ReThink Citizens Youth Coalition Showcase: Youth Solutions for a Better Internet

​ReThink Citizens is a nonprofit dedicated to educating and empowering young people to build the internet they deserve. We know that young people are not just passive users of technology—they are designers, critics, and visionaries actively shaping its future. At this showcase, members of the ReThink Citizens Youth Coalition will present their game-changing projects and solutions that address today's pressing digital harms and challenges—from youth mental health and online safety to AI, data rights, and digital wellbeing. Together, they will demonstrate what becomes possible when young people are trusted as co-creators of the future of our digital world.

​We’re honored that Dr. Tarika Barrett, the CEO of Girls Who Code, will join us as our keynote speaker. A nationally recognized leader in technology, equity, and education, Dr. Barrett leads one of the most influential organizations working to close the gender gap in tech and prepare young people to thrive in emerging fields like AI and cybersecurity. Under her leadership, Girls Who Code has reached more than 760,000 students, launched the ambitious Five by Five initiative to reach 5 million girls, women, and nonbinary individuals by 2030, and reshaped how young people see themselves as technologists and leaders. Her work powerfully reflects the core values of the Youth Coalition: access, agency, and youth-led change.

​Through the ReThink Citizens Youth Coalition (RCYC) and its 8-week virtual "Innovator Academy," young people are given the tools, mentorship, and space to explore digital changemaking. Participants map the systems behind digital harms, learn how to move from idea to MVP, and connect with leaders across the responsible tech ecosystem — including Frances Haugen, David Ryan Polgar, and Josh Lavra and youth leaders from organizations like Design It For Us, Cyber Collective, and NoSo November.

​As the internet continues to shape democracy, wellbeing, and daily life, youth perspectives are essential. We invite educators, families, technologists, advocates, funders, organizers, and thought leaders to join us in learning from our youth leaders and exploring how we can better support youth-driven innovation in the responsible tech ecosystem.

​Event Format Highlights

• ​Youth project pitches

• ​Alumni reflections & project updates

• ​Certificate recognition ceremony

• ​Community connection & next steps