World Youth Foundation Builds Youth Resilience Through OST CARES

At World Youth Foundation, we believe emotional wellness is a critical part of youth development. Through OST CARES, our team explored the importance of emotional regulation and how young people can build resilience when facing life's challenges.

During a recent session, Kaya Manns demonstrated mindfulness using a simple but powerful visual. A jar represented the mind, the water symbolized life's experiences and knowledge, and the glitter reflected our emotions. When the jar was shaken, it illustrated how adversity can stir intense feelings, often causing individuals to react before thinking clearly.

Photos: Madison and MacArthur High Schools in Houston, TX.

Youth discussed how overwhelming emotions can lead to behaviors such as crying, yelling, fighting, or acting impulsively. More importantly, they learned that emotional regulation begins with a pause. Just as the glitter eventually settles when the jar is placed down, our emotions can also calm when we allow ourselves time to breathe and reflect.

Participants also explored practical coping strategies, including deep breathing, taking a walk, journaling, listening to music, and practicing self-reflection. These tools help young people respond thoughtfully rather than react emotionally in difficult situations.

Effective communication was another key focus. Many conflicts arise from misunderstandings, and learning to calmly express feelings, ask questions, and seek clarity can prevent situations from escalating.

Photos: Madison and MacArthur High Schools in Houston, TX.

Most importantly, youth learned the value of resilience—the ability to recognize that one difficult moment does not define an entire day, season, or life. By processing emotions, learning from challenges, and moving forward with confidence, they strengthen their capacity to overcome adversity.

Through OST CARES, World Youth Foundation continues to create safe spaces where young people develop emotional intelligence, resilience, and lifelong skills that empower them to thrive.

Photos: Madison and MacArthur High Schools in Houston, TX.

How Media Is Transforming Careers: What Incoming College Students Need to Know in 2026

• A research team at University of Notre Dame examined how the media reports on teenagers' use of smartphones and social platforms.

• Their analysis revealed that young people's own voices were often missing from these conversations.

• Coverage tended to emphasize risks and challenges, while giving far less attention to the benefits and opportunities technology can provide teens.

The rapid evolution of media is transforming the workforce in ways few industries can ignore. From artificial intelligence and automation to social media and digital storytelling, media is no longer confined to newsrooms or entertainment studios—it now shapes nearly every profession. For incoming college students, understanding this shift is essential.

Traditional career paths are changing quickly. Employers increasingly value digital literacy, content creation, data analysis, and personal branding alongside technical expertise. Whether pursuing business, healthcare, education, or engineering, students will likely need to communicate effectively across digital platforms and adapt to emerging technologies.

Daniel de la Hoz/Getty Images

The rise of artificial intelligence, in particular, is reshaping job responsibilities. Routine tasks such as data entry, customer service, and basic content generation are becoming automated. At the same time, demand is growing for professionals who can think critically, solve complex problems, and apply creativity—skills machines cannot easily replicate.

Social media has also created entirely new career opportunities. Roles in digital marketing, influencer relations, content strategy, and audience development barely existed a decade ago. Companies across all sectors now rely on media-savvy professionals to engage customers, build trust, and maintain relevance in a crowded marketplace.

For college students, this means choosing a major is only part of the equation. Developing transferable skills—such as writing, public speaking, multimedia production, and analytical thinking—will be equally important. Internships, freelance work, and personal projects can provide invaluable hands-on experience in today's competitive job market.

Photo: Shutterstock

Higher education institutions are also adapting by integrating digital tools, artificial intelligence, and interdisciplinary learning into their curricula. Students who embrace innovation and remain flexible will be best positioned for long-term success.

Media's influence on the workplace will only continue to grow. For the next generation entering college, the ability to navigate this rapidly changing landscape will be a defining factor in their careers. Those who learn to leverage media effectively will not simply adapt to the future—they will help create it.

Youth Mental Health Crisis in America: National Resources and How Nonprofits Are Making a Difference

America's youth are facing an unprecedented mental health crisis. Anxiety, depression, loneliness, and stress have become increasingly common among young people, fueled by academic pressure, social media, community violence, and the lingering effects of the pandemic. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, millions of adolescents report persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness each year, highlighting an urgent need for accessible support and intervention.

Mental health challenges can affect every aspect of a young person's life, from academic performance to relationships and long-term well-being. Left unaddressed, these struggles can create barriers that follow youth into adulthood. Early intervention, however, can make a life-changing difference.

Photo: APA

National organizations are stepping up to meet this need. 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides free, confidential support 24 hours a day for anyone experiencing emotional distress. The National Alliance on Mental Illness offers education, peer support, and resources for youth and families. Similarly, The Trevor Project delivers specialized crisis services and mental health support for LGBTQ+ young people nationwide.

Nonprofit organizations play a vital role in connecting youth to these lifesaving resources. Community-based groups often serve as trusted spaces where young people can access mentorship, counseling referrals, educational programming, and supportive relationships. By partnering with schools, families, and national mental health organizations, nonprofits help reduce stigma and ensure that no young person faces their challenges alone.

America's youth are facing an unprecedented mental health crisis. Anxiety, depression, loneliness, and stress have become increasingly common among young people, fueled by academic pressure, social media, community violence, and the lingering effects of the pandemic. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, millions of adolescents report persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness each year, highlighting an urgent need for accessible support and intervention.

Mental health challenges can affect every aspect of a young person's life, from academic performance to relationships and long-term well-being. Left unaddressed, these struggles can create barriers that follow youth into adulthood. Early intervention, however, can make a life-changing difference.

National organizations are stepping up to meet this need. 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides free, confidential support 24 hours a day for anyone experiencing emotional distress. The National Alliance on Mental Illness offers education, peer support, and resources for youth and families. Similarly, The Trevor Project delivers specialized crisis services and mental health support for LGBTQ+ young people nationwide.

Nonprofit organizations play a vital role in connecting youth to these lifesaving resources. Community-based groups often serve as trusted spaces where young people can access mentorship, counseling referrals, educational programming, and supportive relationships. By partnering with schools, families, and national mental health organizations, nonprofits help reduce stigma and ensure that no young person faces their challenges alone.

Addressing youth mental health requires a collective effort. Families, educators, policymakers, and nonprofit leaders must work together to create environments where young people feel seen, heard, and supported. When communities invest in youth mental health, they invest in a healthier, stronger future for everyone.h

Addressing youth mental health requires a collective effort. Families, educators, policymakers, and nonprofit leaders must work together to create environments where young people feel seen, heard, and supported. When communities invest in youth mental health, they invest in a healthier, stronger future for everyone.

RPM Sound Art Exhibit in Austin: Jennie C. Jones Transforms the Blanton Museum of Art Experience

Starting April 22, the Blanton Museum of Art unveils RPM (revolutions per minute) by Jennie C. Jones—a unique outdoor sound installation in its Butler Sound Gallery.

Photo: Casey Dunn

Starting April 22, the Blanton Museum of Art unveils RPM (revolutions per minute) by Jennie C. Jones—a unique outdoor sound installation in its Butler Sound Gallery.

Built on looping, shifting tones, RPM creates a calm, immersive soundscape that blends with the environment, encouraging visitors to experience art through active listening.

This marks Jones’ first work in the museum’s collection and highlights the Blanton’s role as the first major museum with a permanent space dedicated entirely to sound art.

Visitors can experience RPM through winter 2027.

RPM (revolutions per minute) is the first work by Jones to enter the museum’s collection.  

“RPM expands the Blanton’s modern and contemporary collection’s engagement with abstraction, inviting visitors to stop and engage with art differently,” said Hannah Klemm, Blanton Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art. “Through active listening, sustained sound can subtly reshape one’s sense of space and awareness.”

Photo: Taylor Miller

“We are so grateful to Sarah and Ernest Butler for their generous investment to make this beautiful space on our grounds possible, as well as to establish an endowment so that we can continue to commission and acquire new works of sound art for our collection said Blanton Director Simone Wicha

She continued,” We are thrilled to bring work by the extraordinary Jennie C. Jones to the Blanton as our second Butler Sound Gallery artist and look forward to announcing the next project in this series soon, too. This is an important, dynamic part of our program that we are excited to share with our community,”

Visitors can experience RPM (revolutions per minute) through winter 2027. Learn more about the Blanton’s grounds.

This Week At World Youth: Inspiring Minds Though Connection

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And on Thursday April 23rd…

Bridging Faith, Culture, and Creativity: How The Luke Church Inspire the Next Generation of Gospel Artists1`

On Tuesday, April 14th, The Luke Church Humble hosts an intimate listening experience for its upcoming live album “Bridges” at The Hive Houston—an evening that does more than preview music; it creates a blueprint for how young people can engage with faith through creativity.

The event, guided by Executive Producers Dr. Chad Brawley and Dr. Pastor Timothy Sloan, blends worship, storytelling, and musical insight. Each track is introduced with intention, giving attendees not just a sound, but a story—something that deeply aligns with the mission of the World Youth Foundation, which focuses on empowering young people through leadership, cultural expression, and community impact.

Photo Courtesy of Jamie Teamer: Dr. Chad Brawley + Dr. Pastor Timothy Sloan

At their core, both The Luke Church and the World Youth Foundation share a commitment to:

• Youth empowerment through purpose-driven platforms

• Community building rooted in identity and culture

• Creative expression as a tool for transformation

The “Bridges” album itself reflects these shared values. Produced entirely in-house, the project showcases collaboration, mentorship, and spiritual vision—key pillars that mirror the World Youth Foundation’s emphasis on youth-led development and global engagement.

When producer Michael Dixon steps in to discuss the album’s creative process, he highlights something critical: contemporary gospel music isn’t just about performance—it’s about participation. This is where youth involvement becomes essential.

Photo Courtesy of Jaime Teamer

So how can young people get more involved in contemporary gospel music through spaces like these?

First, exposure matters. Events like this listening session create access points where youth can see the full spectrum of music creation—from songwriting to production to storytelling.

Second, mentorship is key. Just as leaders at The Luke Church guide conversations around the album, organizations like the World Youth Foundation provide structured opportunities for young people to learn directly from experienced creatives and community leaders.

Third, ownership of creativity. By producing “Bridges” in-house, The Luke Church models what it looks like for communities to control their narrative—something youth can replicate through independent music, digital platforms, and collaborative projects.

Midway through the session, Sloan transitioned out of the conversation to make room for Michael Dixon (seen above), one of the album’s key producers. Dixon provided a deeper look into the creative and production process, highlighting the intentional collaboration and spiritual vision that shaped “Bridges.”

Finally, connection fuels growth. The intimate atmosphere at The Hive Houston—complete with conversation, reflection, and fellowship—mirrors the kind of global networking spaces the World Youth Foundation encourages, where young creatives can exchange ideas and build movements.

Together, these two forces—faith-based institutions like The Luke Church and global youth organizations like the World Youth Foundation—demonstrate that contemporary gospel music is evolving. It’s no longer confined to choirs and stages; it’s becoming a dynamic, youth-driven ecosystem where spirituality, culture, and creativity intersect.

And for the next generation, the message is clear:
You don’t just listen to the music—you help build the bridge.

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National Mentoring Month Reception, Honorees

“Mentoring is the quiet force that turns potential into purpose—and presence into possibility.”

At World Youth Foundation, Inc., mentoring is at the heart of everything we do. We believe that when young people and individuals are seen, supported, and consistently guided, they begin to recognize their own power and potential. Through intentional relationships, trusted role models, and community partnerships, WYF uses mentoring as a catalyst for growth—academically, socially, and emotionally. Our mentors don’t just offer advice; they show up, listen deeply, and walk alongside students as they discover who they are and who they can become. This is how futures are shaped, confidence is built, and opportunity is intentionally created—one relationship at a time.

UNCF Study Explores Teacher and Counselor Roles in College Readiness and HBCU Awareness

School Climate Plays a Major Role in College Readiness and HBCU Awareness, UNCF Study Shows

A new study from UNCF highlights how strongly a school’s culture, counseling, and data practices influence whether students feel prepared for college—and how much they know about historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs).

The report, Breaking Barriers, Building Bridges: Examining Teacher and School Counselor Strategies for College Readiness and HBCU Exposure for Students, surveyed nearly 150 students, teachers, and school counselors across seven high schools in the Northeast, Midwest, and Western regions of the United States. Participants represented diverse racial and cultural backgrounds.

While most teachers and counselors reported that they were familiar with HBCUs, students often said otherwise. More than 60 percent of students surveyed said they were not very familiar with HBCUs or had only limited knowledge of them. In addition, more than half of students said their counselors rarely or never suggested attending an HBCU or provided resources related to HBCU enrollment. Only about one-third of students said they frequently discussed college options with school staff.

Dr. Meredith B.L. Anderson, director of K–12 research at UNCF and co-author of the study, said schools have enormous influence over students’ post-secondary paths. “The pivotal role of K-12 schools in shaping students’ college aspirations and preparedness cannot be overstated,” Anderson said. “Teachers and school counselors carry considerable influence in guiding students through the college application process.”

The study also found that teachers who regularly reviewed student performance data and supported equitable school policies were more likely to encourage students of color to pursue advanced coursework and college opportunities. However, the research also revealed instances in which bias affected how minority students were advised about their futures.

Ashlyn Thomas, UNCF’s research and engagement manager and a co-author of the report, emphasized the importance of using data intentionally. “Intentional student data review among teachers and other school staff is also a critical way to ensure students are on the path to post-secondary success,” Thomas said.

Dr. Tia Dolet, founder of Thirdspace Collective Consulting and another co-author, said the findings point toward meaningful change. “We believe the findings of this study will contribute to dismantling barriers surrounding higher education and perceptions of HBCUs and build bridges between schools, communities and HBCUs to enhance college access for all K-12 students,” she said.

The report recommends that schools expand HBCU awareness, strengthen data-driven advising, and invest in anti-bias training, while encouraging HBCUs to increase outreach and share resources with local schools.

Building Futures, One Swing at a Time: Manhattan Construction Company Champions Youth Empowerment Through Annual Golf Tournament

In a world where showing up for others defines the strength of a community, Manhattan Construction Company continues to lead by example.

This year, through its annual golf tournament, Manhattan raised vital funds to support the World Youth Foundation (WYF)—a Houston-based nonprofit celebrating 35 years of empowering youth to succeed against all odds.

Since 1990, WYF has supported more than 85,000 youth and families, helping them overcome barriers and build pathways to success. As the organization marches into the next five years—and toward a decade and beyond—its goal to reach over 100,000 youth and families is not just aspirational, but well within sight.

Texas A&M University Bright Area Redevelopment | Adam C. Sinn '00 Academic and Wellness Center and East Plaza, College Station, TX

Photo: Manhattan Construction

For more than a century, Manhattan Construction has built iconic structures across the United States, Central America, Mexico, and the Caribbean. But in Houston—where the company has been building for over 80 years—their impact goes far beyond bricks and mortar. They are building hope, investing in futures, and strengthening communities.

The proceeds from this year’s tournament directly support the World Youth Foundation’s mission to help youth not only survive but thrive. From workforce development and mental health awareness to leadership training and community engagement, WYF provides critical resources that break down barriers and uplift young lives.

United Airlines New Terminal C North at Houston Intercontinental Airport, Houston, TX

Photo: Manhattan Construction

“We believe the future success of our community is driven by the investments we make today,” said Jason Fuller, Vice President of Manhattan Construction Company. “Supporting organizations like the World Youth Foundation ensures that tomorrow’s leaders have the tools, support, and opportunities they need to build a better world.”

Golfers enjoyed a day of camaraderie and competition, knowing that every swing contributed to a cause greater than the game. The event was a powerful reminder that when businesses and nonprofits unite, communities rise.

“We are deeply grateful to Manhattan Construction Company for their generous support,” said Karen Levingston- Franklin, Chairman/CEO of World Youth Foundation. “Their investment allows us to expand our services, reach more youth, and strengthen the very fabric of our community. Together, we are building legacies of resilience, leadership, and hope.”

Manhattan Construction’s commitment to giving back exemplifies what it means to be a true ambassador of good. Their story reminds us that success is not only measured in business outcomes, but in lives touched and opportunities created.

Alief Neighborhood Center, Houston, TX

Photo: Manhattan Construction

As Margaret Mead once said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” 

Manhattan Construction and World Youth Foundation are proving that—together—we can build a future where every young person has the chance to thrive.

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