Riley's Way Foundation recently presented the fifth version of its Call for Kindness program, which offers young people in the United States, between the ages of 13 and 22, the possibility of accessing a dynamic leadership development scholarship and winning up to $3,000 to finance a project that strengthens their local, national or global communities.

Participants in the call will be required to submit a new or existing idea, focused on kindness, empathy, and inclusivity, which should range from pervasive social justice issues to pressing community-based needs.

Up to 36 projects will be awarded, including 10 that will be part of a separate category that focuses on environmental justice.

Dr. Christine O'Connell, Executive Director of Riley's Way Foundation, stated:

It's been incredibly inspiring to see the range of projects young people are leading in their schools and communities. Their passion, resolve, and leadership remind us that the hope for the future lies in great part with the ideas and actions of today's youth.

Five years of support

Riley's Way Foundation, founded in 2014 by Mackenzie and Ian Sandler in memory of their daughter Riley Hannah Sandler, is a national nonprofit organization that empowers young changemakers with tools to envision and build a better world.

Previous editions of Call For Kindness have addressed food insecurity, mental health and well-being in vulnerable communities, promoting educational equity initiatives and working to reduce the demographic gap in the technology industry.

Do you have an idea to make a difference in the world? Riley’s Way is calling on you to answer the #CallForKindness!

Applications are open now through April 2, 2023.

For more information, visit https://t.co/cwjopcsnUi#Fellowship #YouthLeadership #BeKind #SpreadKindness pic.twitter.com/3kytrzyqCs

— Riley's Way Foundation (@RileysWayFdn) January 18, 2023

In addition, Riley's Way will continue to support a dance and arts category, the Yuriko Kikuchi Arigato Award, honoring Yuriko, the pioneering dancer and choreographer.

"The future belongs to a new generation of leaders, who with unshakable determination and a clear sense of purpose, will blaze a trail of innovation and progress to tackle society's toughest challenges. I am honored to be a part of their journey and will tirelessly work to empower them with the tools and resources they need to make their boldest visions a reality,” highlighted Ian Sandler, co-founder and board chair of Riley's Way.