For too long, our young people have been told stories that do not reflect who they truly are.

Stories that limit.
Stories that overlook.
Stories that fail to capture their brilliance, their creativity, and their potential.

At the Malcolm Jenkins Foundation, we believe something different.

We believe that when young people are given the space to discover their voice—and the tools to use it—they don’t just grow.

They lead.

Introducing G.L.O.W. — Greatness Lives in Our Words

This year, we proudly piloted G.L.O.W. at Wissahickon Charter School, an innovative program developed by the Malcolm Jenkins Foundation in partnership with StoryCorps’ Brightness in Black initiative.

G.L.O.W. is more than a program.

It is a Narrative Innovation Studio—a space where young people explore identity, voice, and belonging through storytelling, art, and reflection.

Over eight weeks, students engaged in:

Storytelling and narrative exploration
Poetry, music, and cultural analysis
Visual art and zine creation
Honest dialogue about identity, community, and culture

And what we witnessed was powerful.

From Hesitation to Confidence

At the start, many students were quiet.
Unsure.
Still finding their voice.

But week by week, something shifted.

Students began to speak—openly, thoughtfully, and with confidence.
They began to reflect more deeply on who they are and where they come from.
They began to understand that their stories matter.

And that they have the power to tell them.

Because if they don’t tell their story… someone else will.

Storytelling as Leadership

Through G.L.O.W., students didn’t just create art.

They became conscious storytellers.

They learned how narratives shape how we see ourselves—and how the world sees us.
They learned how to challenge limiting stories and replace them with ones rooted in truth, pride, and possibility.

And in doing so, they stepped into something even greater:

Leadership.

Because leadership begins with voice.
With identity.
With the confidence to say, “This is who I am.”

A Powerful Culmination

The journey concluded with a culminating event at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, where students shared their work with families, educators, and community members.

Through storytelling, visual art, and their collective quilt, students stood in their voice—proudly, courageously, and authentically.

They were no longer just participants.

They were creators.
They were storytellers.
They were leaders.

What We Learned

The impact of G.L.O.W. was clear:

Students grew in confidence and self-expression
They developed a deeper understanding of identity and culture
They strengthened their ability to think critically about the world around them
They built a stronger sense of belonging

But perhaps most importantly—

They began to see themselves differently.

Looking Ahead: One Million Young Lives

G.L.O.W. is just the beginning.

At the Malcolm Jenkins Foundation, our vision is bold:

To impact one million youth and young adults by 2040.

And we know that we can only get there by continuing to invest in programs that center identity, creativity, and voice.

Programs that remind young people not just of who they are—

But of who they can become.

Join Us

This work is bigger than one program.
It’s bigger than one school.

It’s about building a future where every young person has the opportunity to be seen, heard, and empowered.

Where their stories are not just told—

But valued.

Because greatness already lives within them.

We just help bring it to light.

Greatness Lives in Our Words.

#GLOW #YouthVoice #NarrativeJustice #MJF15Years #Education #Leadership #CommunityImpact

G.L.O.W.: When Young People Find Their Voice, They Begin to Lead