We Don’t Need More Youth Programs. We Need Connection.

Every day, I meet new organizations in Chicago doing remarkable work with young people. Some have been pillars in their communities for years. Others are grassroots efforts just getting started. But what they all have in common is this: They’re doing the work. They’re committed. They care.

The problem isn’t a lack of programs. It’s a lack of connection.

Even after more than a decade working at the intersection of youth development, workforce pathways, and financial education, I’m still discovering new nonprofits, mentorship collectives, enrichment programs, and career pipelines every week. That alone should tell you something. We have incredible people and programs. But too many young people don’t know about them. Not because they’re not looking. Not because they’re not motivated. But because the system is fragmented, hard to navigate, and disconnected from how they live and access information.

We’ve told young people for too long to “go find” opportunities. But in the age of AI, we can—and must—do better.

We can bring the opportunities to them.

🔗 Building the Digital Bridge

What’s missing isn’t more programs. It’s a better way to connect the dots.

It’s time we stop working in silos and start co-creating digital infrastructure that amplifies what’s already working, increases access, and helps everyone in the ecosystem do their part—more efficiently, more transparently, and more equitably.

This doesn’t mean replacing what already exists. It means enabling it to work better—together.

We have the tools now—especially through AI—to:

• Reach youth where they are
• Simplify discovery
• Make access equitable
• Track outcomes
• Strengthen what’s working
• Fill the gaps with precision and care

🌱 An Ecosystem of Impact

If we want lasting impact, we need to design ecosystems, not one-off solutions.

We need to make collaboration effortless, data actionable, and accountability shared. We need to bring the infrastructure to communities— Not expect communities to conform to infrastructure. That’s how we build what I call an ecosystem of impact— A connected, living network of programs, schools, nonprofits, and systems all focused on the success of our young people. Not just in Chicago. In every city where youth resources are siloed, underfunded, or invisible.

🔥 From Frustration to Innovation

If I sound passionate, it’s because this is personal.

I’ve lived this. I’ve navigated these systems. I’ve led programs, mentored students, and worked alongside schools, city agencies, and nonprofits for more than a decade.

And even with all that experience and access, it’s still hard. Imagine what it feels like for a 17-year-old trying to find their way.

Out of frustration and lived experience, great companies are born.

I’m building what I wish I had. But I’m not building it alone.

🤝 Built With, Not For

This isn’t about building something for students, nonprofits, or funders. It’s about building it with them. That’s the only way forward. The only way it will work. The only way it will last. The future demands it. Our young people deserve it.

Let’s stop waiting for someone else to fix it. Let’s start building—together.

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