Equip Youth
For decades, isolation has been on the rise. But young people today still crave and depend on deep, meaningful relationships — just like the generations before them. The challenge? They’re up against headwinds that make connection harder:
Schools pushed to deprioritize community in favor of individual achievement.
Digital spaces designed for stoking addictive behaviors and social comparison.
The rapid rise of generative AI, offering easy substitutes for thing we used to rely on people for.
Adults in their lives experiencing their own whiplash, feeling ill-equipped to help navigate this new world.
It is complicated out there. That’s why we’re creating spaces, tools, and activities that help young people take charge. They are being deployed across schools, but also in the other places young people are building community — clubs, camps, online spaces. The goal is not only to help build healthy relationships in their lives today, but to empower this rising generation to shape a future where technology is in service of human potential and connection.
Growing agency
We believe young people should make the choices that work for them and that one-sized-fits-all solutions often come up short. Our approach grows their agency through:
Awareness: What is shaping my sense of connection — for better or worse? How is technology playing a part in that and how is this poised to shift with the rise of AI?
Intention: With increased awareness, what do I truly want right now? What is at stake and what do I have control over?
Action: What habits, practices, or commitments can I try to get there?
Community: How can engaging in this reflection alongside friends, families, and mentors support my efforts — and how I can show up for them?
Sparks 2.0 Toolkit is live
Sparks Toolkit
Developed with young people and educators, the SPARKS Toolkit offers bite-sized activities that explore how AI is shaping human connection. Methods range from card games that explore AI's impact on social ties, to role playing scenarios that help look more closely at the incentives behind tech companies' decisions.
But these aren’t just fun activities—they’re doorways to deeper conversations about how we relate to technology, each other, and ourselves.
The SPARKS are designed for 13-22 year olds, the first generation of AI natives. The supporting materials have been tailored for those who are designing and facilitating spaces for this audience. That said, we have seen just as powerful examples of using the activities amongst adults and outside of school contexts.
Equip Youth
Pilot Partners
Thank you to the partners who have helped to shape and test early iterations of our Spark Toolkit.
Da Vinci Schools
Design Tech High
DREAM
DSST
Jeffco Public Schools
KIPP New Jersey and Miami
KIPP NorCal
Live Oak Summer Camp
RevX
RISE San Diego
Summit Public Schools