This Is What Happens When You Let Youth Lead.
KidsKonnectUkraine gives youth the platform, the tools, and the community to reach across the world and build something that matters.
OVERVIEW
KidsKonnectUkraine runs a growing portfolio of digital and in-person programs that bring youth together across borders for learning, leadership, and creative expression. Virtual entrepreneurship courses. International convenings. Hands-on storytelling workshops. Pioneering AI research. Every program shares the same DNA: youth are not waiting for the future. They are already building it.
OUR PROGRAMS
Project Oxygen (O2) Global Teen Alliance
40 teens from around the world. Six days in Rome, Italy and Vatican City. Honest conversations, real workshops, and a global alliance of leaders who believe their generation can do things differently.
Venture Camp Ukraine
A free entrepreneurship program where Ukrainian teens ages 15 to 17 build real business ideas, pitch to real judges, and compete for up to EUR100,000 in educational funding at Ukrainian Catholic University.
Entrepreneurship for Teenagers Lecture Series
Six virtual sessions teaching teens how startups work, how to build teams, and how to pitch ideas that matter. Real skills. Real action.
Creative Skills Building Workshops
Award-winning journalists teach Ukrainian and American teens to tell stories the world needs to hear, using nothing more than the smartphone in their pocket.
AI & Critical Thinking
Ukrainian teens are the first in the world to study how AI shapes the way their generation understands history. In partnership with the University of Notre Dame, students engage hands-on with tools like ChatGPT and Claude, learning to spot bias, question narratives, and think critically.
The School of the New York Times Summer Academy
An immersive introduction into the world of journalism at The School of New York Times, sponsored by KidsKonnectUkraine
STAY CONNECTED
UKnow Channel
A YouTube series where Ukrainian and American teens sit across from each other and talk about culture, community, music, and what the future looks like from where they stand. In their own words.
Student Ambassadors
Leaders who recruit peers, create content, and represent KidsKonnectUkraine at events around the world. Leadership that starts now, not someday.
Frequently asked questions
What programs does KidsKonnectUkraine currently offer?
Active programs include Project Oxygen (O2) (international youth convening in Rome), Venture Camp Ukraine (entrepreneurship with UCU), the Entrepreneurship for Teenagers Lecture Series, Mobile Journalism Workshops, the AI & Critical Thinking research study, the UKnow YouTube Channel, and the Student Ambassador program.
Are programs free for participants?
Many programs, including Venture Camp Ukraine and the Entrepreneurship Series, are free. For Project Oxygen (O2), the experience is fully funded except for travel to Rome, and travel scholarships are available.
Can youth outside of Ukraine participate?
Yes. Our programming includes both digital and in-person experiences, so youth can participate from wherever they are. We connect youth across Ukraine, the United States, and growing communities in Europe.
What ages are eligible?
Most initiatives serve youth between the ages of 13 and 18. The Entrepreneurship Series also includes first and second-year college students. Eligibility details are on each program page.
Are there volunteer opportunities?
Yes. Volunteers support workshops, mentor participants, and help deliver programming. The Student Ambassador program is also volunteer-driven. Visit the Contact page to learn more.