over 90% of young people ages 10-18 have access to mobile devices. By leveraging youth voices in digital spaces, we ensure that accurate, community-based health messages reach those who need them most.
Our structured intergenerational learning modules actively involve family members and older generations in meaningful discussions about health, fostering shared knowledge and informed decision-making. In person workshops, field trips, projects, and expert panels provide opportunities for experiential learning that cultivates youth agency in engaging with healthcare systems. Upon completion of the training, ambassadors develop tools that turn key health messages into accessible, relatable content designed to reach not only young people, but also parents, families, schools, hospitals, health departments, local agencies, and the broader community.
