In school, you typically learn about people who have helped change and shape our world when they were adults. But many young people also make large impacts on our world and accomplish amazing things before they reach adulthood. This list is just a few of the incredible kids who have made a difference in our world today.
- Jaylen Arnold
Jaylen sufferers from Tourette’s Syndrome and growing up he was often bullied and picked on because of it. He decided he wanted to stand up and help others who were bullied for their differences but didn’t have the voice or support to stop it. Jayden founded “Jayden’s Challenge Foundation” which teaches children how to recognize bullying and how to appreciate the differences in others. - Marley Dias
Marley launched the #1,000blackgirlbooks book drive in 2015 in hopes to get more books in the hands of young girls featuring Black female protagonists. She has now collected over 13,000 books. At age 16, she is now the 2021 Ambassador of National Educational Association (NEA) Read Across America as well as an author! She wrote a book titled “Marley Dias Gets It Done: And So Can You!” - Robby Novak
At 8 years old, Robby became somewhat of an internet sensation. His brother-in-law first had the idea but Robby was the star of the show. He delivered motivational speeches about being the best human you can be and was referred to as “Kid President.” His videos have been viewed millions of times and are still widely shared and viewed today. Now, at age 17, Robby does a new internet series where he goes around the United States interviewing kids who are trying to make the world a better place. - Ann Makosinski
Ann is a young inventor whose inventions have gotten national recognition. When Ann was in 9th grade, she invented a thermoelectric flashlight that is powered by the body heat in your hand. This tool would help reduce waste of single-use batteries. This invention won her the Google Science Fair Award. Ann also invented the eDrink which can take the heat from your drink and turn it into energy that can charge your phone. - Gitanjali Rao
Gitanjali wanted to tackle the huge problem of cyberbullying. Her app and Chrome extension called “Kindly” was created to help detect cyberbullying in its early stages. The app uses artificial intelligence technology that spots words and phrases that may be cyberbullying and alerts the user to rephrase their message or comment. In 2020 at age 15, Gitanjali became TIME’s first-ever Kid of the Year. - Yash Gupta
Yash has worn glasses for most of his life and when they broke one day and he could not see at school, he realized that many other kids may have the same problem. He started an organization called “Sight Learning” to help find glasses for kids and teens who need them. The Sigh Learning website says it “has now collected and distributed more than $2,000,000 worth of used eyeglasses to students around the world in Mexico, Honduras, Haiti, and India.” - Katie Stagliano
When Katie was 9, she grew a 40-pound cabbage in her backyard. She donated her cabbage to a local soup kitchen, and it was able to help feed 275 people. Katie decided she wanted to continue to help people in need by starting vegetable gardens and donating produce. She started the nonprofit called “Katies Krops” which now has over 100 gardens growing across the United States. Katie’s organization has been able to provide thousands of pounds of fresh produce to those in need. - Malala Yousafzai
Malala was born in Pakistan and attended an all-girls school in her village where her father was a teacher. But when she was just 11 years old, the Taliban took control and said that girls could no longer go to school. Malala started speaking out about this change and because of that, was shot in the head. She was able to make a full recovery and then started the “Malala Fund”, a charity that fights to give girls the safe and quality education they deserve. Malala won the Noble Peace Prize in 2014. - Easton LaChappelle
When Easton was 14 he created a working robotic hand using Legos, fishing wire, and electrical tubing. Then when he was 16, he got a 3D printer for his birthday which he used to print a robotic arm. When Easton met a girl with a prosthetic hand and realized how much they cost, he wanted to make a more affordable alternative. Now, he runs a startup 3D printing business where he makes prosthetic arms and hands that only cost $350 to produce. - Ella Tryon
In 2016, Ella had to have an extended stay in an Ohio children’s hospital. She colored to pass the time and soon found out that there were not enough crayons and coloring books for all the children and what they did have was old and worn down. With Ella’s help, almost 50,000 boxes of crayons have been donated.From entrepreneurs, to activists, and inventors, these young people have proved that when it comes to making an impact on the world, age does not matter. Making a difference is for all ages!
