History

In 2020, the Talloires Network of Engaged Universities in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation launched the Next Generation Leaders (NGL) program, uniting 36 students from 18 countries, including Mastercard Foundation Scholars, to develop a vision for the future of higher education. The cohort of students met regularly, conducted research, and received training and support in four civic engagement themes: Pandemic Recovery and Resilience, Innovations in Gender Equity, Structured Listening Methods, and Civic Engagement Futures. Their ideas were presented at the 2021 Talloires Network Leaders Conference, reaching over 1,400 global participants. Supported by a planning grant from the Mastercard Foundation, NGL alums co-created For Youth, By Youth, a movement empowering marginalized youth to drive transformative change.  

Vision and Purpose

For Youth, By Youth is a global, multi-year movement co-created by the Mastercard Foundation and the Talloires Network of Engaged Universities. The movement empowers marginalized youth—especially those facing barriers due to gender, disability, ethnicity, or displacement—to drive transformative change that is locally grounded and globally resonant. The movement offers mentorship, financial support, wellness resources, and training in youth-led participatory action research, ethical AI, and storytelling.

We equip young leaders with the skills, knowledge, and networks to develop innovative community solutions, shape policies, and foster transformation at individual, community, institutional, and societal levels.

We envision a future led by solution-oriented, innovative, and skilled young leaders who embrace diversity and collaborate to create a world that is more just, equitable, and sustainable.   

Our Values

Impact

We strive to create tangible change and positive impacts locally, globally, and individually.

Humility

We embrace the opportunity to learn from others, acknowledging what we do not know and remaining open to new perspectives.

Kindness

We lead with empathy, demonstrating care and compassion through our words, actions, and intentions.

Respect

We honor the humanity in every person and commit to challenging prejudice and discrimination in all forms.

Movement Structure

Year 1

Individual Transformation

In Year 1, participants

Are supported with digital access, inclusivity services, and wellness resources to foster emotional, mental, and physical well-being
Receive mentorship and coaching for leadership development, identity growth, and cross-cultural understanding
Train in storytelling, ethical AI, and youth-led participatory action research (YPAR), developing key skills that will empower them to become change-makers

Year 2

Community Transformation

In Year 2, participants

Co-identify an urgent community problem with 3 community/university collaborators
Receive $2,500 as well as coaching and mentorship to co-create an innovative solution and implement an action research project to address that problem
Advance their skills in YPAR and ethical AI

Year 3

Institutional Transformation

In Year 3, participants

Share learnings at national and global events organized by the Talloires Network, Mastercard Foundation, or other collaborators
Work to influence policies, programs, and leaders in higher education, civil society, the government, and the private sector
Receive support, coaching, and mentorship to transition to work, advanced study, and/or entrepreneurship