About Youthrupters Inc.
Empowering youth to lead and shape change today.
Our Mission
Youthrupters Inc. is a student-facing 501(c)(3) nonprofit serving students ages 12-17. We foster civic engagement and build meaningful connections among students across different zip codes—in all five NYC boroughs, throughout New York State, and nationwide.
Our programs help students connect what they learn in school with their own interests and curiosities through curated, real-world experiences. These experiences nurture agency, autonomy, and leadership while sharpening critical thinking and analytical skills. Students also learn to prioritize historical accuracy to better understand our country and the world.
Through Youthrupters Inc., students recognize that they have a stake in shaping a world where they can thrive, prosper, and contribute to a fair and just society for everyone.
Why Our Mission Matters
Far too many pre-teens and teens struggle to see the relevance of school or how it relates to their future aspirations. According to The Disengaged Teen: Helping Kids Learn Better, Feel Better, and Live Better by Jenny Anderson and Rebecca Winthrop (2025), 75% of elementary school children enjoy school, but by high school, this drops to just 25%.
The decline in engagement is driven by a lack of student autonomy, voice, and agency, as well as challenges like isolation, trauma, social-emotional struggles, the erosion of social safety nets, and income disparities. Schools alone cannot solve this complex problem.
Youthrupters Inc. provides a welcoming space outside the school day when students can:
Our Vision
We envision a generation of young people who are empowered to lead, think critically, and engage actively in society. Youthrupters Inc. promotes the skills, curiosity, and confidence that students need to shape a more just and informed world.
Ready to Learn More?
Explore how Youthrupters Inc. programs can empower your student today.