Our Mission & Vision
Young Storytellers is an arts non-profit that empowers authentic, essential new voices and changes what’s possible. Our programs provide the guidance and support to explore, discover, and express one’s own unique story, and a stage for sharing it with others.
Young Storytellers elevates young voices, made of their distinct background, culture, race, gender, sexuality, ability, and immigration and economic status, to bring powerful new perspectives into our communities and society.
We Value
Belonging
We create spaces where every young person feels seen, welcomed, and free to bring their whole self — because a story can only be honest when its teller feels safe.
Connection
Mentors and students build real relationships built on trust and consistency, turning a workshop into a community that shows up for one another beyond the page.
Exploration
We encourage students to take creative risks, try on new perspectives, and discover what they have to say before worrying about how to say it perfectly.
Play
Storytelling should be joyful. We keep our programs playful and low-stakes so students stay curious and confident enough to keep creating.
Equity
We elevate voices of every background, ability, and identity, working to ensure the stories brought to the stage reflect the full range of our communities.
How We Do It
25 Years of Experience
Our programs were born in the classroom and developed alongside educators to serve a wide range of students and learning environments.
Fun & Immersive
We engage students in a creative experience that is guided, supportive, designed to give them confidence, and helps them shine.
Community-Centric
Our programs are shaped by the communities we serve, and we keep our students’ experiences at the center of what we do.
Standardized
Our curriculum is aligned with Common Core, CASEL’s SEL Framework, National and California Arts Standards, and Social Justice Standards outlined by Learning for Justice.
Scalable & Turnkey
Our programs are modular and flexible, fitting the needs of our partner schools and organizations while delivering significant impact.
What We've Done
of Young Storytellers complete their script and see it brought to the stage
of students feel more able to work with others that they disagree with
of teachers report that students become more confident in sharing
friends and families have attended the Biggest Shows
of students show an increased interest in writing
stories told (and counting)
Student Demographics
Sponsors a storytelling program at one school for one school year
Sponsors a storytelling program at one school for one semester
Supports Emotional Learning, Social Justice, and anti-racism
supports the cost of screening and processing volunteers
Supports background checks, to ensure the safety of everyone
Supports VIP badges and red carpets for one school