The Brooklyn Latin School

Democracy Camp — 2023 Summer Change Makers Institute

"I want to take a stance for the government officials who would want the choices that are the best for me and others like me and discuss with peers my age about their stance on democracy today."

City College Academy of the Arts

2023 Summer Change Makers Institute

"Not many countries have the freedom to put their opinion out there and I think it’s super important that I can. I will definitely vote when I’m 18 in hopes that my vote makes a difference."

Stuyvesant High School

2023-24 Change Makers Institute

"Voting makes me feel that I have can have an input into the type of representation that I want to lead the country."

The Brooklyn Latin School

Democracy Camp — 2023 Summer Change Makers Institute

"From participating in my own school's student government to campaigning for civil court judge candidates, I've learned how essential it is to make voices heard."

Queens Gateway to Health Sciences

2023 Summer Change Makers Institute — 2023-24 Change Makers Institute Peer Leader

"I am interested in being able to take a stance on specific social issues in my community, and the fact that my voice has the potential to be heard is very exciting."

The Beacon School

Democracy Camp — 2023 Summer Change Makers Institute — 2023-24 Change Makers Institute

"I want to not only learn more about how I can help others, but meet new people who share my interests such as politics and activism."

NYC iSchool

2023 Summer Change Makers Institute

"Being given the opportunity to use my voice in a way where I'm allowed to vote for people I think would be best for my community and solving the issues I care most about is something I look forward to very much."

Bronx High School of Science

Democracy Camp — 2023 Summer Change Makers Institute

"[In YVote] I will gain an even better insight into the state of democracy, the challenges that many different groups are facing currently, and what I can do to potentially alleviate these issues & challenges."

Virtual Innovators Academy

Democracy Camp — 2023 Summer Change Makers Institute — 2023-24 Change Makers Institute Peer Leader

"After I turn 18 I would definitely vote. I would like to have a say in who becomes president. I would also like someone who accommodates me and my needs."

Brooklyn Tech

2023-24 Change Makers Institute

"As a youth, it isn't easy to make an impact, but through YVote, I could help make a change."

Beacon High School

Democracy Camp — 2023 Summer Change Makers Institute — 2023-24 Change Makers Institute Peer Leader

"My peers and I can strive to open doors for New York City's underrepresented neighborhoods while also informing the next generation of the impacts they can make as a voter."

City College Academy Of The Arts

2023 Summer Change Makers Institute — 2023-24 Change Makers Institute — Next Gen Summer Civic Fellowship

"I believe with more education and awareness of just how impactful one's voice truly is, we can encourage voting within underrepresented groups, such as people of color and younger people."

Brooklyn Latin School

2023 Summer Change Makers Institute — 2023-24 Change Makers Institute

"I think it is very important to vote, because it affects you and everyone around you. I am planning on voting as soon as I get the chance."

Institute for Collaborative Education

Democracy Camp — 2023 Summer Change Makers Institute

"I've noticed a growing sentiment among young people that 'nothing I do matters and the world is ending so why waste my time voting?' Programs like this one are desperately needed to help restore young people's faith in democracy."

Brooklyn Technical High School

2023-24 Change Makers Institute — Next Gen Summer Civic Fellowship — Next Gen 2023-24 Civic Fellowship

"As a teen without much political power, activism has been the physical embodiment of my passion and drive as it can be expressed in the form of involvement with politically aware programs or general awareness on social media. I know that as an activist and changemaker, I can do more for both our youth and democracy."

High School of American Studies

2023-24 Change Makers Institute

"I've often felt the wanting to make an impact on my community but just didn't know where to start."

Murry Bergtraum High School

2023-24 Change Makers Institute

"Voting helps make the government and the people we are electing are actually representing us (the younger generation) and not just the older generation."

Millennium Brooklyn High School

2023 Summer Change Makers Institute — 2023-24 Change Makers Institute Peer Leader — Next Gen Summer Civic Fellowship — Next Gen 2023-24 Civic Fellowship

"Voting is a powerful weapon we have in possession to drive change and bring equity. Being able to expand and support that is a duty."

John Dewey High School

Democracy Camp — 2023 Summer Change Makers Institute 

"I believe that by coming together with like-minded peers, we can foster a sense of belonging and work collaboratively towards creating positive change.

High School of Hospitality Management

2023-24 Change Makers Institute

"I hope that with my vote, my voice will finally be heard after all these years of waiting and that by the time I'm able to vote, there will be candidates that is willing to challenge the current order of the government."

Bronx Science

Democracy Camp — 2023 Summer Change Makers Institute — 2023-24 Change Makers Institute Peer Leader

"I want to learn how to be engaged and make my voice heard, while also potentially serving as an advocate for those who can’t advocate for themselves."

United Nations International School

2023-24 Change Makers Institute

"Voting is an opportunity for me to act upon issues that I feel very passionate about such as unequal access to services, racism, homelessness and immigration through electing people who are as equally committed to this issue."

Harry S. Truman High School

Democracy Camp — 2023 Summer Change Makers Institute — 2023-24 Change Makers Institute Peer Leader

"It's imperative for younger people to work on making our policies and government more equitable, which entails youth leaders stepping up to learn and spread the message."

Brooklyn College Academy

Democracy Camp — 2023 Summer Change Makers Institute — 2023-24 Change Makers Institute Peer Leader — Next Gen Summer Civic Fellowship — Next Gen 2023-24 Civic Fellowship

"This program will be a great opportunity to connect with other teens who feel as passionately about the state of our country as I do and have the drive to do something about it as well."

United Nations International School

2023 Summer Change Makers Institute — 2023-24 Change Makers Institute Peer Leader

"These kind of programs can help with personal growth because it could allow me to develop a stronger sense of purpose and resilience."

Long Island City High School

Democracy Camp — 2023 Summer Change Makers Institute — 2023-24 Change Makers Institute

"Voting is very important for shaping a better society. I anticipate to vote after I turn 18 because the person that is gonna get elected will affect me as well."

The Young Women Leadership School of Queens

2023-24 Change Makers Institute

"Voting is an essential responsibility because it allows the citizens' voice to be heard since your vote can affect your future and give you good change in society."

High School for Health Professions and Human Services

Democracy Camp — 2023 Summer Change Makers Institute — 2023-24 Change Makers Institute Peer Leader — Next Gen Summer Civic Fellowship — Next Gen 2023-24 Civic Fellowship

"Voting, in my opinion, is an essential means for people to express their opinions and influence the course of their communities and nations."

Bard High School Early College Queens

2023-24 Change Makers Institute

"All roles in the government help shape the country and area we live in, so voting for a qualified and determined candidate is vital."

Clara Barton High School

2023 Summer Change Makers Institute — 2023-24 Change Makers Institute

"Everyday I think about the people in my everyday life and what can be done to uplift the state of my community and the problems that we face."

Harvest Collegiate

2023-24 Change Makers Institute

"Voting allows people to make change and elect the people they want, so it's our own way to be activists in our communities."

Staten Island Technical High School

2023-24 Change Makers Institute

"If we don't educate ourselves today, even when we get the opportunity to vote, we might still be unable to create the change we want."

Young Women’s Leadership School of Queens

2023 Summer Change Makers Institute

"I anticipate to vote when I turn 18 years old because I want my voice to be heard in politics."

Franklin Delano Roosevelt High School

2023 Summer Change Makers Institute — Next Gen Summer Civic Fellowship

"I am interested in getting more involved in my community and having a positive influence."

Stuyvesant High School

2023 Summer Change Makers Institute — 2023-24 Change Makers Institute Peer Leader

"The only way we can undo the systemic issues in our society is if we vote for lawmakers and politicians who will also fight to undo them, which is why it is not only important to vote for president, but also in district and state elections."

Bard High School Early College Queens

2023 Summer Change Makers Institute 

"I envision [voting] as a necessity to give my vote so that someone speaks on our behalf. Voting for me is the cornerstone of our democracy."

Francis Lewis High School

2023 Summer Change Makers Institute — 2023-24 Change Makers Institute

"I think that everyone should exercise their right to vote because who we vote for can decide so much, voting is very important to me."

Queens High School for the Sciences at York College

2023-24 Change Makers Institute

"I believe that selecting the right people to represent my district, state, and country will impact myself and my quality of life."

Tottenville High School

2023-24 Change Makers Institute

"Voting empowers individual in shaping the course of their society, creating a sense of civic responsibility."

Staten Island Technical High School

2023-24 Change Makers Institute

"If we want to live a specific version of the future, then it is our responsibility to take the initiatives to make positive changes through methods, such as voting, to make that version into a reality."

West Windsor Plainsboro High School South

2023-24 Change Makers Institute

"By exercising our right to vote, we can ensure that our voices are heard and that the issues we care about are taken into consideration when shaping policies and determining the direction of our country."

Union Square Academy for Health Sciences

2023 Summer Change Makers Institute — 2023-24 Change Makers Institute Peer Leader

"We're getting the opportunity to talk about immigration, mental health, etc and actually trying to make a change."

The Bronx High School of Science

2023-24 Change Makers Institute

"I want to live in a country that is successful, thriving, and equitable for all and the way to accomplish that is through civic engagement."

City College Academy of the Arts

2023 Summer Change Makers Institute — 2023-24 Change Makers Institute Peer Leader

"I believe everyone's voice matters and you should be aware of your community leaders, state leaders, and what exactly each candidate will be doing for your neighborhood."

Quran Academy For Young Scholars

Democracy Camp — 2023 Summer Change Makers Institute — 2023-24 Change Makers Institute Peer Leader

"Voting is very important so people have more of a choice to pick and choose who they want as their leader and who they think would be the best leader and be the most helpful to the country."

High School of American Studies

2023-24 Change Makers Institute

"I believe that us teenagers can make a change in the world of politics, no matter how big or small."

Queens High School for the Sciences at York College

2023 Summer Change Makers Institute

"The elected officials who are chosen based on the votes of citizens will be the ones who make decisions about issues such as healthcare, education, and social welfare programs."

Millennium Brooklyn High School

Democracy Camp — 2023 Summer Change Makers Institute 

"This program would allow me to stand on the frontline of advocacy to address, raise awareness, and prompt solutions towards my issues of interest. Holding elected officials accountable and empowering voting rights enables the activist youth like myself to spur solutions."

NYC iSchool

2023 Summer Change Makers Institute

"Even if I think the system is broken, we can not complain about the state of things if we do not take advantage of our right to vote."

Mary McDowell Friends School

2023-24 Change Makers Institute

"I’m not loud about my stance but I stand strong and try my best to educate others."

Manhattan Village Academy

Democracy Camp — 2023 Summer Change Makers Institute

"I believe voting is a crucial part of actively being part of the change you want to see in your community and making sure to register to vote is the first step."

Townsend Harris High School

2023-24 Change Makers Institute

"I want to start advocating and this program seems like a great place to help create change and move a step closer to a future where everyone can find the help they need whether it be from mental health to housing."

The Brooklyn Latin School

2023 Summer Change Makers Institute

"Being in a community filled with activists and others who want to help and create the same change as me will be a great experience and together we can all make a change."

Brooklyn Technical High School

2023-24 Change Makers Institute

"Everyone has their own freedom to make their own choices, and voting lets you do that, as it is a big part of politics and our society."

Beacon High School

Democracy Camp — 2023 Summer Change Makers Institute

"Participating in initiatives to build a trustworthy democracy offers people the chance to make a meaningful impact, address their concerns, learn and grow, collaborate with others, and exercise their democratic rights."

Stuyvesant High School

2023-24 Change Makers Institute

"I hope to use my voice to change at least change a problem in our country."

Queens High School of Sciences at York College

2023-24 Change Makers Institute

"Through this program I will be able to speak up about the problems that the younger generation, like myself, face on the daily because of the actions of adults who do not put importance in their youth's voice."

Brooklyn Latin School

2023 Summer Change Makers Institute

"If officials wont fight for the issues that many people care about then I thought it would be interesting to learn about such issues and see what I could do."

Townsend Harris High School

2023-24 Change Makers Institute

"I feel that voting is an essential right that every U.S citizen has. There shouldn't be any obstacles that people have to get through to vote."

John Dewey High School

2023 Summer Change Makers Institute — 2023-24 Change Makers Institute Peer Leader

"I will be voting as soon as I'm eligible, for if something as minimal as voting can change my entire future, it's something I can't let out of my grasp

Townsend Harris High School

Democracy Camp — 2023 Summer Change Makers Institute

"I am extremely passionate about politics, government, and social justice. I believe that civic engagement is extremely important for shaping our future for the better."

Stuyvesant High School

Democracy Camp — 2023 Summer Change Makers Institute — 2023-24 Change Makers Institute — Next Gen Summer Civic Fellowship

"This program will give me the opportunity to address societal challenges that I am passionate about, including racial injustice, immigration, poverty, mental health and even more."

Hunter College High School

2023 Summer Change Makers Institute

"While I do believe voting is incredibly important and plan to do so when I am 18, I also think that comprehensive reform cannot always be brought about solely through voting."

Medgar Evers College Preparatory School

2023 Summer Change Makers Institute — 2023-24 Change Makers Institute

"Voting in senators and local leaders that speak for and will work for the interests and needs of your community while listening to those who are a part of that community is one of the greatest freedoms and responsibilities for citizens."

NYC iSchool

2023 Summer Change Makers Institute — 2023-24 Change Makers Institute Peer Leader

"I am fascinated by how educational, economic, and social injustices correlate and the ways that Gen-Z could make a significant difference. YVote provides a stable platform for me to connect, collaborate, and amplify my voice."

Baccalaureate School for Global Education

2023 Summer Change Makers Institute — 2023-24 Change Makers Institute

"YVote provides a space for politically and socially engaged students, like myself, to interact and hold discussions on the political climate of our country and state."

Ramaz School

2023 Summer Change Makers Institute — 2023-24 Change Makers Institute

"Low voter turnout means that important issues are determined by a limited group of voters. We cannot allow that to happen."

Brooklyn Technical High School

2023 Summer Change Makers Institute

"Holding elected officials accountable is foundational to representative democracy and I want to be part of ensuring that officials address their constituents concerns to the highest degree possible."

Millennium Brooklyn High School

2023 Summer Change Makers Institute

"I hope to learn how to be more effective at creating sustainable change by holding elected officials accountable while communicating with the confidence of youth power."

Valley Stream Central High School

2023 Summer Change Makers Institute

"All power in our system stems from the vote of the people. Once faced with tyranny, Americans crafted a system of the people, for the people, and by the people."

Harry S. Truman High School

2023-24 Change Makers Institute

"It's important to learn and engage more about how the Democracy is failing and what can the young minds do in order to address the challenges facing our society."

Bronx High School of Science

2023-24 Change Makers Institute

"I want to get to know more about the process and how I can help other young people advocate for change and use their right to vote, especially in a time when trust in institutions and systems are so fragile."

NYC iSchool

2023 Summer Change Makers Institute — 2023-24 Change Makers Institute Peer Leader

"I am eager to vote and make my vote matter because not everyone has the privilege and the right to, especially the undocumented immigrant community who contribute to this society like every other individual."

Beacon High School

2023-24 Change Makers Institute

"I know a lot of young people are apathetic and feel hopeless because they aren't seeing progress. But it is important that we use our voices and vote so that we can eventually see the change we want to see."

The Beacon School

2023 Summer Change Makers Institute

"I am very excited to vote once I turn 18, in the meantime, I definitely encourage people in my community to go out and vote because it truly does make a difference in our communities!"

Cornell University

"Before YVote, I was not involved in my community locally or politically. But since then, I had canvassed for my local politician, applied my knowledge in my classes and even felt inspired to take a criminal justice class my junior year. "

Queens Gateway to Heath Sciences Secondary School

"Reflecting on my experience as a ChangeMaker from last summer, I want to become someone meaningful like my past facilitators and guide them into a sphere where they can feel comfortable enough to talk about their civic opinions and meet other young individuals who empower each other!"

The Brooklyn Latin School

"YVote has helped me understand how to work with my peers from different backgrounds. It has taught me how to challenge others' beliefs while respecting their experiences and empathizing with others’ backgrounds."

Long Island University

"I believe that empowering young people to be active and engaged citizens is critical for building a more just and equitable society, and I'm eager to contribute to this important work."

The Ohio State University

Yale University

"Being a YVoter for over three years, I can confidently say that a space like YVote is so uniquely valuable because it provides young people a platform to learn, grow, make mistakes, and connect with others."

Yale University

"Since joining YVote, I have developed my advocacy skills to articulate my passion for a variety of causes such as gentrification and educational equity. I want to be a part of a program like YVote because it gives students a platform to express their opinions and become the change they want to see in the world."

Hunter College High School

"YVote has helped me develop both as a changemaker and as a person. It has allowed me to hone my leadership and organizing skills, made me a more confident public speaker and activist, and provided me numerous opportunities to get involved and make a real difference."

Amherst College

"During my time at YVote, I have been able to analyze issues of my choosing, environmental racism, and mass incarceration, and become aware of the disparities around me. Overall, I can confidently say that YVote has been a quintessential learning experience for both my civic career and character."

Brooklyn Tech High School

"As a participant in the Change Makers Summer Institute last year, it was incredibly valuable to participate in in-depth discussion of an issue that mattered to me. This summer, I am excited to share that experience with new change makers and build on the skills that we built together last year!"