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Seen And Heard

Seen And Heard Seen And Heard Seen And Heard
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About the Report

As foundations committed to youth voice and leadership, the Perrin Family Foundation, Leever Foundation, and the Ritter Family Foundation shared a deep concern about the astounding absence of young people’s voices in the discussion, discourse, and decision-making happening about them during the COVID-19 Pandemic. 


So we asked them to be Seen and Heard.


More than 500 young people responded.

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Our Partners

Major Themes

Mental Health Concerns

Mental Health Concerns

Mental Health Concerns

Mental health was a frequently named concern for young people, with most young people saying that it was an issue which was not sufficiently acknowledged, understood, or addressed.  

School & Education

Mental Health Concerns

Mental Health Concerns

Youth frequently shared that their experiences with school were a source of frustration, depression, and disappointment.  

Financial Challenges

Race, Class, Inequity & Justice

Race, Class, Inequity & Justice

Many young people were candid about their personal and familial financial challenges, noting that the pandemic had exacerbated and amplified the intensity of already-existing 

pressures to make ends meet. 

Race, Class, Inequity & Justice

Race, Class, Inequity & Justice

Race, Class, Inequity & Justice

Both waves of submissions demonstrated young people’s astute insights about how unfolding events were linked to and shaped by racism and other root-cause inequities pervasive in our country’s health, education, immigration, and workforce systems.  

Now Listen, this gets real deep. when we say we can’t breathe, it’s not because of COVID-19.

Katera, 20 – New Haven

Responses from across the state

One way to make our communities more just is by starting with our schools. There should be monthly teacher meetings where not only do they discuss lesson plans, but also ways to improve racism and inequity.

Tori, 15 – Norwalk

From Ages 11-24

I now have a new outlook, and understanding of the community we are living in. Discrimination is a choice. You aren't born racist, you’re made racist.

Nicol (She/Her) 16, Waterbury

View the Art

Nicol (She/Her), 16 Waterbury
Anonymous, 14
Kadija (she/her), 17 Waterbury
Anonymous, 18
Ariane (she/her), 21, Hamden
Anonymous,15
Anonymous, 16
Keona ( She/They), 16 New Haven
Kiersten (she/Her), 17 West Haven
Anonymous,15
Josh (He/Him), 20 New Britain
Anonymous,17
Anonymous,17
Natalie (Pronouns), 16 Manchester
Amelie ( She/Her), Wethersfield
Anonymous,19
Luna (She/Her), 17 Waterbury
Horneilin (She/Her), 14 Waterbury

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