GCYF stands for all things youth-led or youth-focused
We are a think-and- do tank.
Our mission is to
identify models that solve problems.
To disseminate them
via STREET SMART the podcast.
To synthesize leading global ideas into one source via The Brief
To connect youth searching for answers with other networks
via our Global Hub.
To train young practitioners, professionals, teachers and students, aspiring leaders and global citizens in the policy, practice and groundwork of human rights and global justice
via the GCYF Academy.
member of
*CIVICUS Global Alliance
*The School for Moral Ambition
Two big updates!
The GCYF blog will be consolidated into the GCYF podcast series
Moving forward our podcast STREET SMART will be the one-stop repository collecting ground-level strategic intelligence from the community-based operating systems and solutions that young people are building around the world.
Blogs 1-9 - our repository in written form- will be recorded in audio and added to the STREET SMART collection. For the moment, you can still access the blogs Read More...
We have a new series: The GCYF Brief
We select the leading global reports on youth-relevant topics and synthesize the key ideas in one easy-to-read brief document.
Read Brief #1 here Youth Futures, AI and Work
The GCYF ACADEMY will be launching in SEPTEMBER 2026
Are you a human rights defender, humanitarian aid worker, journalist covering political repression and conflict, election observer, or diplomatic staff?
Are you an aspiring leader and/or a global citizen with a hunger to learn more about human rights work?
Then the GCYF ACADEMY is for you!
SIGN UP for our mailing list on this home page-
course announcements are coming soon! .
IN OTHER NEWS...
GCYF advocacy has helped its international volunteer --a young human rights defender --secure a grant to support recovery after his abduction, beating and threats to safety. We are proud to stand by his courageous work.
GCYF fundraiser "REFUGEE ROOFS AND WALLS CAMPAIGN" was impactful- 6 family shelters impacted by mudslides were secured by the construction of a brick defensive wall and concrete pathway in the world's largest refugee camp, Cox's Bazar in Bangladesh.
Watch Now... STREET SMART. The GCYF Podcast on YouTube
#3. A street MBA- Doubling incomes
#4 Daring Words, Healing Words- For youth at risk
#5 How to build a food supply chain in a food desert- Gen Z solves the problem in Chicago
#6 No Mentor, No Roadmap- Finding your way, anywhere, in any circumstance
#7 How rural school kids rapidly learn STEM in Nigeria- rural girls use STEM solutions to save their communities.
We are building a global community of like-minded groups, both formal organizations and informal networks!
Enter your information and join The Hub
You can help our mission. Right here. In this moment.
We are stepping up because youth cannot wait for struggling governments, intermittent aid, and grand solutions to materialize.
Your money will be used to keep our non-profit programs running and to allow our work to continue. We value every contribution and will acknowledge each one with a letter of thanks.
Latest News
Ongoing research: At GCYF, we are putting together the first of a series on reports comparing youth in informal settlements in India who are in some form of education, employment and training (EET) and who are not in any form of education, employment and training (NEET)
Stay Connected &
Tell the world about our work!
Global Center For Youth Futures
© 2026 GCYF is a non profit 501(c)(3) organization. Gifts are deductible to the full extent allowable under IRS regulations.