42 Youth-Led Projects Earn Distinguished National Riley’s Way Foundation Fellowship

NEW YORK, May 6, 2024 (Newswire.com) - Riley’s Way Foundation just announced its 2024 winners: 42 outstanding young people (ages 13-23) from across the country whose innovative ideas and actions have granted them entrance into a dynamic leadership fellowship – and up to $5,000 each for their commitment to leading with kindness, empathy, and inclusivity.

"The Call for Kindness inspires and draws in exceptionally gifted young leaders who are driven by a deep passion to make the world a better place," expressed Ian Sandler, Co-Founder and Board Chair of Riley's Way. "These remarkable young leaders hold the key to tackling the world's most pressing issues, and we believe that by investing in them, we can help them turn their ideas into reality. Whether they are just beginning to explore their ideas or have advanced plans, we strive to support and encourage them to imagine a better future and work tirelessly toward it."

Riley’s Way Foundation supports and invests in the next generation of kind leaders. Its annual Call For Kindness fellowship provides funding and leadership development training to youth-led projects that are rooted in kindness and strengthening communities. Winners receive up to a $5,000 grant to grow their organization and join a peer community of fellow changemakers to strengthen their leadership skills. Forty winning social impact projects were chosen from hundreds of applications and came from 36 states. In addition to the general category, Riley’s Way selected 10 inspiring projects focusing on education equity, animal rights, interfaith connections, and dance & the arts.

“The 2024 Call For Kindness winners reflect critical issues top of mind for young people today,” shared Dr. Christine O’Connell, Executive Director of Riley’s Way. “They have answered the call to make a difference in their communities, adding to a national movement for kindness.”

Riley’s Way Foundation 2024 Call For Kindness Winners*

Literacy Spaces In Laundromats | Cupertino, California

Rose Musical Theater | Monterey, California

Pro & Con | Columbus, Georgia

13 Firsts Podcast | Louisville, Kentucky

Maine Youth Political Portal | Portland, Maine

Friends of Guatemala | Ann Arbor, Michigan

The Speaking Solution | Plainsboro, New Jersey

Youth-Led Support | Laurelton, New York

Research to Empower (ReTE) | Syosset, New York

Let's Learn Foundation | Cedar Park, Texas

Tutu & Tulle | Miami, Florida

Exceeding Passions | Brea, California

Reducing Animal Stress | Los Angeles, California

The Kennel Kindness Project | Asheville, NC

Conservation Kid Fishing Line Recycling Program | Chattanooga, Tennessee

Global Visioneers | Chula Vista, California

Project Smile AZ | Phoenix, Arizona

Our Ode To You | Phoenix, Arizona

HerGov | Phoenix, Arizona 

The Boss Ladies Podcast | San Jose, California

Rainbow Voices | Redwood City, California

Impact Finance Program | Los Angeles, California

Young Artists 4 Equity | Denver, Colorado

OutVote | Arizona/Pennsylvania

Cameras for Kindness | Miami, Florida

Do-Ology | Oviedo, Florida

Black Youth Empowerment Network | Warner Robins, Georgia

Institute for Youth in Policy Education Department | Evanston, Illinois

Project Safe and Sound | Ann Arbor, Michigan

Sangwa's technical resources | Ann Arbor, Michigan

Young People's Alliance Fellows Program | Chapel Hill, North Carolina

New Jersey GSA Coalition - Campaign 4 Gender Inclusivity | Westfield, New Jersey

Climbing for Community | Montclair, New Jersey

End Period Poverty | Saint Albans, New York

Fresh Opportunities: Students against hunger | New York City, New York

Feeding Healthy Minds | Yonkers, New York

Rasikas Rise | New York City, NY; NY State; NJ State

Don't Oppress Youth Success | Gresham, Oregon

Generation Union | Reston, Virginia

The SPRING Group | Herndon, Virginia

Replant | Redmond, Washington

The Teen Coalition 4 Climate | Seattle, Washington

*Please visit callforkindness.org for more information.

Source: Riley's Way Foundation