This past year marked a significant milestone for the National Youth Leadership Council (NYLC) as we partnered with 9/11 Day to inspire and empower young people across the U.S. Through NYLC’s Youth as Solutions (YaS) program, this collaboration, funded by 9/11 Day, engaged underserved youth in impactful service-learning projects designed to inspire unity, empathy, and peace building. 

Launched in early 2024, the program brought together 11 teams of youth leaders from underserved communities, each guided by an adult mentor to support their growth and development. These youth-led teams tackled critical local issues using the IPARD service-learning process—investigating, planning, acting, reflecting, and demonstrating their learning. Through this framework, students were able to connect their projects to meaningful community outcomes, inspiring a sense of social responsibility.

The results of the program were profound, with projects ranging from generating peace and connection at community events to shifting the tone of conversations online to promote a more peaceful digital world. Gail, the adult mentor for the After-School All-Stars team from New Jersey, shared that her students developed an “11 Days of Positivity” social media campaign aimed at spreading encouragement.

“The messages ranged from stepping out of your comfort zone, to trying new things, to encouraging yourself, and overcoming anxiety,” Gail said. “Interestingly, [the students] also had to encourage themselves to grow throughout the project. They had to stretch themselves, especially those who were really shy, to overcome their own anxieties.”

Similarly, the youth-led team from the Young Women’s Preparatory Network in Texas focused on building community connection by hosting a game night for military families, creating a space for families to bond. Alec, the group’s adult mentor, reflected on the impact this had on the students abilities:

“The students developed their leadership skills, worked on democratic discussions, improved their budgeting and marketing skills, and learned how to use Canva. They saw their work through from idea to execution and understood the power of youth leadership.”

Projects like these were instrumental in fostering not only civic responsibility but also personal growth for the young leaders. From tackling issues like homelessness and food insecurity to meeting critical community needs, students took the lead on projects that truly made a difference in their communities. The program helped them understand the deeper significance of service, particularly in the context of 9/11 Day.

“I think the whole cohort from beginning to end changed them and in general made them more aware that they have a responsibility to be part of a movement for change,” said Gail. “They learned that no one is too small to make a difference.”

For many students, learning about 9/11 and its legacy of unity was a powerful moment. While most of the participants weren’t yet born when the tragedy occurred, the connection between their service projects and the values of empathy and community-building that emerged after 9/11 helped them see how their work could contribute to a more peaceful world.

“We are so proud of the work these students put into planning impactful and meaningful service-learning projects,” said Amy Meuers, CEO of NYLC. “Their exploration of 9/11 Day and its importance, alongside their efforts to positively impact their communities, will undoubtedly contribute to building a more peaceful and united society.”

The mentorship and professional development provided throughout the program played a crucial role in the students’ success. By equipping both youth and their mentors with the tools to lead and innovate, the program ensured that its impact would extend far beyond the project’s completion.

 “By investing in the leadership and civic engagement of our youth, we believe this program will not only contribute to building a more peaceful and united society but also honor the spirit of unity that emerged in the aftermath of 9/11,” said Amy.

Looking ahead, the success of this partnership is a testament to the transformative power of service-learning. As NYLC and 9/11 Day continue to collaborate, they remain committed to empowering more young leaders to take meaningful action in their communities. Together, we are fostering a new generation of compassionate, civically engaged individuals who are equipped to lead us toward a more connected and peaceful world.