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About
ONCE UPON A TEEN is an international 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization, founded by three high school students in Southern California, dedicated to student-led, student-produced and student-managed programs and activities that support and enhance the physical, mental and emotional well being of disadvantaged teens in schools who are facing isolation, low self-esteem, stigma and mental health related problems. We strive to inspire teens to become involved in educating themselves, in advocating for themselves, in fighting for mental health awareness and more inclusive classrooms.
By recognizing and valuing each teen's unique experiences and definition of mental health, by treating teens as responsible individuals, by reaching out through school-based and student-led group, clubs and our inclusive online community, we aim to promote respect, dignity and recognizing that teens are not just recipients of our services, but can add value both as service users and volunteers.
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Our priority is ensuring that we put teens in the center of our work every step of the way, whether we are fighting for mental health awareness, advocating for teens to speak up for themselves, or more inclusive classrooms.
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Because we believe that teens will have to deal with the choices that the adults make today tomorrow, we must encourage them to get involved today.
At Once Upon A Teen, we're all about making your teenage years an unforgettable adventure! We are an international nonprofit charitable organization dedicated to supporting and enhancing the physical, mental and emotional well being of all teens.
"My greatest hope when founding Once Upon A Teen was that teenagers can better understand their impact on the wellbeing of themselves and their communities. At Once Upon a Teen, we strive to create a supportive environment of reflection, expression, and giving back, touching one teen's life at a time."
Co-Founder, Phoebe Xu
Our Mission
A safe space made by teens for teens, we're here to help you unleash your creativity, amplify your voice, and connect with other incredible teens. Whether you're into storytelling, diving into current events, or just want to express yourself creatively, our community is your ultimate playground. Join our phenomenal journey of self-expression, connection, and excitement!
Our Impact
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Attained official nonprofit charity organization status
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Launched 12 active chapters across 12 high schools internationally
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Shared over 200 impactful posts on Instagram
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Welcomed & engaged with a community of 500+ student members
Also, here are our founders! From left to right, meet Connor, Olivia, and Phoebe!
"I founded OUAT because it's really important for everyone to have a way to express themselves easily and share their opinions on many different topics. By doing so, we can all understand each other better and better."
Co-Founder, Connor Zhao