Teen HYPE

Teen HYPE is a collective of young people and caring adults committed to the mission to Celebrate Youth, Confront Barriers, Build Bridges. Since 2004, Teen HYPE has touched the lives of thousands of youths  by cultivating their innate leadership abilities and talents. The co-founders, Franky Heard Hudson and Ambra Redrick, identified an opportunity and need to center youth voice in authentic and innovative ways. Fearless in their willingness to confront difficult teen issues, like poverty, teen pregnancies, declines in mental health and lack of safe spaces; they formed an approach that remains rooted in respect, diversity, inclusiveness, excellence, safety, and creativity.

The organization serves an average of 2,000 youth annually through in-school and after-school programming. Teen HYPE’s evidence-informed model has resulted in more than 600 teens who have been trained as Peer Educators and hundreds of alumni thriving right here in our local communities and around the world. Moreover,  they help youth successfully transition into adulthood, leading them through self-discoveries that honors their experiences. Young people who participate in Teen HYPE programs result in zero teen pregnancies and a 100% graduation rate. Teen HYPE sees, respects, and uplifts young people to ensure they are ready for the world.

Program Focuses Areas:

• Youth Leadership
• Post-Secondary Education & Career Readiness
• Health & Wellness
• Life Skills & Relationship Building
• Arts Enrichment 
• Experiential learning
• Social Justice