• Middle School/Grades 6-8
  • High School/Grades 9-12

MapWorks Learning’s Ukraine Youth Action Network enables young Ukrainians whose lives have been disrupted by war to connect with one another and with peers in the United States to take positive action, even heroic action – that little something extra that ordinary people can do in a difficult situation to have exceptional impact. Newfound connections empower middle and high school-aged youth to design and implement projects that truly benefit war-affected Ukrainians, creating a lasting impact through empathy, understanding, and leadership. Together, participants engage in synchronous and asynchronous learning designed to foster a sense of belonging, community engagement, and personal efficacy.

Activities

Through the 14-week UYAN program, American and Ukrainian youth delve into self-discovery and community building. Weekly activities encourage sharing personal stories, exploring identities, discovering heroes, and fostering a sense of belonging to fuel their collaborative efforts.  This youth-driven initiative builds online communities between American and Ukrainian youth that channel wartime experiences into positive action for Ukranians.

Program Details

Number of Participants

200

U.S. States and Territories Reached
    • Hawaii
    • New Mexico
    • New York
    • Virginia
    • Washington
    • D.C.
Countries and Territories Reached
  • Ukraine
  • Ukrainian Refugees in Poland
  • Ukrainian Refugees in Germany
Length of Exchange

14 weeks; at least one hour per week; Spring: January-May, Fall: September-December

Mapworks Learning’s Ukraine Youth Action Network is funded by the Stevens Initiative, which is housed at the Aspen Institute and supported by the Bezos Family Foundation.