Here are five inspiring stories of pre-teens and teens who have accomplished amazing things, showing that age is no barrier to making a difference in the world:
At just 15 years old, Gitanjali Rao was named TIME Magazine’s first-ever Kid of the Year in 2020. Gitanjali is an inventor and scientist who developed several groundbreaking technologies, including a device to detect lead in drinking water. Passionate about tackling global issues like pollution and cyberbullying, she also mentors other young innovators, encouraging them to pursue science and technology for good.
Learn More: Watch Gitanjali’s story on YouTube
Moziah Bridges, from Memphis, Tennessee, started his own bowtie business, Mo’s Bows, at just 9 years old. Tired of not finding stylish bow ties that matched his tastes, Moziah decided to create his own. His business took off, and by the age of 12, he appeared on Shark Tank, where he received investment and mentorship from Daymond John. Moziah has since expanded his business and uses his profits to help send kids to summer camp through his “Go Mo” charity.
Learn More: Visit Mo's Bows website
At age 11, Marley Dias founded the #1000BlackGirlBooks campaign, a literacy initiative aimed at collecting and donating books that feature Black girls as lead characters. Frustrated by the lack of diversity in the books she was assigned to read in school, Marley decided to do something about it. She has collected over 13,000 books to date and continues to advocate for more diversity in children’s literature. Marley also published her own book, Marley Dias Gets It Done: And So Can You!
Learn More: Watch Marley’s story on YouTube
Alexandra Scott, who was diagnosed with cancer at just 1 year old, started Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation at the age of 4 to raise money for childhood cancer research. Though Alex passed away at the age of 8, her foundation lives on and has raised over $250 million to date. Her simple idea of a lemonade stand has grown into a nationwide movement to help children battling cancer.
Learn More: Visit Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation
Jahkil Jackson, from Chicago, was just 8 years old when he founded Project I Am, an organization dedicated to helping the homeless. Jahkil assembles "Blessing Bags," which contain toiletries, food, and other essentials, and distributes them to homeless individuals in his community. To date, Jahkil has provided over 50,000 Blessing Bags to those in need. His dedication to improving his community has earned him recognition from former President Barack Obama.
Learn More: Watch Jahkil’s story on YouTube
These teens demonstrate how determination and passion can lead to incredible achievements, regardless of age. Whether they're fighting for social justice, running successful businesses, or improving their communities, they serve as proof that young people can truly make a difference.