Fernandes-Alcantara (2018)1 states that for vulnerable or at-risk youth populations, detachment from school or general disconnectedness may be the single strongest indicator of whether or not they transition into a productive and successful adulthood. Without addressing the disconnectedness these youth feel at their schools and in their community, they are prone to outcomes that have negative consequences. These may include teenage parenthood, homelessness, drug abuse, incarceration, physical and sexual abuse or dropping out of school.

In order to bridge the disconnect for these youth they need to be intrinsically motivated and given the skills to engage in a personally meaningful way with others. Amabile (1996)2 suggests that intrinsic motivation built upon one’s interest and sense of ownership leads to more engagement and connection.

What we do at Million Little is to bridge the disconnect by honoring the interests and voices of our youth as a starting point of their healing, so that a sense of belonging and meaning can occur. Million Little’s program strives to bring back those who have been left behind, to enrich and empower all in ways that bring back joy to school and community through CREATIVITY.

1 Fernandes-Alcantara, A.L. (2018). Vulnerable Youth: Background and Policies. Congressional Research Service Report.

2 Amabile, T. (1996). Creativity in context: Update to “The Social Psychology of Creativity.” Boulder, CO: Westview Press.