This is Youth250
The dynamic, nonpartisan initiative to capture young people's imaginations, ideas and input at America's 250th anniversary.
As we mark 250 years since the Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776, the largest youth generation in American history is entering adulthood – taking up the mantle of active, engaged citizenship. The founders of tomorrow are part of a global youth wave, with 40% of the world's population under age 25.
This generation will shape our future. What if we invited them to? What if young people led the U.S. 250th, not as an afterthought, but as architects, narrators and beacons of culture – telling our nation's story, guiding our institutions and writing the next chapter?
With Youth250, we're increasing youth contribution, influence and visibility – and strengthening our institutions' resilience and trust at the same time.
Our Work
↑ Youth Influence
As the U.S. turns 250, young people’s stories and perspectives add an important lens to our national story – and we need their voices to help younger generations discover this anniversary.
Youth250: Our Declaration
Join this once-in-a-generation gathering of young adults shaping America’s future at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia on February 17th, 2026.
Learn More
Youth250 Substack
Can We Talk? It’s Gen Z is a bimonthly dispatch bringing Gen Z’s vision, hopes, and tools directly to national leaders.
Subscribe
Youth Voices Campaign
From our Washington Post collection to Instagram feeds, add youth voices to your work to turbocharge your 250th plans.
Engage
↑ Youth Contribution
Young people are looking for ways to contribute to civic life. Find a role, opportunity or platform through Youth250.
Youth250 Content Corps
A volunteer network of young creators producing videos, dispatches, and stories across platforms. Teens and young adults ages 14 to 30 can join today!
Join
Youth250 Writing Club
Work with peers and a former Washington Post editor to write about America's past, present and future.
Learn More
Youth250 Open Letter
Launched in Teen Vogue with 30+ prominent co-signers, we invite individuals and organizations to sign the Youth250 Pledge.
Read
↑ Youth Strengthening Institutions
When youth have a seat at the table, organizations can make better decisions with an eye to the future. Youth250 is empowering institutions to include youth in decision-making spaces.
Gen Z Scorecard
Start here to get your Gen Z score. With over 350 entries so far, this benchmarking tool helps organizations learn how to better invest in and serve young people
Get your score
Youth250 Bureau
Access our free Gen Z Help Desk, 100 diverse young adults serving as the first-ever national youth advisory board, providing 10,000 hours of free consulting to institutions.
Access
Youth250 Toolkit + Teen Toolkit
A collection of tip sheets, templates, and guides to help institutions level up youth engagement.
Explore
Partners and Collaborators
Organizations that have signed on to Youth250 goals and commitments.
FAQ
Wait, what even is the 250th?
Why should we commemorate the 250th?
Why should young people be involved in this moment?
We haven’t thought of doing anything for America’s 250th, why should we?
I wouldn’t call myself patriotic, is this program for me?
It doesn't stop here…
All of the United States' founding documents will cross the quarter-millennium milestone in the next 15 years, as all of Gen Z and Gen Alpha step into adulthood. To inspire future generations to understand, sustain and improve American democracy, we’ll need to build the institutional muscle to connect with youth – not just for the 250th, but for the next 250.
