Where Youth Innovation Takes Shape

TYCL International supports youth-led innovation through small grants across different regions of the world. In every location, young people design and lead solutions grounded in their own local context, priorities, and lived experience.

World map illustrating TYCL's global youth leadership and innovation reach across continents

South Africa

Focus Area: 
Youth Innovation Grants
Regions: 
Local partnerships in townships and community hubs

Young people in South Africa are building solutions for mental wellbeing, digital safety, and community empowerment. TYCL micro-grants and mentorship provide a spark that helps local projects grow.

Local Highlights
  • Digital literacy and online safety campaigns
  • Community arts projects supporting mental health
  • Workshops on youth rights, policy, and leadership

Colombia

Focus Area: 
Youth Innovation Grants
Regions: 
Southern Colombia

In Colombia, TYCL supports young people using arts, technology, and community organizing to address violence prevention, youth rights, and mental wellbeing. Our micro-grants help them turn powerful ideas into sustainable community action.

Local Highlights
  • Youth-designed creative arts and storytelling initiatives
  • Projects that uplift indigenous and rural voices
  • Community campaigns that promote peace, safety, and belonging

India

Focus Area: 
Youth Innovation Grants and Youth Leadership Programs
Regions: 
Puducherry

TYCL began in India in 2011 and continues to support grassroots youth-led solutions across education, child protection, community wellbeing, and digital safety. India remains the heart of TYCL’s global movement.

Local Highlights
  • Youth clubs and leadership training across villages and schools
  • Campaigns focused on child protection, gender equality, and community resilience
  • Youth-led research and public interest technology projects
Visit TYCL India

United States

Focus Area: 
Youth Mental Health Programs
Regions: 
New York, Pennsylvania

Young people in the United States partner with TYCL to create joyful, trauma-informed spaces for healing and self-expression. Our Creative Arts for Positive Mental Health programs use art, music, storytelling, and peer support to help youth manage stress, build connections, and feel seen.

Local Highlights
  • Creative Arts Camps and clubs in schools and community centers
  • Hybrid in-person and virtual programs designed with youth input
  • Partnerships with schools, universities, local nonprofits, and mental health professionals
World map illustrating TYCL's global youth leadership and innovation reach across continents

Our Approach Across Regions

TYCL uses two complementary models that uplift young people based on their local realities.

United States flag icon representing TYCL's global youth programs and international reach

United States

Youth Mental Health Programs

Young people in the United States face rising stress, anxiety, isolation, and school pressure. TYCL responds by partnering with youth directly to design creative, culturally responsive mental health programs that feel safe, joyful, and trauma informed.

These programs include
Creative Arts for Positive Mental Health
Peer support and leadership development
School and community outreach
Youth-friendly research and evaluation
Our approach centers belonging, voice, and the power of creativity.
India flag icon representing TYCL's global youth programs and international reach
Columbia flag icon representing TYCL's global youth programs and international reach
South Africa flag icon representing TYCL's global youth programs and international reach

India, Colombia, and South Africa

Youth Mental Health Programs

These programs include
Creative Arts for Positive Mental Health
Peer support and leadership development
School and community outreach
Youth-friendly research and evaluation
These projects focus on
Mental health and wellbeing
Violence prevention and child protection
Digital justice, privacy, and data governance
Environmental sustainability
Community organizing and policy advocacy
Youth decide the vision. TYCL helps bring it to life.

Our Global Impact at a Glance

Youth Reached

More than 15,000 young people engaged across four countries

15,000+
Youth Reached

Youth Innovation Grants Awarded

Over 50 youth-led initiatives funded and supported

50+
Youth-led

Programs Launched

More than 85 community programs, workshops, and creative arts sessions co-designed with youth

85+
Community Programs

Global Partnerships

More than 30 collaborations with schools, universities, community organizations, tech labs, and advocates

30+
Youth Reached

Community Impact

Programs contributing to lower stigma, stronger peer networks, improved mental health, and safer online and offline environments

Youth Voices & Community Impact

What partners, youth, and supporters are saying

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Ready to stand with youth leaders?

Whether you bring lived experience, professional expertise, or financial resources, there is a place for you in this community. Join our board, make a gift, or volunteer your time to help young people build the futures they deserve.

Five diverse young people smiling around a laptop on a sunny campus lawn, engaged in global youth programs