Young Voices is a Rhode Island-based non-profit organization that transforms urban youth into powerful advocates, who partner with our State’s major leaders to create systemic reform and policy change that improve the lives of thousands of youth across the state.

Our organization was created in 2006 to address the desperate need for an authentic youth voice in policy-making in Rhode Island.  Since Young Voices was founded, more than 250 young people have become advanced leaders making a difference across the State. We believe young people are uniquely positioned to inform decision making and deserve to have a seat at the table whenever decisions are made that impact their lives.

Advocating for a seat at the table is only the first step.  We also work to ensure that once at the table, youth have the training and skills needed to dialogue with adults as equals.  Our year-round Leadership Transformation Academy (LTA), trains youth in advanced research, public speaking, and debating skills. The LTA prepares youth to work with powerful adults to shape statewide policies that impact the future of our State.

Local & National Recognition

Young Voices has become nationally known for our work supporting youth to push for policy change in public education.  We have been recognized by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the National Council for Teacher Quality for our work around teacher standards and evaluation. The Annenberg Institute at Brown University wrote about our work in its Voices in Urban Education periodical.