top of page

About The
Seen & Heard Report

As foundations committed to youth voice and leadership, the Perrin Family Foundation, the Leever Foundation, the Nellie Mae Foundation and the Ritter Family Foundation shared a deep concern about the astounding absence of young people’s voices in the discussion, discourse, and decision-making happening about them during the COVID-19 Pandemic. 


So we asked them to be Seen and Heard. More than 500 young people responded.

About the
Seen & Heard Report

Screen Shot 2022-06-06 at 11.10.17 AM.png

Seen & Heard Report

RACE, COVID, AND WHAT PHILANTHROPY

CAN DO TO SUPPORT YOUTH

Major Themes

MENTAL HEALTH

CONCERNS

Mental health was a frequently named concern for young people, with most young people saying that it was an issue which was not sufficiently acknowledged, understood, or addressed. 

FINANCIAL CHALLENGES

Many young people were candid about their personal and familial financial challenges, noting that the pandemic had exacerbated and amplified the intensity of already-existing  pressures to make ends meet. 

SCHOOL & EDUCATION

Youth frequently shared that their experiences with school were a source of frustration, depression, and disappointment.  

RACE, CLASS,

INEQUITY & JUSTICE

Both waves of submissions demonstrated young people’s astute insights about how unfolding events were linked to and shaped by racism and other root-cause inequities pervasive in our country’s health, education, immigration, and workforce systems. 

Screen Shot 2022-04-21 at 8.03.32 AM.png

NOW LISTEN, THIS GETS REAL DEEP. WHEN WE SAY WE CAN'T BREATHE, IT'S NO BECAUSE OF COVID-19.

Katera, 20 - New Haven

Responses From Across The State

Responses by Race
Responses by Location

From Ages 11 - 24

5.png
3.png
4.png

Youth Speaking Their Truth

Get the latest in your inbox. Sign up to receive exclusive updates.

Thanks for subscribing!

Leever Foundation Logo
Cell Phone Icon

203-572-5975

Email Icon
Location Icon

P.O. Box 2179

Waterbury, CT 06705

  • Facebook Button
  • LinkedIn Button
  • Instagram Button

( C ) 2023 - 2024 Leever Foundation based in Waterbury, CT  |  Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions

Website Designed by CNCO

bottom of page