Mission To prevent death from contaminated drinking water in 3rd world countries
How Raise money through vending machine sales to purchase and install sand filters in remote villages
Impact Raised $600, enough money for 8 water filters
@15 Goal
Install 4-5 more vending machines in locations around and beyond Merrimack to increase profits
Pure Water VendingPure Water VendingJane, 17 – Merrimack, NHJane, 17 – Merrimack, NHPure Water VendingPure Water VendingJane, 17 – Merrimack, NHJane, 17 – Merrimack, NH
Mission To develop a more environmentally conscious community
How Small but effective lifestyle changes: giving out reusable grocery bags and replacing old light bulbs with Compact Fluorescents
Impact Community engagement and recognition and education of younger age group
@15 Goal
Initiate the Compost Caf. Project: install composting system in cafeteria and transition cafeteria to biodegradable plates and reusable flatware
Green Teens U.S.A.Green Teens U.S.A.Jessie, 16 – Willington, CTJessie, 16 – Willington, CTGreen Teens U.S.A.Green Teens U.S.A.Jessie, 16 – Willington, CTJessie, 16 – Willington, CT
Mission To restore and protect Monocacy Creek watershed and wildlife
How Restoring historic Illick’s Mill into an education center on environmental preservation and protection
Impact Organized hundreds of volunteers in renovation effort; community’s central environmental group
@15 Goal
Raise completion funds for the historic Mill’s restoration
Illick’s Mill ProjectIllick’s Mill ProjectMegan, 16 – Bethlehem, PAMegan, 16 – Bethlehem, PAIllick’s Mill ProjectIllick’s Mill ProjectMegan, 16 – Bethlehem, PAMegan, 16 – Bethlehem, PA
Mission To inspire youth to create change through avant-garde art
How Socially-minded youth magazine
Impact Distributed magazine with global contributors to hundreds of youth
@15 Goal
Expand scope of magazine and subsidize printing and shipping costs internationally
JJ ExpressJJ ExpressJack, 15 – North Potomac, MDJack, 15 – North Potomac, MDJJ ExpressJJ ExpressJack, 15 – North Potomac, MDJack, 15 – North Potomac, MD
Mission To empower a generation of philanthropists through computer technology
How A website to coordinate youth fundraising efforts to solve real-world problems
Impact Raised $350,000; worked with thousands of kids; funds raised rebuilt schools and helped hurricane victims in Louisiana
@15 Goal
Finish development of the website to more efficiently coordinate these fundraising and resource efforts
RandomKidRandomKidTalia, 13 – Waukee, IATalia, 13 – Waukee, IARandomKidRandomKidTalia, 13 – Waukee, IATalia, 13 – Waukee, IA
Mission To combat hunger and the lack of youth involvement in philanthropy
How Involve youth in providing food to local families
Impact Garnered support from over 1,000 local students; raised money for Thanksgiving Day turkey give-a-way in Harlem
@15 Goal
Increase visibility and food resources to give away; spread to colleges across the country
Project Feed MeProject Feed MePatrick, 18 – Syracuse, NYPatrick, 18 – Syracuse, NYProject Feed MeProject Feed MePatrick, 18 – Syracuse, NYPatrick, 18 – Syracuse, NY
Mission To educate youth about local service opportunities
How A website that provides youth-written reviews of service experiences with local nonprofit organizations
Impact Recognition in student and nonprofit community, averaging 15,000 hits per month
@15 Goal
Expand market reach and spread to other communities nationally
The Opp-Guide to The Opp-Guide to Community Service, Inc.Community Service, Inc.Wendi, 16 – Southwest Ranches, FLWendi, 16 – Southwest Ranches, FL
The Opp-Guide to The Opp-Guide to Community Service, Inc.Community Service, Inc.Wendi, 16 – Southwest Ranches, FLWendi, 16 – Southwest Ranches, FL
Mission To address violence and obesity among local youth
How Sporting events and a mentoring and tutoring service
Impact Launched a city-wide anti-smoking campaign; partnered with other community organizations
@15 Goal
Increase outreach and exposure; upgrade supplies for sports and mentorship activities
Play it 4wardPlay it 4wardAndre, 17 – Indianapolis, INAndre, 17 – Indianapolis, INPlay it 4wardPlay it 4wardAndre, 17 – Indianapolis, INAndre, 17 – Indianapolis, IN
Mission To empower girls to transform their world
How Managing international initiatives that encourage domestic leadership around poverty, education, health, and peace, and international fundraising efforts
Impact Involved over 5,000 girls in 15 countries and raised over $30,000
@15 Goal
Reach 10,000 new girls through existing programs and a new social networking site, Sisters-4-Peace
Girls Helping GirlsGirls Helping GirlsSejal, 17 – Fremont, CASejal, 17 – Fremont, CAGirls Helping GirlsGirls Helping GirlsSejal, 17 – Fremont, CASejal, 17 – Fremont, CA
AstroTotsAstroTotsBecca, 17 – Layton, UTBecca, 17 – Layton, UTAstroTotsAstroTotsBecca, 17 – Layton, UTBecca, 17 – Layton, UT
Mission To break down gender gap in the sciences
How Providing free science camps for at-risk girls ages 4-10
Impact Conducted camps across the country, with invitations to go global
@15 Goal
Expand existing program and train new camp leaders internationally
Dimwitnot.comDimwitnot.comVincent, 17 – Antioch, CAVincent, 17 – Antioch, CADimwitnot.comDimwitnot.comVincent, 17 – Antioch, CAVincent, 17 – Antioch, CA
Mission To provide accessible, convenient, and affordable education assistance
How Interactive online study hall with peer-to-peer learning and an affordable tutoring service
Impact Helps students better understand their schoolwork in a forum with global reach
@15 Goal
Increase visibility in the community and offer school-specific tutoring and test preparation services
Dons Net Café Dons Net Café Maria, 17 – Santa Barbara, CAMaria, 17 – Santa Barbara, CADons Net Café Dons Net Café Maria, 17 – Santa Barbara, CAMaria, 17 – Santa Barbara, CA
Mission To pioneer new business models of responsible and ethical entrepreneurship
How Free tax assistance to low-income families, funded by a for-profit recycling business
Impact Trained over 300 youth volunteers, filed thousands of tax returns, and helped beautify the community through recycling and clean-up efforts
@15 Goal
Purchase laptops to increase mobility and outreach capabilities
Turtle TalksTurtle TalksZander, 18 – Honolulu, HIZander, 18 – Honolulu, HITurtle TalksTurtle TalksZander, 18 – Honolulu, HIZander, 18 – Honolulu, HI
Mission To highlight the significant role of youth in conservation
How Educating coastal children on the challenges facing sea turtles around the world
Impact Over 100,000 self-written Turtle Talks Activity Books in circulation, translated into 3 languages
@15 Goal Translate the booklet into Portuguese and Ngobi; enhance “sister school” program by increasing interaction between coastal schools internationally
Wetlands EducationWetlands EducationClay, 14 – Chesterland, OHClay, 14 – Chesterland, OHWetlands EducationWetlands EducationClay, 14 – Chesterland, OHClay, 14 – Chesterland, OH
Mission To combat childhood obesity
How Incorporate healthy food from the school vegetable garden into school cafeteria offerings
Impact Introduced new curriculum based on healthy alternatives and started an Outdoor Classroom
@15 Goal
Construct large, sustainable school garden and implement curriculum focused on healthy active lifestyles
My Own BookMy Own BookBrady, 18 – Fairfield, CABrady, 18 – Fairfield, CAMy Own BookMy Own BookBrady, 18 – Fairfield, CABrady, 18 – Fairfield, CA
Mission To spread the joy of reading to disadvantaged children
How Readings and book giveaways to K-3rd graders led by teen volunteers
Impact Donated over 13,000 books to children across the United States
@15 Goal
Purchase 4,000 new children’s books and organize national “Love of Reading Month” in February
Always Ready KidsAlways Ready KidsKonstantine, 16 – Lake Forest, ILKonstantine, 16 – Lake Forest, ILAlways Ready KidsAlways Ready KidsKonstantine, 16 – Lake Forest, ILKonstantine, 16 – Lake Forest, IL
Mission To help youth and their families prepare for disasters
How Provide safety preparedness kits and informational seminars
Impact Worked with over 8,500 kids and donated $20,000 to disaster relief efforts
@15 Goal
Expand program locations and buy supplies for more preparedness kits
Richard’s RwandaRichard’s RwandaJessica, 13 – Seattle, WAJessica, 13 – Seattle, WARichard’s RwandaRichard’s RwandaJessica, 13 – Seattle, WAJessica, 13 – Seattle, WA
Mission To empower girls to be future leaders and build peace in Rwanda
How Build friendships between American and Rwandan girls and support educational opportunities for girls in rural Rwanda
Impact Supplied resources for 22 Rwandan girls to attend school for one year; opened supporting branch in urban Kigali
@15 Goal
Build a learning center in rural Rwanda
The Children’s Bilingual The Children’s Bilingual TheaterTheaterJordan, 15 – Marietta, GAJordan, 15 – Marietta, GA
The Children’s Bilingual The Children’s Bilingual TheaterTheaterJordan, 15 – Marietta, GAJordan, 15 – Marietta, GA
Mission To encourage tolerance through theater
How Integrate Spanish and English speakers in bilingual theater performance
Impact Raised over $30,000; performed multiple plays for diverse audiences; partnered with many community organizations
@15 Goal
Launch “Mr. Ooba’s TEAM” performances – a play about bullying developmentally disabled children
Box City VigilBox City VigilMolly, 17 – Bloomington, MNMolly, 17 – Bloomington, MNBox City VigilBox City VigilMolly, 17 – Bloomington, MNMolly, 17 – Bloomington, MN
Mission To increase awareness about youth homelessness
How Hosting the annual Box City Vigil on the Capitol lawn and lobbying the State Legislature
Impact Hundreds of participants encouraged MN legislature to pass Runaway Homeless Youth Bill
@15 Goal Increase visibility and scale of event to month-long learning experience
Job-Link RacineJob-Link RacineDavid, 17 – Racine, WIDavid, 17 – Racine, WIJob-Link RacineJob-Link RacineDavid, 17 – Racine, WIDavid, 17 – Racine, WI
Mission To provide homeless teenagers the opportunities to escape poverty
How Linking homeless teens with part-time jobs and professional development
Impact Gained support of school district, community homeless organizations, and local United Way
@15 Goal Support basic assistance to participants, including: bus tokens, professional attire, and work permits
Tote-ally AwesomeTote-ally AwesomeJasmine, 17 – Los Angeles, CAJasmine, 17 – Los Angeles, CATote-ally AwesomeTote-ally AwesomeJasmine, 17 – Los Angeles, CAJasmine, 17 – Los Angeles, CA
Mission To provide holistic alternatives to plastic grocery bags
How Selling recycled and organic tote bags in local grocery stores
Impact Donates 60% of proceeds to charity: Heal the Bay and the Santa Monica Red Cross
@15 Goal Expand inventory, increase advertising, and develop complementary educational materials
SEAS SEAS (Students Extending Assistance to (Students Extending Assistance to Students)Students)Will, 16 – Chappaqua, NYWill, 16 – Chappaqua, NY
SEAS SEAS (Students Extending Assistance to (Students Extending Assistance to Students)Students)Will, 16 – Chappaqua, NYWill, 16 – Chappaqua, NY
Mission To relieve the hardships of youth affected by Hurricane Katrina
How Raising money and directly engaging affected youth through “You Are Special” inspirational campaign
Impact Raised upwards of $10,000 and engaged 150 youth directly in “You Are Special” letter writing
@15 Goal Initiate “Save the Music” campaign to send instruments to after-school music programs for kids in New Orleans
School Yard HabitatSchool Yard HabitatZachary, 17 – Pittsburgh, PAZachary, 17 – Pittsburgh, PASchool Yard HabitatSchool Yard HabitatZachary, 17 – Pittsburgh, PAZachary, 17 – Pittsburgh, PA
Mission To increase awareness on environmental issues
How An Environmental Education Center at North Hills Junior/Senior High Campus
Impact Created an eco-friendly flower garden and started a junior high environmental club to be mentored by the high school environmental club
@15 Goal Complete construction of the Environmental Education Center: organic garden, composting facilities, and outdoor amphitheater
Team UltimateTeam UltimateKayla, 17 – Shirley, MAKayla, 17 – Shirley, MATeam UltimateTeam UltimateKayla, 17 – Shirley, MAKayla, 17 – Shirley, MA
Mission To empower inner city girls to lead healthy lifestyles
How Teaching girls teamwork through the sport of Ultimate Frisbee
Impact Mentors approximately 100 girls per year, giving girls productive physical and emotional outlet
@15 Goal
Make project sustainable and expand into new cities
Wild and Water SwimmingWild and Water SwimmingLaura, 18 – New Orleans, LALaura, 18 – New Orleans, LAWild and Water SwimmingWild and Water SwimmingLaura, 18 – New Orleans, LALaura, 18 – New Orleans, LA
Mission To improve swimming and water safety skills among low-income children
How Free swim lessons in metropolitan Atlanta and New Orleans
Impact Conducted lessons for over 150 youth
@15 Goal
Expand program to other universities in Atlanta and New Orleans; start Lifeguarding Classes Program
The ResychosThe ResychosTravis, 17 – Coventry, RITravis, 17 – Coventry, RIThe ResychosThe ResychosTravis, 17 – Coventry, RITravis, 17 – Coventry, RI
Mission To reduce the ecological footprint of their school and community
How Recycling efforts, reducing energy use through solar power, bio-diesel bus
Impact Introduced an effective school recycling program
@15 Goal Convert an old school bus to bio-diesel and produce a sing-along music CD to inspire younger generations to be environmentally responsible
Sayre Philemon SocietySayre Philemon SocietyRebecca, 17 – Georgetown, KYRebecca, 17 – Georgetown, KYSayre Philemon SocietySayre Philemon SocietyRebecca, 17 – Georgetown, KYRebecca, 17 – Georgetown, KY
Mission To instill good citizenship in students by providing practical leadership learning
How Raising and allocating funds, as a student-run foundation, to organizations that address the root causes of abuse and poverty in central Kentucky
Impact Raised over $50,000 in 3 years, donating money to over 10 agencies
@15 Goal Increase donor giving and further establish the Philemon Society’s reputation in the community
D.A.N.C.E.D.A.N.C.E.DaTrice, 18 – East Lansing, MIDaTrice, 18 – East Lansing, MID.A.N.C.E.D.A.N.C.E.DaTrice, 18 – East Lansing, MIDaTrice, 18 – East Lansing, MI
Mission To provide the art of dance and mentorship to underprivileged youth
How Free dance lessons and school tutoring services to inner-city youth
Impact Educational achievement and confidence increased among 5th grade participants
@15 Goal
Expand program into new cities and provide more scholarship opportunities
Hats for the HomelessHats for the HomelessRachel, 16 – Fort Collins, CORachel, 16 – Fort Collins, COHats for the HomelessHats for the HomelessRachel, 16 – Fort Collins, CORachel, 16 – Fort Collins, CO
Mission To provide warmth and comfort to the homeless
How Delivering hand-made hats, scarves, and blankets to local homeless shelters
Impact Donated over 1,000 items to local shelters; raised awareness in community and school
@15 Goal Increase production by 80% by purchasing new sewing machines and materials; extend efforts to Denver
24/Y News24/Y NewsMyles, 15 – Bronx, NYMyles, 15 – Bronx, NY24/Y News24/Y NewsMyles, 15 – Bronx, NYMyles, 15 – Bronx, NY
Mission To provide creative pre-professional learning to underserved urban youth
How Project-based youth training program in partnership with established news outlets
Impact Increased skills among young people; only youth reporters at both Democratic and Republican National Conventions
@15 Goal Produce daily newscast and news stories for underserved young people in partner schools across the country
