“A secure and resilient nation with the capabilities required across the whole community to prevent, protect against, mitigate, respond to, and recover from the threats and hazards that pose the greatest risk.”
— National Preparedness Goal, FEMA
Pathway to Preparedness
Our portfolio of programs reflects the national preparedness framework, where prevention is the mission area that enables and strengthens protection, mitigation, response, and recovery. By centering prevention, we equip the next generation to step into roles where health communication is timely, relevant, and transformative.
Our Approach
Young people are often engaged as recipients of public health messages rather than as the architects of those messages. We change that.
Through enrollment in our six-month curriculum—consisting of virtual self-paced modules, in-person peer learning sessions, and experiential, applied training with scientists, public health, and mental health professionals—our youth ambassadors gain the knowledge and skills to translate complex concepts into clear, actionable health prevention messages for their peers and broader communities. In partnership with video production experts, our youth turn essential health information into compelling stories, equipping them to counter misinformation and advance prevention, wellness, and health literacy in their own voices.
Our Programs
We Activate Youth's flagship programs create a one-of-a-kind pathway for young people to transform learning into leadership and channel their creativity into solutions with real-world, real-time impact.
Through a youth-centered pipeline, we are preparing the next generation of public health leaders to tackle emerging issues ranging from chronic and infectious disease to mental health and well-being.
NextGen Architects for Health™
The starting point in our pathway, NextGen equips youth with skills at the intersection of STEM, digital advocacy, and emerging technologies. Through a hybrid curriculum guided by scientists, video producers, and community leaders, NextGen participants explore pressing health issues and graduate ready to counter misinformation, design prevention strategies, and advance health literacy.
PULLup™
The capstone of our pathway, PULLup™ bridges the “skills gap” by combining experiential learning with professional development. Through real-world projects, mentorship, and peer collaboration, participants strengthen competencies in communication, leadership, and problem-solving — the very skills employers identify as essential for success.
PHIRE Academy™
Building on the foundation of NextGen, PHIRE Academy™ positions graduates as researchers, educators, and facilitators in real time. Alumni mentor peers, co-lead sessions, and shape program design — deepening their expertise while developing the professional skills that prepare them for future careers in health, education, and beyond.
Ctrl + Health™
Ctrl + Health is woven throughout the pathway, creating space for youth to strengthen mental well-being at every stage. Guided by mental health practitioners, clinicians, and community healers — and grounded in evidence-informed practices — the program equips youth with coping skills, self-regulation strategies, and culturally responsive approaches that sustain long-term wellness.
It's A Family Affair!
At We Activate Youth!, our programs engage youth while also bringing families into the experience.
Through intergenerational activities and shared learning opportunities, parents, mentors, and loved ones play an active role in the training and growth of our youth ambassadors. Hear from the families whose voices and experiences reflect the lasting impact of our work.
"It really kept her really engaged and really excited the whole time. We would go somewhere and she’s like, ‘Okay mom, let's hurry up. I need to get home so I can finish this!'
She was really eager and excited throughout the whole program."
"I felt like we were kind of doing [the training] together because every topic made her come back and discuss it with me.
So I definitely liked that."
