From Youth
Youth share that hearing real-life experiences can help them think differently about their choices, relationships, education, and future.
- Bullying and peer pressure
- Substance use and consequences
- Resilience and overcoming adversity
Impact & Real-Life Feedback
Impact lives beyond
the event.
The impact of GROW is found in the conversations, reflections, and connections that continue long after an event ends.
Why It Matters
Knowledge, perspective, connection, and choice.
GROW is built on the belief that meaningful learning happens when young people can hear different perspectives, ask questions, reflect on their choices, and recognize their own potential.
The feedback we receive from youth, educators, mentors, families, and community partners helps us understand what resonates and where GROW can continue to grow.
Real-Life Feedback
What we hear in the room and afterward.
From Educators & Community Partners
Educators and partners recognize the value of spaces where young people learn through honest conversation and firsthand experience.
- More meaningful youth engagement
- Educational partnership opportunities
- New pathways to reach young people
From Mentors
For mentors, participation is also an opportunity for growth, responsibility, and a meaningful chance to give back.
- Sharing lived experience
- Encouraging positive pathways
- Showing that growth is possible
A Mentor Message
Your past can be part of your story without having to determine your future.
A Continuing Project
GROW is still growing.
Each event, conversation, partnership, and piece of feedback helps us learn more about how to reach young people effectively. We are committed to listening, evaluating, and continuing to develop GROW based on the needs of the communities and youth we serve.
Real impact is not measured only by how many people attend an event. It is also found in the questions asked, the conversations started, the perspectives changed, and the choices that young people consider afterward.
“The goal is not to scare young people into changing. The goal is to give them knowledge, perspective, connection, and the opportunity to choose a different path.”