OUR IMPACT
Our Mission & Vision
Young Storytellers equips young people to be the driving force of their own narratives. We’re passionate about bringing people together and creating stories to raise the voices of those who don’t often get heard.
We believe that when a young person understands the power of their own story—made of their unique background, culture, race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, ability, immigration status, geographic location, and economic status, among others—it creates a more empathetic and equitable future for everyone.
We raise voices, one story at a time.
WE VALUE...
Belonging
We celebrate originality and individuality. Our community is made better when we can speak fully from our unique perspectives and identities.
Connection
People are at the center of everything we do. Genuine connection requires empathy, sensitivity, and honesty.
Exploration
Being vulnerable and inventive requires a supportive environment. We foster spaces where we can explore ourselves, the communities in which we live, and how we can impact the world.
Play
Play with purpose allows us to investigate the world with wonder. This is how we open the road to creativity.
Equity
Unique identities, backgrounds, and perspectives make the world a better place. We fight against the racism, prejudice, and bias that exist in our systems and cultures so that all people are treated with respect and dignity.
WHAT WE DO
In each of our programs, we encourage our elementary, middle, and high school students to bring pieces from their lives, cultures, and identities into the art they create. We also emphasize to our students the importance of Social and Emotional and Social Justice skills, like recognizing and managing emotions, collaborating, and building relationships with others.+
Our work is primarily focused in public schools and neighborhoods that aren’t historically served by programs like ours, but we believe that our programs can make a lasting impact on young people everywhere.
Our goal is not to shape the next generation of screenwriters or directors, but to empower young people - and the communities they come from - to know that they can use their ideas, art, and voices to impact the world.
OUR IMPACT
1,375 Volunteer Mentors
13,853 All-Time
14,000+ Audience
120,000 All-Time
2,675 Students
18,078 All-Time
55 Programs
1,289 All-Time
440 Volunteer Performers
12,379 All-Time
1,631 Stories
12,468 All-Time
100%
of Young Storytellers complete their script and see it brought to life on stage
97%
of Young Storytellers felt better able to work and play with others even when they differ or disagree
99%
of family members said their child’s experience met or exceeded their expectations
95%
of Young Storytellers became more confident that they could learn new things
94%
of families saw increased confidence in their young people sharing their creative ideas
90%
of teachers reported that their students became more confident in their ability to share
STUDENT DEMOGRAPHICS
As of the 2022-23 school year
44% Male
55% Female
1% Other
7% Asian
9% Black or African American
53% Hispanic, Latinx, or Spanish Origin
1% Middle Eastern or North African
0.5% Native American or Alaska Native
0.5% Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander
9% White
12% Two or More Races
8% Other Race or Ethnicity
18
different languages are spoken as a first or second language in our students’ homes
85%
of schools where we deliver programs are Title 1, an important low income economic indicator
